ANTIGONISH, N.S. – Bishop's University Quarterback
Justin Quirion (/) went 23-39 for 273 yards, a touchdown and interception but the StFX X-Men defended their turf and earned a 22-8 win over the Gaiters to open the 2023 Atlantic University Sport football campaign on Saturday.
A weather-aided slow start left Bishop's up 1-0 after the first frame despite Bishop's grabbing the momentum that included a 9-play, 75-yard opening drive before a fumble put a stall to it. StFX responded by controlling the second stanza with the predominant wind at their back. The hosts took a 17-8 lead into halfitme.
The rain intensified in the second half and caused havoc. Just 5 points were scored after the break, all by the two-time defending AUS champion X-Men in the third quarter to make the final 22-8.
Oliver Burnett (Fredericton, NB/Fredericton HS) was Quiron's favourite target on the day. He grabbed 6 passes for 101 yards and the Gaiters lone major.
For Bishop's
Reigning AUS Defensive Player of the Year
Gabriel Royer (Lawrenceville, QC/Cégep de Sherbrooke) made his presence felt with five tackles and an interception. Yani Gouadefel also picked off X-Men quarterback Silan Fagnan.
For St FX
Fagnan finished 13-30 for 140 yards, two touchdowns and the two interceptions. Malcom Bussey added 115 yards on the ground.
Bishop's out-gained StFX 317 yards to 273 on the day but turned the ball over seven times (1 int, 3 fumbles, 3 downs).
Next Up
Bishop's (0-1) will host St. Mary's (0-0), who enjoyed the first week bye, on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 3 p.m. on Coulter Field. Tickets are available at
www.gaiters.ca/tickets.
Follow the Gaiters on Instagram @GaitersFB or @BishopsGiaters and stay up to date with everything Bishop's Gaiters at
www.gaiters.ca.
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