A major challenge awaits the Carabins

The University of Montreal Carabins return to the field Friday night at CEPSUM, where they will host the Concordia Stingers in a game that promises to be pivotal for the rest of their college football season.

After a week off, Marco Iadeluca's team will, however, have to cope with several key absences, notably those of quarterback Pepe Gonzalez and wide receiver Enrique Jaimes-Leclair.

With a record of four wins and one loss, Montreal currently sits in third place in the Quebec division. Laval University's Rouge et Or lead the standings with five wins, while the McGill Redbirds also boast a 4-1 record.

The 23–17 victory over the Sherbrooke Vert & Or has taken its toll on the Carabins. The injuries to Gonzalez and Jaimes-Leclair pose a major challenge for an offense that is losing two of its most productive players. Both players lead their respective teams in yards gained at their positions.

Head coach Marco Iadeluca acknowledges that this string of injuries will test the depth of his roster. Nevertheless, he sees this situation as an opportunity for young players to demonstrate their abilities and quickly gain experience.

Esteban Bedoya Gets a Golden Opportunity

To replace Gonzalez, the Carabins will turn to Esteban Bedoya, who has already shown he can rise to the occasion under pressure. In the last game against Sherbrooke, he took over in the third quarter while Montreal was trailing by four points.

The young quarterback completed 12 of his 15 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown, directly contributing to his team's victory. His previous performances have also convinced the coaching staff to place their trust in him.

Drafted in 2024, Bedoya will make his first start in college football on Friday. His leadership and composure are particularly appreciated by his teammates and coaches.

An Important Return for the Montreal Offense

The Carabins will also be able to count on the return of Lucas Bertet-Dembele. The running back, a member of Canada's first offensive all-star team in 2024, had missed all previous games due to injury.

After Concordia, Montreal will face the Redbirds on October 24, before wrapping up its regular season against the Rouge et Or on October 31. These three games could prove crucial in the race for the top spot in the Quebec university standings.

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