PREVIEW: Gaiters buzz into Montreal to open RSEQ season

SHERBROOKE, Que. – At 6-2 the 2013 Bishop’s University Gaiters football season was their best in two decades.  Reigning CIS Coach of the Year Kevin Mackey wants the team to build off that success as they enter the 2014 campaign.  The Gaiters travel to Montreal on Saturday, September 6 to face the Concordia Stingers at 1 p.m. The game will be live on Radio-Canada television as the Stingers enter a new regime under first-year head coach Mickey Donovan.

It’s no secret that the Gaiters lost some key components of their 2013 squad.  Hec Crighton Trophy winning quarterback Jordan Heather (Oromocto, N.B.) graduated.  He left the keys to the offence to Shane McDonald (Uxbridge, Ont.), the 6’5, 235-pound pivot.  That doesn’t faze the Gaiters coaching staff.

“In training camp last year Jordan and Shane were neck and neck when it came to picking a starter,” said Mackey.  “Jordan won out and had a great year.  This year we are confident in Shane.  He showed us what he is capable of in our scrimmage against Sherbrooke.  Our offence moved the ball really well.”

First-team all-Canadian receiver and Heather’s favourite target Alexander Fox (Montreal) also is no longer in purple nor is pass-catcher Stephen Adekolu (Brampton, Ont.) who is a member of the B.C. Lions. Look for a group of veteran receivers to step up and contribute in 2014 including Yaata Nyantakyi (Toronto), Jerome Mercier (Quebec City) and Jean-Philippe Chretien (Trois-Rivieres, Que.). Newcomer Dashaun Smellie (Mississauga, Ont.) from the Champlain Cougars will also look to have an impact in the Gaiters aerial assault.

Last year’s starting running back Matt Burke (Timberlea, N.S.) is now a member of the Ottawa Redblacks.  His shoes will be filled by fifth-year man Ronlee King-Fileen (Toronto). King-Fileen saw his fair share of action in 2013 and is capable of making a large impact in a game.

On the defensive side of the ball Bishop’s returns a number of key players.  Theodore Thompson (Chateguay, Que.) will be a key cog on the defensive line.  He participated in the 2014 East-West bowl in May. Defensive lineman and captain Steve McCollum (Brampton) is also back. The front seven are also bolstered by returning linebackers Adrian Clarke (Mississauga) and David Plourde (Drummondville, Que.), both physical, athletic players. Steven Adu (Toronto) is back after attending the Ottawa Redblacks training camp this fall.  He will lead with his intensity and athletic ability.

“Our vets know what they need to do,” Mackey continued. “We need to work hard every day, play physical each and every down and be disciplined.  I think they will lean on our success from last year and understand what work needs to be done.  The newcomers are all buying into this culture.  Our goal is simple, win a Vanier Cup.”

The Gaiters and Stingers met on two occasions last year with Bishop’s winning both times. The Gaiters cruised to a 40-18 win on Coulter Field in week four and snuck out a 44-36 victory in Montreal in week seven. Bishop’s went onto a 6-2 record, good enough for second in the conference while the Stingers ended the campaign at 0-8.

Saturday’s Gaiters-Stingers game will be nationally televised on Radio-Canada.  The 1 p.m. kickoff at Concordia Stadium will mark the official start of the RSEQ University football season. Follow along on Twitter (@BishopsGaiters) and get all of the news, information and recap at www.gaiters.ca.

(SourceL  Marty Rourke, Bishop’s Gaiters Sports Information)