Thanks to a strong showing by several rookies, the Concordia Stingers defeated the McGill Redmen 30-16 to win their third straight Shaughnessy Cup before 3780 fans at Molson Stadium on Friday evening.
The Stingers had to overcome a slow start, but quarterback Trenton Miller picked it up in the last 30 minutes and several rookies chipped in to help.
“We started to play our game in the second half,” said head coach Mickey Donovan. “I knew we weren’t playing our game early but I knew we would step it up. As coaches it was what we expected because we didn’t play a preseason game.”
The Stingers finished the night with a total offence of 397 yards and 25 first downs. Miller completed 33 of 46 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns.
Rookie Vince Alessandrini led all receivers in the game with nine receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. He also had a TD called back on a penalty.
McGill rolled up 23 first downs and 407 yards of offence, but turned over the ball an astounding nine times.
Led by rookie linebacker Sam Brodrique, Concordia’s defence pressured the Redmen into making a lot of mistakes.
Brodrique had two interceptions for 93 yards. He also had four solo tackles, two assists, a batted ball and he recovered a fumble.
“Sam played the way we knew he could,” said Donovan. “He gives 100 per cent on every play. As a coach you want 100 guys on your team like Sam. He has put Concordia back on the map as Linebacker U.”
Cornerback William Jouan-Ladouceur, another first-year player, also had two interceptions. Michael Asibou, yet another rookie, collected a single interception bringing the Stingers’ total to five on the night.
The Shaughnessy Cup is a local rivalry matchup named after the legendary Frank Shaughnessy, a member of both the Concordia and McGill sports hall of fames. He coached at McGill and Loyola College, which later became Concordia.
In 1969, the Shaughnessy Cup was first presented for local football supremacy between McGill and Loyola College. Since 1975, the Cup has been fought for in an annual challenge match between McGill and Concordia University.
The Stingers now turn their attention to the Laval Rouge et Or who will visit Concordia Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m.
