The Concordia Stingers took another step forward in their preparation for the 2011 university football season with a 23-21 exhibition victory over the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday afternoon.
The Stingers had a 13-4 lead at halftime thanks to a touchdown strike from quarterback Terrance Morsink to slotback Kris Bastien.
Morsink, the third-year veteran, played the first 28 minutes of the game before giving rookie pivots Reid Quest and Troy McCusker some playing time.
“The young guys were getting their feet wet,” said head coach Gerry McGrath. “Reid did some good things, and it was good for Troy to get some experience.”
Rookie kicker Keegan Treloar connected on two field goals to round out the first half scoring.
In the second half, fifth-year running back Edem Nyamadi scored on a two-yard run. Treloar’s third field goal of the day rounded out the Stingers’ scoring.
A few players made an impression on the head coach.
“Receiver Jesse McPhail was very good and so were the running backs – Raul Thompson, Edem Nyamadi and Mike Donnelly,” McGrath said.
Other highlights include interceptions from a couple of rookies, linebacker Chris O’Kill McMullen and Jean-Sébastien Grad.
The young players on the offensive line also stepped up.
“The line is coming around,” said assistant offensive co-ordinator Bryan Chiu. “I think the young guys have a better understanding of the pace of the game. There’s improvement daily, but there’s still work to do.”
There were no stats kept at Alumni Stadium in Guelph, Ont., but for the Stingers the trip wasn’t about numbers.
“Travelling for an exhibition game is good for getting the feet wet, working out some kinks and team bonding,” Chiu said.
Concordia hosts the Laval Rouge et Or in the season opener next Saturday at 1 p.m. at Concordia stadium, 7200 Sherbrooke St. W.
