The Concordia Stingers football preseason game versus the Varsity Blues in Toronto on Sunday revealed some flaws and confirmed some strengths, but most importantly it developed character.
A young Stingers team made a late charge, erasing a nine-point deficit to tie the game 21-21.
Concordia trailed Toronto the entire game and was down 21-12 with less than three minutes to play.
When the Stingers defence pinned the Varsity Blues deep in their end, they conceded a safety making the score 21-14 with 2:29 to play.
With 1:32 left in the fourth quarter, veteran slotback Kris Bastien scored on a 50-yard play from quarterback François Dessureault. Rookie kicker Clark Green connected on the convert to tie the game.
It was Bastien’s second touchdown in the game. On the day he had seven catches for 173 yards.
“I’m really proud of you,” head coach Gerry McGrath told his team afterwards.
Overall the Stingers rolled up 17 first downs and 304 yards of offence. The defence held the Varsity Blues to 12 first downs and 283 yards of offence.
The team has Monday off before returning to training camp activities on Tuesday. Concordia opens the regular season on Saturday, Aug. 31 when the Montréal Carabins will be the visitors.
