Veteran defensive back Mikaël Charland intercepted the Bishop’s Gaiters quarterbacks three times to help lead his Concordia Stingers to a 38-18 victory in Lennoxville, Que. this afternoon.
He stole two passes from Bishop’s starting quarterback Travis Eman and one from his replacement Alex Bouffard. He returned the three picks for a total of 57 yards.
With three interceptions, the fourth-year man from Gatineau, Que. ties a Concordia record for most picks in a game. Several Stingers share the record, but the last time was done was in 1998 when Christian Côté stole three balls on Oct. 18, also from the Gaiters.
Charland was also credited with two solo tackles and a fumble recovery.
“Mike came out big for us in this game,” said Stingers head coach Mickey Donovan. “He played like he was the best player in the country today.”
Charland, who plays both safety and halfback for the Stingers, was fairly humble after the game.“I was in the right spot at the right time,” he said. “I just did what the coaches told me to do. I stayed deep, read the quarterback and made plays.”
Overall the Concordia defence played well, holding Bishop’s to 11 first downs and 213 yards of offence.On offence, the Stingers struggled early but bounced back in the second half.
Concordia rolled up 27 first downs and 367 yards of offence.A couple of players had big stats with slotback Daniel Skube catching 12 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. Rookie wide receiver Yanic Lessard hauled in six passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
Concordia’s win-loss record improves to 1-1, while Bishop’s falls to 0-2. The Stingers host the McGill Redmen in the 29th annual Shrine Bowl next Saturday. Kickoff is 2 p.m.
