Mounties pick up 18-10 win at Bishop's

SHERBROOKE, Que. – Stephen Casey scored on a 1-yard plunge after the Bishop's Gaiters took the opening kickoff for 14 plays and 8:23.  That was the highlight of the day for the hosts and their 1501 fans in attendance on homecoming Saturday in Lennoxville.  The visiting Mount Allison Mounties spoiled the party and held on for an 18-10 win in AUS Football action.

After giving up a touchdown to Bishop's on their first possession, the Mounties settled in and collected the rest of the points during the 1st half. First, the Mounties drove 74 yards to set up an 18 yard field goald from freshman kicker James Parker to trim the lead to 7-3. Parker, who would hit 3 field goals on the day, now sits at 7-8 on the season.

On the next possession the Mounties defense forced Bishop's to give up a safety bringing the score to 7-5 with 6 minutes remaining in the first half.

The Mounties got the ball back after the safety and went back to work immediately, this time driving 75 yards on 11 plays before quarterback Troy Downton found senior Josh Hicks in the end zone for a 5 yard touchdown. This gave the Mounties a 12-7 lead at half time.

The Mounties extended their lead early in the 3rd quarter when Parker connected from 27 yards after the Mounties had marched down field on an 11 play 38 yard drive.

A close call midway through the third quarter seemingly gave the Gaiters life; however, after a long discussion the referees ruled a single point and not a touchdown for the home side. Gaiters punter Arnaud Dandin booted the ball into the Mounties end zone where it was bobbled out of bounds with both Bishop's and Mount Allison players in the vicinity.  A touchdown signal was given, then overturned and it was ruled to be a single point for the Gaiters.

That swayed the momentum back to Mount Allison although they were not able to put the game out of reach. Bishop's forced a safety to cut the lead to 15-10 at the 8:53 mark in the fourth stanza.  The Mounties remained poised and James Parker connected on a 41-yard field goal to extend their lead to eight.  The Gaiters ran six plays and moved the ball 39 yards in their attempt to tie as time wound down, but pivot Mathieu Demers was intercepted as time expired and the Mounties held on for an 18-10 win. 

Demers took the majority of the snaps for Bishop's.  He went 15-30 for 131 yards but threw three interceptions.  Casey's score was the Gaiters' lone major while he alternated time with Demers on the opening drive.  He finished 2-2 for 14 yards and also had three rushes for three yards and the major.

Keil Ambursley led the way for Mount Allison. He carried the ball 21 times for 121 yards.  Quarterback Troy Downton completed 19 of 27 passes for 190 yards and a major.

Players of the Game:

Subway Player of the Game, Bishop's: Louis-Philippe Gregorie

Mount Allison Player of the Game: Kiel Ambursley

Where we Stand:

The loss drops Bishop's to 0-5 on the year while Mount Allison improves to 2-3 and keeps their playoff hopes alive.

The Mounties will now enter their 2nd and final bye week of the regular season before returning to action on Saturday, October 13th when they travel to Halifax to take on the Saint Mary's Huskies.

 Source: Bishop's Sports Information