Source: Marty Rourke, Bishop's Sports Info
2013 regular season record: 6-2
2013 regular season standings: 2nd in RSEQ
2013 playoff record: 0-1
2013 playoff finish: Lost 51-8 to Montreal in RSEQ
semi-final
The Bishop's Gaiters had their best showing in nearly two decades in 2013. Their six wins were the most since 1993 and they hosted their first playoff game since 1994. Quarterback Jordan Heather who set the CIS single-season passing record accumulating 3132 yards through the air was the clear-cut leader. His performance earned him the school's first ever Hec Crighton Trophy as the country's most outstanding player. He was also a first-team all-Canadian along with his favourite target Alexander Fox who also had a record setting performance. He was the only receiver in Canada to eclipse the 1000-yard mark and scored 12 touchdowns, a school record. His 25 career receiving majors is the best ever in the RSEQ.
The Gaiters accolades did not stop there. Second-year head coach Kevin Mackey became the third coach in Bishop's history to win the Frank Tindall Trophy as CIS Coach of the Year.
The Gaiters have a new look in 2014 as along with Heather and Fox, a number of others have graduated or moved on. Although many new faces, Bishop's had one of its best recruiting classes in recent years. Along with a solid group of returners, some freshmen will certainly step in and compete for playing time.
Bishop's will once again play in the powerhouse RSEQ. They have a pair of contests against Laval (defending Vanier Cup champions) and Montreal (perennially in CIS top-10). They will also play each of McGill, Concordia, Mount Allison and Sherbrooke on one occasion. After a pair of memorable victories for the purple and silver against their cross-town foe in 2013 (each by a single point), the Gaiters will close out the 2014 regular season by hosting Sherbrooke in the annual Mayor's Cup on November 1st.
Quote from head coach:
“We had a great season last year,” said Gaiters head
coach Kevin Mackey. “It was nice to see our hard work pay
off. Now looking ahead to this year our expectations can’t
change. Ultimately we want to compete for a Vanier Cup
title. We can’t become complacent and content from our
results last year. We have to want to get better each and
everyday. I have no doubt if we all work hard that we will be
able to accomplish our goals.”
Head Coach:
- Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2013): 2
- Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2013): 2
- Career regular season record with team: 6-11
- Career regular season record in CIS: 6-11
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs
only): 6-12
- Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only):
6-12
OFFENCE
Number of returning starters: 6
Key returning players:
QB Shane McDonald returns for his 5th year. After backing up
2013 Hec Crighton winner Jordan Heather, McDonald is a veteran who
has worked with offensive coordinator Bent Bailey for three
years. He is a big body at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds and will add
a different dynamic to the explosive Gaiters offense.
OL Erik Krebbs is back for his 4th year of protecting
Gaiters’ pivots. He participated in the 2014 East-West
Bowl and will be leaned on for his veteran leadership this
season.
REC Yaata Nyantakyi will catch passes for the second season for the purple and silver. He is a transfer from the University of Kansas. The small but dangerous Nyantakyi made a huge impact with 43 catches, 488 yards and a touchdown in 2013.
RB Ron Lee King-Fileen will carry the bulk of the load in 2014 in the Bishop’s backfield. He split time with Matt Burke a year ago. He rushed 39 times for 147 yards in six games last season.
REC Jerome Mercier is back after a career year in 2013. He
grabbed 27 passes for 336 yards and scored a big touchdown to help
the Gaiters win the Mayor’s Cup against their cross-town
foes.
Key recruits or transfers:
OL Matthew Ouelette-Decarlo (6-5, 290 lbs., Champlain
Cougars) will compete for playing time from the first day in
training camp
FB Jake Rose (6-3, 250 lbs., Champlain Cougars) is another player who will likely step in and contribute in his freshman year
QB Travis Eman (6-1, 220 lbs., Brampton) is a quarterback who
will be the future for the Gaiters. He will spend time
learning the offense from veteran Shane McDonald.
Key losses:
QB Jordan Heather (2013 Hec Crighton Trophy winner)
REC Alexander Fox (CIS leading receiver in 2013)
REC Stephen Adekolu (currently on the BC Lions roster)
RB Matt Burke
OL Kyle Handy
OL Tyler Harding
RB Ryon McCalla
DEFENCE
Number of returning starters: 9
Key returning players:
LB Adrian Clarke is back and will be a leader of the Gaiters
Defense. His athletic ability is unmatched. He is a
sideline-to-sideline player. In 2013 he recorded 50 tackles
including 3.5 sacks, he also had an interception.
DL Theo Thompson is fresh off competing in the 2014 East-West bowl. The Chateguay, Quebec native made 33 tackles, 1 sack and forced a fumble last year.
LB David Plourde comes back for what he hopes is a full season. He suffered a season-ending injury in the second week of the year in 2013. The Drummondville native will certainly have an impact in the Gaiters front seven in 2014.
DL Michael Bruce will look to breakout in 2014. The veteran recorded 20 tackles and 1 sack in 2013.
DB Steven Adu comes back to the Gaiters after being part of the Ottawa Redblacks training camp. He is an all-round athlete that overcomes his small stature with his desire to compete. He recorded 58 tackles in 2013 and broke up 3 passes.
DL Steven McCollum returns for his 5th and final season at Bishop’s. A captain in 2013, McCollum will lead the defense once again in 2014. He fought injuries in 2013 but was able to record 25 tackles, 4.5 for losses and 4 sacks in five games.
Key recruits or transfers:
DE Mathieu Breton (6-8, 255 lbs., John Abbott) will join the defensive line and look to step in and make an impact from day one.
DE Trey Hylton (6-2, 245 lbs., Champlain Cougars) is also a potential starter
LB David L’Heureux (6-1, 215 lbs., Cégep Limoilou)
DB Alex Moreau Lacroix (6-0, 190 lbs., John Abbott)
DT Charles Belanger (6-3, 265 lbs., Beauce)
Key losses:
DB/LB Ryland Smith (Defensive Captain)
DB O’Shane Daley (2013 BU Defensive MVP)
DL Brandith Blocker
SPECIAL
TEAMS
Key returning players:
Yaata Nyantakyi, returner, possess explosive speed that helps him overcome his smaller stature. He is a threat to return any kick to pay dirt.
Key recruits or transfers:
K Vincent Dube (6-0, 190 lbs., Cegep La Pocatiere)
Key losses:
K Matheiu Paquette