Impressive Gaiter squad wins two in a row for the first time this season.
The Gaiters held off a very strong, second half comeback attempt by the University of Montreal Carabins to win 21-16 at Coulter Field in front of 1,573 fans who sat through cold winds and rain. Bishop’s fans sat on the edge of their seats in the second tier, since a loss would mean that the Gaiters would not make the playoffs; a feat they failed to accomplish last year. The Purple and Silver rewarded their fans, not by controlling the game with dominant drives, but rather with big special team’s plays that caught U of M by surprise.
The first score of the game came several minutes into the first quarter as Justin Conn, Bishop’s new field goal kicker, kicked the ball into the end zone. Starting from their own 35-yard line, Montreal struggled to get a first down and were forced to punt the ball away to a determined Gaiter offense who answered with a 67 yard, scoring drive. It was highlighted by Jesse Andrews’ first touchdown pass of the afternoon, which sent Shawn Gore 14 yards before diving into the end zone. The next Gaiter possession, however, was thwarted by the Montreal defense and they were forced to punt, but it ended in the biggest offensive play of the day for Bishop’s, as the U of M returner, Anthony Couvin fumbled the 52 yard punt on his own 18 yard line and was recovered by BU’s Kareem Lawrence.
After a 12 yard completion to Duraney White to place the ball on the U of M six yard line, Andrews threw two in-completions which brought the field goal unit onto the field. To everyone’s surprise, the kick was faked and Olivier Mongeau threw the ball to the sidelines where kicker Justin Conn caught the ball and dove into the end zone for the touchdown. Bishop’s third major of the game also happened thanks to BU special teams, as Kyle Exume blocked a punt which was recovered by Gaiter Dan West on the opponent’s nine-yard line. It only took one play to convert, as Jesse Andrews threw his second touchdown pass to Duraney White on a perfectly executed slant. The first half finished with the Gaiters being up 21-3 over a Montreal team that could not catch any breaks.
During the second half, the Carabins came out strong and scored on their first drive, travelling 80 yards down field with the help of a very impressive Rotrand Sene, who carried the ball into the end zone with ease. It was a costly seven points for the Carabins, as their quarterback Marc-Olivier Brouillette was injured halfway into the drive due to a late, penalized yet crushing hit by defensive end Elie Ngoyi. The rest of the game was marked by the Gaiters’ inability to move the chains on offense and having to punt the ball away, giving Montreal the chance to make a comeback. That being said, the Carabins were unable to cash in when it really counted, as they were held to only two field goals by a very accurate Pierre-Paul Gelinas. BU’s defense stepped up their game when the offense was unable to get the first downs to kill the clock. A key interception on the six-yard line by rookie Jermaine Gabriel prevented the Carabins from taking the lead, and further prevented any points within the final nine minutes of play.
The Gaiters offense was not necessarily productive, amassing only 231 total yards compared to Montreal’s 359. Matt Burke led the Gaiters with 57 yards on 12 carries, while Jesse Andrews threw 13 completions on 21 attempts for 136 yards. Montreal had some success running the ball, as Retrand Sene led all rushers with 21 carries, 136 yards and one touchdown. They had a less effective air attack, as Marc-Olivier went 8 of 14 for 106 yards before being driven out of the stadium in an ambulance. Both backup quarterbacks made appearances; Bishop’s Jordan Heather added 20 yards on 2 completions while Alexandre Nadeau-Piuze collected 64 yards on 4 completions for Montreal.
University of Montreal Carabins (4-3) face off against the Sherbrooke Vert et Or (3-4) at home to finish the regular season. October 31st will determine whether the Gaiters or the Stingers make the playoffs, as only four can advance. Bishop’s (3-4) will host the Concordia Stingers (3-4), as both teams fight to extend the football season in a much anticipated Halloween matchup at Coulter Field that is sure to deliver. Be there at 1 pm to catch the game, or even a tad earlier to take part in some tailgating.
PHOTO CREDIT: John Maysenhoelder
