Concordia Stingers head coach Mickey Donovan has mixed feelings about a hard-fought 17-11 victory over the visiting St. Francis Xavier X-Men at the Homecoming game at Concordia Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“St. FX is a big, physical team,” he said afterwards. “They did a good job against us. So I feel like we beat a good team, but I don’t feel like we played our best.”
After coming out strong early in the first quarter and scoring a quick touchdown on a 25-yard strike from quarterback Trenton Miller to slotback James Tyrrell, the Stingers’ offence was choppy.
“We move the ball well between the 30-yard lines,” Donovan said. “But we have to work on our play in the red zone. Thank goodness for the defence today, there were a few mistakes but the guys stepped up and made plays.”
Tyrrell’s touchdown proved to be Concordia’s only major score of the game. The rest of the points coming on field goals, singles and a safety.
On paper, the Stingers looked good. The offence had 22 first downs and 398 yards of offence. Miller completed 32 of 49 passes for 330 yards and a TD. Tyrrell caught seven passes for 119 yards, along with his touchdown. Rookie receiver Vince Alessandrini caught another 10 passes for 86 yards. He continues to lead the CIS with 37 receptions in four games.
Concordia’s defence held the X-Men to 11 points, 16 first downs and 271 yards of offence. Rookie cornerback Michael Asibuo had two interceptions for the Stingers. Teammate Lloyd Bureau also had a pick.
St. FX quarterback Tivon Cook completed 22 of 34 passes for 271 yards and one touchdown. His favorite target was Kaion Grant who hauled in six passes for 171 yards and a touchdown.
The Stingers’ win-loss record improves to 2-2. They will host the Bishop’s Gaiters in the annual Shrine Bowl game next Saturday, Oct. 1. Kickoff is 2 p.m.
