The No. 9-ranked Concordia Stingers kick off the 2008 football season by hosting the No. 10-ranked Bishop’s Gaiters – a team that has been gathering steam recently – on Friday at 7 p.m. at Concordia Stadium.
Both the Stingers and the Gaiters posted 5-3 win-loss records in 2007. However, Concordia finished in second place and hosted third-place Bishop’s in the Quebec conference semifinal. The Stingers advanced to the league championship with a 34-18 victory.
Concordia quarterback Liam Mahoney did most of the damage in the semifinal victory. He carried the ball 11 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Cedric Ferdinand also did his fair share, carrying 23 times for 168 yards and a major.
Bishop’s top performer was pivot Jesse Andrews who ran seven times for 90 yards. His passing numbers were 13 of 23 for 170 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions. He was also sacked four times.
On paper the teams are fairly evenly matched, but history is on Concordia’s side. Since head coach Gerry McGrath took over the program in 2000, his Stingers have rolled up a 13-1 record versus the Gaiters.
Concordia goes into Friday night’s opener with a nine-game winning streak on the line. Bishop’s last victory over the Stingers came on Oct. 27, 2000 when the Purple and White won 33-23 at the old Concordia stadium.
For the fifth time in seven years the Gaiters are the guests at Concordia’s opener. The Stingers have won all of the previous four opening day contests by a combined score of 135-36.
