Leighton Geraghty – Contributor

As the AUS regular season came to an end, four teams began preparing for playoffs, including our very own Bishop’s Gaiters. The reigning AUS champions finished 5-3, placing third in the standings. Looking at the box scores from their losses, some might have doubted the team’s playoff chances. The game, however, is played on the field, not on paper. The Gaiters faced a difficult season marked by injuries, with several offensive linemen and key defensive players sidelined. Despite welcoming back some players late in the season, the Gaiters ultimately fell short in the playoffs and were eliminated from the competition.

Photo courtesy of Erin Jeffries

I was fortunate enough to be able to sit down with reigning AUS DPOY, Alex MacDonald. MacDonald said that this season was not to the standard that the team wishes to hold itself. While reflecting on the year, he said that there needed to be numerous adjustments made due to the continuous injuries happening. Although the season was not to the team’s standard, they still saw light at the end of the tunnel and were hungry heading into playoffs. MacDonald said, “There is still a chance to win it all. We will be sure to come prepared and have the best 48 players rostered for our games.” Individually, the senior DB has proven himself amongst the best in the country throughout his time in Purple and Silver. MacDonald has earned respect around the league as you may see him attract double teams on special teams or as he comes off the edge. He said, “Although teams are scheming to take me out of the game, I believe I have still showcased that I can be as effective as I was before.” He continued by adding, “I would not be able to be known around the country if it were not for my teammates. I would not be able to do what I do without them.” MacDonald is a captain of the team and can be described as bleeding purple as he puts his heart and soul on the field every time he is out there. The future is bright for MacDonald as he has declared for the CFL draft and is hopeful for an invitation to the combine whether it is a national invite or regional invite. All he wants is the opportunity to showcase his talent in hopes of reaching a childhood dream of playing pro ball. 

Bishop’s traveled down to Antigonish, NS, on Saturday, Nov. 1, in a Semi Final matchup against ST-FX. X as known through the conference is notorious for their run game. Led by one of the best backs that the conference has seen in Malcom Bussey, ST-FX sadly proved to be a little too much for the Gaiters as they just narrowly beat out Bishop’s by a score of 26-24 in a nail biter, losing to a last second field goal from ST-FX.

Despite the loss, the team has a lot to be proud of for their success and resilience throughout the season. While it may not be the outcome they hoped for, the Gaiters played an excellent year of football and continues to have the unwavering support of the school and surrounding community going forward. A big thank you to the seniors that will be graduating after this season for your passion and commitment to the sport and school over these past few years. Now it’s time to get ready and come back even stronger next year. Let’s go Gaiters!