By Dylan Monico – Contributor

1994 marked the last time a Gaiters football team captured a conference championship. 30 years later, history was made. On Nov. 9th, 2024, the Gaiters went on to defeat the Huskies of St. Mary’s 25-22 in triple overtime, capping off a perfect 10-0 season and taking home their first loney bowl since they joined the Atlantic conference in 2017.

The Gaiters had dominating seasons on both sides of the ball this year, finishing first in the country in offensive yards per game with 508.8 and second in points per game with 41. On the defensive side, the Gaiters also ranked first in the Nation in yards allowed per game with only 290.4 as well as second in points allowed per game with a mere 16. 

Individually, there were plenty of Gaiters that were recognized for their extraordinary efforts. 3rd-year southpaw pivot Justin Quirion (St-George’s, QC) was one of the brightest spots within the high powered offense. Quirion was the recipient of the Most Outstanding Player in the AUS, as well as being recognized as an All-Star. The Beauce Native finished the regular season with 2307 passing yards, good enough for first in the AUS and 5th across USports. He also contributed 18 passing touchdowns, which again led the AUS and was 2nd most in the country. Quirion also added 197 yards on the ground and 2 more majors. 

Continuing on the offensive side of the ball, senior receiver Oliver Burnett (Fredericton, NB) also received the All-Star nod for the second year in a row. His 453 yards ranked 2nd in the AUS and his 5 receiving touchdowns were the most in the conference. 3rd year running back O’shae Ho-Sang (Lasalle, QC) was a major part of the offense, leading the AUS in rushing touchdowns with 8, as well as being 2nd in rushing yards with 687. Ho-Sang wasn’t only deadly on the ground, his 1315 all- purpose yards was good enough for 3rd in the entire nation. Other offensive All-Stars include H-back Marco Briones (5th year, Monterrey, Mexico), OL Mitchell Martell (5th year, Kirkland, QC) and OL Philippe Letourneau (1st year, Levis, QC).

 Shifting towards the defensive side, 3rd year defensive back Alex Macdonald (Eastern Passage, NS) was named the AUS Defensive Player of the Year. His 37.5 tackles were a team high and his 5.5 sacks ranked 1st in the AUS and 4th in the Country. 5th year defensive lineman Brandon Marques was named the Lineman of the year in the AUS. His 4 sacks were second most in the AUS and he also led the conference in tackles for loss with 11. Also receiving All-Star recognition was senior linebacker Gabriel Royer (Lawrenceville, QC), whose sack total would tie Macdonald’s for most in the AUS; he also forced a fumble and intercepted a pass. 3rd year lineback Jaures Goke (Bangui, RCA), also received All-Star recognition falling just behind the rest of the previously mentioned gaiters with 3.5 sacks, earning his 4th place spot in the conference. 

The Gaiters also had another major award winner for the 2024 season. Head Coach Cherif Nicolas, in his 8th year at the helm of the program, was named the Coach of the Year in the Atlantic conference. Nicolas led the Gaiters to their first undefeated season since 1992 and their first conference championship since 1994. Nicolas, in the last 2 seasons at the top of the Gaiters program, is 17-4 and is 10-2 on Coulter Field. This time included being 3-1 in home playoff games, with the sole loss coming from the Laurier Golden Hawks in the Uteck Bowl. It is safe to say that 2024 Bishop’s Gaiters will go down in history as one of the best teams to ever play on Coulter Field.