SHERBROOKE, Que. – The second half of the AUS football season kicks off on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Lennoxville, Que.  The Bishop's Gaiters host the Mount Allison Mounties on Coulter Field as part of the annual Bishop's homecoming celebrations.
 
Where we stand
The Mounties (1-3) sit one game ahead of the Gaiters (0-4) in the standings at the midway point of the season. Mount Allison's lone win came against the Gaiters in the opening week of the season.
 
St. Mary's leads the conference with an unblemished 4-0 record. St. FX is in second at 3-1, while defending champion Acadia is 2-2.
 
Last time we met
Bishop's opened the campaign in Sackville, N.B. and the Mounties spoiled the start of the Gaiters sophomore season in the conference.  Mt. A won 36-22 on the heels of quarterback Troy Downton's 18-27 and 207 passing yards performance.  He threw a pair of touchdowns and a pick. Running back Chris Reid rushed 21 times for 109 yards.
 
It was similar numbers for Mathieu Demers (Lévis, Que./Cégep LImoilou), Bishop's pivot, in the losing cause.  He was 23-33 for 267 yards, two majors and an interception. Nathan Walker (Brampton, Ont./St. Roch C.S.S.) caught six passes for 100 yards and touchdown to lead all receivers.
 
Last time out
A week ago, Bishop's enjoyed a bye week, their first of two this season. They lost 42-2 at St.FX their last time out. 
 
Mount Allison meanwhile dropped a 35-27 contest at home, also to St.FX.
 
W2W4
Mount Allison
Receiver Malikue Richards is third in the AUS in receiving with 66.3 yards per game. His 26 receptions and 3 touchdowns are tied for most in the conference.
 
Running back Keil Ambursley has only played in two games but he has made his presence felt. He ran for 151 yards and a touchdown last week against the X-Men.
 
Defensive back Nate Rostek and linebacker Damian Halstead sit in second and third place in tackles with 30 and 28 respectively.
 
Coach Cherif Nicoals
Bye Week
"We enjoyed some well needed rest during our bye week. It allowed us to return to fundamentals and focus on recruiting."
 
Second time playing an opponent
"There is more film to study but they also have more film on us."
 
Mount Allison
"Malikue Richards is an explosive player.  He is one of the best receivers in the country. Mount A is an efficient and balanced team."
 
Homecoming
"It is always exciting to play at homecoming. We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and making new connections.  On the field, we will treat each play as if it has a life of its own. We have to stay focused and win the play."
 
Golden Group
Prior to the game Bishop's University graduating classes of 1967-68-69 will be honoured as they celebrate their 50^th reunion.
 
Watch Live
Saturday's game will be streamed online live at www.gaiters.ca/webcast and www.austv.ca.
 
Tickets
Tickets for Saturday's game are available at www.gaiters.ca/tickets.
 
Statistically Speaking
Live stats for the game are available at http://www.atlanticuniversitysport.com/sports/fball/2018-19/boxscores/20180929_w7i8.xml
 
Social Corner
Stay up-to-date with everything Bishop's Gaiters at www.gaiters.ca or on social media using @BishopsGaiters and #GaiterNation.
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