PREVIEW: “This is a transition year…”

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QUEEN’S GOLDEN GAELS (OUA – KINGSTON, ONTARIO):

The 2014 season saw the Gaels return to the Yates Cup for the first time since their 2009 Yates and Vanier Cup winning season. They once again met the Western Mustangs in the matchup but came out on the wrong end of the 51-22 final. The 2013 version of Queen’s had a veteran filled lineup and was at or near the top of the CIS in statistical categories on both sides of the ball as a team. Offensively, the Gaels averaged the second most points scored per game and led the league in defensive scores with five.

This season, Queen’s returns top players at some impactful positions. With a strong core of players moving on, including four who are currently with CFL teams, the Gaels will look to some younger faces to fill starting roles this season. Returning for Queen’s to run the offense in his fifth season will be quarterback Billy McPhee (Burlington, Ont.). McPhee had a standout season last year and will look to finish off his career with his best season yet. Although the offense loses members on the line and at the receiver position, this will only serve as an opportunity for younger faces to shine such as John Meenagh (Calgary) and Doug Corby (Burlington, Ont.).

Despite losing the programs all-time leading rusher in Ryan Granberg, the Gaels depth at running back will make them a threat on any play thanks to the likes of Jesse Andrews (Arnprior, Ont.), Jonah Pataki (Wallaceburg, Ont.) and Aaron Dowd (Gananoque, Ont.). Rotating in different backs with different skill sets helped keep a trio of runners fresh last year late into the season and playoffs, it is once again a luxury that the Gaels are blessed with in 2014.

The return of Derek Wiggan (Toronto) gives Queen’s an All-Canadian anchor for their defensive line once again. Wiggan was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in the fourth round, 34th overall and will return to Queen’s for his final season before heading back to Calgary next year. Two emerging stars for the Gaels in the backfield will look to improve upon their standout 2013 seasons as Yann Dika-Balotoken (Toronto) and Brendan Morgan (Pickering, Ont.), who both attended the East-West Bowl this spring, are set for larger roles after the losses of All-Canadians Andrew Lue and TJ Chase-Dunawa.

Pat Sheahan

“This is a transition year at Queen’s having graduated a number of starters on offense and defense,” commented Golden Gaels Head Coach Pat Sheahan. “We have a small but talented group of seniors back with us this year led by quarterback Billy McPhee, defensive end Derek Wiggan and senior receiver Alex Carroll.”

“Although we are lacking experience at certain positions, we have recruited well over the past few years and we have some talented athletes stepping up to fill the roles vacated by a talented group of graduating seniors. We have good team speed and some good young linemen who have been working hard to be ready for this year. My plan is to be a tough team to beat by season’s end.”

OFFENSE:

RETURNING:

Quarterback Billy McPhee returns for his 5th season in the CIS. Continually improving throughout his career McPhee finished with his best season yet in 2013 ending with 17 touchdowns (6th in CIS) and only four interceptions (1st in CIS in TD/INT min. 50 passing attempts).

Running back Jesse Andrews enters 2014 as the most experienced running back for the Gaels. 67.6 yards per game (16th in CIS) despite splitting duties, led the Gaels with 8.6 yards per carry and finished with five rushing scores (7th in CIS [tie]).

Running back Jonah Pataki was named an OUA All-Rookie in his first year. Scored one touchdown as a rookie and rushed for 118 yards against Waterloo.

Wide receiver Alex Carroll is back for his 5th year as a Gael. Injuries slowed him down in 2013 but he was able to return to put up 68 yards with six receptions in a pivotal game against Guelph to close out the season.

NEW ADDITIONS:

CFC 100 quarterback Nate Hobbs from St Joan of Arc, Mississauga Warriors

Wide receiver Matteo Del Brocco from Cardinal Carter, Essex Ravens

Running back Brandon Tyrell from T.A. Blakelock

DEFENSE:

RETURNING:

Defensive tackle Derek Wiggan was an All-Canadian in 2013 and is a three time OUA All-Star. Drafted by the Calgary Stampeders this spring in the CFL draft Wiggan returns for his final season. He finished with 5.5 sacks last season (18th in CIS)

Defensive back Yann Dika-Balotoken had a breakout campaign for the Gaels in 2014 being named a first-team OUA All-Star. He led the CIS in interceptions with five and interceptions returned for touchdowns with two.

Defensive tackle Natu Myers saw his workload increase last season and is expected to be among the best on the defensive line for the Gaels in 2014. In limited action last year he had nine tackles and two for losses.

Safety Brendan Morgan settled in on the defensive side of the ball after starting out as a running back in 2013. In five games as a defensive player he put up 15 total tackles including a six tackle performance against Windsor.

NEW ADDITIONS:

Defensive end Carson O’Sullivan from St Mary’s

Defensive back Chris Mackey from Sinclair

Linebacker Nelkas Kwemo from College St Anne/Kent Hills Prep in Maine, USA.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

RETURNING:

Kicker Dillon Wamsley

Kick/Return Punt Specialist – Doug Corby

Queen's logo

QUEEN’S GOLDEN GAELS (OUA – KINGSTON, ONTARIO):

2013 RECORD: 7-1, lost in Yates Cup Championship to Western Mustangs 51-22

HEAD COACH: Pat Sheahan (15th season, 26th season as CIS Head Coach)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENSE: 4

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENSE: 6

KEY RETURNEES: Billy McPhee (quarterback), Jesse Andrews (running back), Jonah Pataki (running back), Alex Carroll (wide receiver), Derek Wiggan (defensive tackle), Yann Dika-Balotoken (defensive back), Natu Myers defensive tackle), Brendan Morgan (safety), Dillon Wamsley (kicker), Doug Corby (special teams)

KEY LOSSES: Ryan Granberg (running back), Josh Prinsen (offensive tackle), Giovanni Aprile (wide receiver/special teams), Derek Morris (offensive guard), Andrew Lue (cornerback), TJ Chase-Dunawa (defensive back), John Miniaci (defensive tackle), Sam Sabourin (linebacker)

NEW ADDITIONS: Nate Hobbs (quarterback – CFC 100), Matteo Del Brocco (wide receiver), Brandon Tyrell (running back), Carson O’Sullivan (defensive end), Chris Mackey (defensive back), Nelkas Kwemo (linebacker)

Lead Photo credit:  Jason Scource

Pat Sheahan Photo Credit:  The Journal – Queen’s University

(Source:  Shawn MacDonald, Queen’s Golden Gaels Sports Information)

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