For the second straight year, the Concordia Stingers have walked away with a victory over the Queen’s Gaels in CIS preseason action.
The Stingers defeated the Gaels 21-18 before 500 fans at Concordia Stadium in Montreal this afternoon to secure a sweep of the two-game series. A year ago the team posted a 25-18 victory in Kingston, Ont.
“I have a lot of respect for coach (Pat) Sheahan,” said Stingers head coach Mickey Donovan. “He runs a good program and I like Queen’s as an opponent to test ourselves against.”
The first half of the game was a bit tedious with a lot of rookie nerves and miscues. The only touchdown coming in the second quarter when Queen’s receiver Matt Del Brocco hauled in a 25-yard pass from quarterback Nate Hobbs. Other than that, the teams exchanged field goals and safeties.
Queen’s led 12-5 at halftime.
The Gaels never really picked up their game, but Concordia gained momentum as time went on. New quarterback Jalhani Gilbert-Knorren scored on a one-yard TD plunge in the third quarter. He orchestrated a 12-play, 75-yard drive to get there.
In the fourth quarter, rookie receiver James Ohayon scored on an eight-yard pass from Stinger pivot Trenton Miller. The latter put together a nine-play, 85-yard drive to take the Stingers to the end zone.
Overall, Concordia rolled up 17 first downs and 291 yards of offence. Queen’s had 18 first downs and 274 yards of offence.
“I’m happy with the result but not thrilled,” Donovan said. “I thought our defence played well and the offence responded when we needed them to, but started slow. We compete in the RSEQ, the toughest conference, and we have to get better. We have a lot of work to do.”
The Concordia quarterback battle between Gilbert-Knorren and Miller was fairly even with both looking solid. Gilbert-Knorren completed seven of 10 passes for 78 yards. He also carried the ball eight times for 54 yards and a major. Miller was very poised as he completed 13 of 21 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown.
Fifth-year receiver Daniel Skube was their favorite target. He caught nine passes for 107 yards. Rookies Yanic Lessard (four catches, 37 yards) and James Ohayon (four catches, 34 yards and a TD) also stood out.
Rookie running back Myles Browne made a splash. He carried the ball nine times for 34 yards and had a couple of long runs called back on penalties. Donovan acknowledges that Browne made a statement.
“He wants it and he ran hard out there today,” said Donovan of the rookie who comes out of Notre Dame High School in Calgary.
Defensively, third-year tackle Sam Narkaj led the Stingers with seven total tackles, including three sacks.
Now the Stingers turn their attention to the RSEQ conference and the home-opener versus the Sherbrooke Vert & Or on Friday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.
