(SHERBROOKE, QUE.) Stephen Casey scored on a one-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 1,501 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.
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.
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 Gaiters will travel to Halifax to take on the Saint Mary's Huskies on Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. local time.
Players of the Game:
Mount Allison Player of the Game: Kiel Ambursley
Bishop's Subway Player of the Game: Louis-Philippe Gregorie
Source: Bishop's Gaiters Sports Communications