Led by all-star linebacker Patrick Donovan and a stingy defence, the Concordia Stingers rolled over the Montreal Carabins 23-3 in the Quebec University Football League semifinals at Concordia Stadium in Montreal on Saturday afternoon.
The Stingers defence forced five turnovers, which set up two Concordia field goals, and shutdown Montreal with an impressive goal line stand early in the second quarter. The momentum stayed with the Stingers the rest of the way.
Donovan led the Concordia defence with six solo tackles and one assist. Defensive end William Miller also had a big performance with five tackles, including two sacks, and a forced fumble.
Quarterback Scott Syvret led the Stingers' offence with a steady, mistake-free game. He completed 9 of 18 passes for 143 yards, including a 72-yard touchdown strike to Marc Champagnie in the fourth quarter. Syvret also scored a touchdown on a six-yard run in the third quarter.
Rounding out the scoring, all-star kicker Warren Kean connected on three field goals (32, 17 and 22 yards) – two in the first quarter which gave Concordia a 6-0 lead at the half – and one in the fourth quarter.
Montreal rolled up of 328 yards of offence, which centred mostly on Joseph Mroue's running game. He carried the ball 18 times for 150 yards. The Carabins offence came in spurts and never resulted in any sustained drives.
Marc Brouilette played the whole game at quarterback for Montreal. He completed 13 of 24 passes for 175 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.
Concordia will travel to Laval to face the Rouge et Or in the Dunsmore Cup next Saturday at noon. The last time the Stingers played in the Quebec championship game was in 2003 and also at Laval.
