PREVIEW: “We can’t become complacent and content from our results last year”

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BISHOP’S GAITERS (RSEQ – SHERBROOKE, QUEBEC):

The Bishop’s Gaiters had their best showing in nearly two decades in 2013. Their six wins were the most since 1993 and they hosted their first playoff game since 1994.

Quarterback Jordan Heather who set the CIS single-season passing record accumulating 3132 yards through the air was the clear-cut leader. His performance earned him the school’s first ever Hec Crighton Trophy as the country’s most outstanding player.  He was also a first-team all-Canadian along with his favourite target Alexander Fox who also had a record setting performance.  He was the only receiver in Canada to eclipse the 1000-yard mark and scored 12 touchdowns, a school record.  His 25 career receiving majors is the best ever in the RSEQ.

The Gaiters accolades did not stop there.  Second-year head coach Kevin Mackey became the third coach in Bishop’s history to win the Frank Tindall Trophy as CIS Coach of the Year.

“We had a great season last year,” said Gaiters Head Coach Kevin Mackey. “It was nice to see our hard work pay off.”

“Now looking ahead to this year our expectations can’t change.  Ultimately we want to compete for a Vanier Cup title.  We can’t become complacent and content from our results last year. We have to want to get better each and everyday.  I have no doubt if we all work hard that we will be able to accomplish our goals.”

The Gaiters have a new look in 2014 as along with Heather and Fox, a number of others have graduated or moved on.  Although many new faces, Bishop’s had one of its best recruiting classes in recent years. Along with a solid group of returners, some freshmen will certainly step in and compete for playing time.

OFFENCE:

RETURNING:

QB Shane McDonald returns for his 5th year. After backing up 2013 Hec Crighton winner Jordan Heather, McDonald is a veteran who has worked with offensive coordinator Bent Bailey for three years.  He is a big body at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds and will add a different dynamic to the explosive Gaiters offense.

OL Erik Krebbs is back for his 4^th year of protecting Gaiters’ pivots.  He participated in the 2014 East-West Bowl and will be leaned on for his veteran leadership this season.

REC Yaata Nyantakyi will catch passes for the second season for the purple and silver.  He is a transfer from the University of Kansas.  The small but dangerous Nyantakyi made a huge impact with 43 catches, 488 yards and a touchdown in 2013.

RB Ron Lee King-Fileen will carry the bulk of the load in 2014 in the Bishop’s backfield.  He split time with Matt Burke a year ago.  He rushed 39 times for 147 yards in six games last season.

REC Jerome Mercier is back after a career year in 2013.  He grabbed 27 passes for 336 yards and scored a big touchdown to help the Gaiters win the Mayor’s Cup against their cross-town foes.

NEW ADDITIONS:

OL Matthew Ouelette-Decarlo (6-5, 290 lbs., Champlain Cougars) will compete for playing time from the first day in training camp

FB Jake Rose (6-3, 250 lbs., Champlain Cougars) is another player who will likely step in and contribute in his freshman year

QB Travis Eman (6-1, 220 lbs., Brampton) is a quarterback who will be the future for the Gaiters.  He will spend time learning the offense from veteran Shane McDonald.

DEFENSE:

RETURNING:

LB Adrian Clarke is back and will be a leader of the Gaiters Defense.  His athletic ability is unmatched. He is a sideline-to-sideline player. In 2013 he recorded 50 tackles including 3.5 sacks, he also had an interception.

DL Theo Thompson is fresh off competing in the 2014 East-West bowl.  The Chateguay, Quebec native made 33 tackles, 1 sack and forced a fumble last year.

LB David Plourde comes back for what he hopes is a full season.  He suffered a season-ending injury in the second week of the year in 2013.  The Drummondville native will certainly have an impact in the Gaiters front seven in 2014.

DL Michael Bruce will look to breakout in 2014.  The veteran recorded 20 tackles and 1 sack in 2013.

DB Steven Adu comes back to the Gaiters after being part of the Ottawa Redblacks training camp.  He is an all-round athlete that overcomes his small stature with his desire to compete. He recorded 58 tackles in 2013 and broke up 3 passes.

DL Steven McCollum returns for his 5^th and final season at Bishop’s. A captain in 2013, McCollum will lead the defense once again in 2014.  He fought injuries in 2013 but was able to record 25 tackles, 4.5 for losses and 4 sacks in five games.

NEW ADDITIONS:

DE Mathieu Breton (6-8, 255 lbs., John Abbott) will join the defensive line and look to step in and make an impact from day one.

DE Trey Hylton (6-2, 245 lbs., Champlain Cougars) is also a potential starter

SPECIAL TEAMS:

RETURNING: 

Yaata Nyantakyi, returner, possess explosive speed that helps him overcome his smaller stature.  He is a threat to return any kick to pay dirt.

BISHOP’S GAITERS (RSEQ – SHERBROOKE, QUEBEC):

2013 RECORD: 6-2 (second in RSEQ), lost in RSEQ semifinals to Montreal Carabins 51-8

HEAD COACH: Kevin Mackey (third season)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENSE: 6

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENSE:9

KEY RETURNEES: Shane MacDonald (quarterback), Eric Krebbs (offensive line), Yaata Nyantakyi (receiver), Ron Lee King-Fileen (running back), Jerome Mercier (receiver), Adrian Clarke (linebacker), Theo Thompson (defensive line), David Plourde (linebacker), Michael Bruce (defensive line), Steven Adu (defensive back), Steven McCollum (defensive line)

KEY LOSSES: Jordan Heather (quarterback), Alexander Fox (receiver), Matt Burke (running back), Kyle Handy (offensive line), Tyler Harding (offensive line), Ryon McCalla (running back), Ryland Smith (defensive back/linebacker), O’Shane Daley (defensive back), Brandith Walker (defensive line), Mathieu Paquette (kicker)

NEW ADDITIONS: Matthew Ouelette-Decarlo (offensive line), Jake Rose (fullback), Travis Eman (quarterback), Mathieu Breton (defensive end), Trey Hylton (defensive end), David L’Heureux (linebacker), Alex Moreau Lacroix (defensive back), Charles Belanger (defensive tackle), VIncent Dube (kicker)

(Source:  Marty Rourke, Bishop’s Gaiters Sports Information)