It was a perfect day for football and the Stingers took advantage of the wind early on jumping out to an 11-0 lead. The Gaiters would get on the board when Matt Burke (Timberlea, NS) scampered seven yards for a major at 11:49 of the first quarter. Concordia would answer back as Raul Thompson (Mississauga, ON) scored on a 13 yard run making the score 18-7 as the teams switched ends.
Bishop’s would take advantage early on in the second frame. Ronlee King-Fileen (Oshawa, ON) caught a two yard pass from backup quarterback Shane McDonald (Uxbridge, ON) who was in for the short yardage play. Following a rouge and two safeties the Gaiters held a slim 19-18 halftime lead.
The Gaiters had the wind at their backs to start the third quarter and would take advantage after an early rouge. Bishop’s got the ball back and David Haddrall (Kingston, ON) caught a six yard touchdown pass from Jordan Heather (Oromocto, NB). Haddrall would boom the ensuing kickoff into the end zone for another rouge and a Gaiters 28-18 lead as the teams entered the final frame.
Bishop’s carried the momentum and McDonald scored on a naked bootleg on third and goal to give the hosts a 35-18 advantage with 13:40 to go. The Stingers would answer back shortly after as Thompson ran 52 yards to pay dirt and cut the Gaiters lead to 10 points. A Keegan Treloar (Brandon, MB) 42 yard field goal with 4:54 remaining gave Concordia hope. The purple and white stood strong and showed resilience as they forced a Concordia turnover on downs despite taking a roughing penalty that earlier extended their drive. With the game all but in hand Bishop’s once again leaned on Burke who finished the day with 239 yards rushing and a touchdown. The Gaiters moved into position to allow Haddrall to kick a 30 yard field goal that gave them an eight point advantage. The margin was important as the Stingers won the season opener by a six point margin. Bishop’s would hold on in the final 14 seconds and give Mackey his first win at the helm.
“Guys played hard, we believed we could beat them and we did,” said coach Mackey. “We are moving on and thinking of the next game already.”
“Burke ran hard, but credit must be given to the offensive line. They had some big holes and he was running down hill. I’m super happy for the o-line and super happy for Burke.”
The Gaiters will be back in action to close out a two game home stand next weekend against the McGill Redmen. The homecoming kickoff is at 1 p.m. Get all your Gaiter sports information at www.gaiters.ca.
Game notes: Burke rushed the ball 30 times for 239 yards…Haddrall scored eight straight points for the Gaiters in the third quarter as he caught a touchdown, kicked the convert then boomed the ensuing kickoff into the end zone for a rouge…The Gaiters as a team have amassed 503 rushing yards and run 164 offensive plays in two games against the Stingers this year.
Source: Bishop’s Sports Info
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