Third-year running back Cedric Ferdinand rushed for 168 yards and one touchdown as the hometown Concordia Stingers easily defeated the Bishop’s Gaiters 34-18 in Quebec University Football League semifinal action on Saturday.
All the pre-game hype focused on Bishop’s all-star running back Jamall Lee, but it Ferdinand who stole the show. The Ottawa native carried the ball 23 times and found the end zone on a one-yard scamper for Concordia’s first major of the day.
Lee, who led the CIS in rushing with 1464 yards in the regular season, was held to 28 yards on 11 carries.
Concordia rookie quarterback Liam Mahoney chipped in with 11 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns. He also completed 12 of 17 passes for 101 yards and a 26-yard touchdown strike to Nick Scissons.
In all, the Stingers marched for 26 first downs and 394 yards of offence. Bishop’s had a total offence of 269 yards and nine first downs. Quarterback Jesse Andrews did most of the damage with 90 yards rushing on seven carries. He also completed 13 of 23 passes for 170 yards, but he threw four interceptions.
Bishop’s only touchdown came on a 10-yard fumble return by Shane Francis to open the scoring at 9:32 of the first quarter.
The Stingers advance to the Dunsmore Cup final versus the No. 1-ranked Laval Rouge et Or next Saturday in Ste. Foy, Que.
