Defensive lineman Jean-Philippe Binette came up with some special team heroics to set the No. 8-ranked Concordia Stingers on course towards a 21-15 victory over the Montreal Carabins before 3,500 Homecoming fans at Concordia Stadium in Montreal on Saturday afternoon.
The second-year end from Montreal blocked a punt, landing on the ball in Montreal end zone for a touchdown just 4:37 into the game. The major along with a Rene Paredes convert gave the Stingers an early 10-0. Paredes connected for a 37-yard field goal a minute earlier.
“The early lead and Binette’s touchdown – it was a huge turning point,” said Concordia defensive co-ordinator Warren Craney after the game. “It was a definite momentum boost.”
Montreal conceded a safety, giving Concordia a 12-0 lead in the first quarter. Carabins starting quarterback Marc-Olivier Brouillette scampered 12 yards for a TD and the only points in the second quarter.
The second half was a wild ride with big hits dominating the finish. Both starting quarterbacks – Robert Mackay for Concordia and Brouillette for Montreal – were knocked out on punishing tackles.
Rookie pivot Liam Mahoney came in for the Stingers and immediately hit Cory Watson for a 13-yard TD strike. Mahoney completed three of six passes for 28 yards and the major. He also ran for 74 yards on 10 carries.
Montreal chipped away at Concordia’s 19-7 lead with a Hantz Boursiquot touchdown on an eight-yard run. A Pierre-Paul Gélinas single made the score 19-15 after three quarters.
The only scoring in the fourth quarter was a safety that gave Concordia the 21-15 win.
Concordia rolled up 301 yards of offence on the day. It broke down to 101 yards of passing and 200 yards rushing. Mahoney was the leading rusher in the game.
Montreal was held to 221 yards of offence – 192 passing and 29 on the ground.
Defensively, Stinger linebacker Cory Greenwood had an exceptional game. He had 8.5 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for losses. He was awarded the Homecoming Cup as the outstanding player in the game.
Joash Gesse, also a linebacker, was the top tackler for Montreal with eight.
The Carabins’ record falls to 1-3 and they have a date with the No. 1-ranked Rouge et Or next week. The Stingers improve to 3-1 and will travel Sherbrooke to face the Vert et Or next Saturday.
