X-Men Football Season Recap

After a fierce home-turf battle between the Bishop’s Gaiters and  StFX X-Men Football team, Tyson Heather punched their ticket to the Loney Bowl Championship with a three-point field goal, bringing the final score to 26–24 over the Gaiters in the final minutes of the AUS semi-final. 

Heading into playoff season, the X-Men were ranked second in the AUS with a 5–3 win–loss record, gaining 187 points and allowing 109 points against. The X-Men advanced to compete for the AUS Championship title against the Saint Mary’s Huskies on Saturday, November 8th, joined by many friends and family who traveled to cheer on the white and blue despite the rainy conditions. This matchup was a rematch of their last regular-season game, where the X-Men fell 26–10 to the Huskies. 

Despite their hard-fought efforts, the X-Men suffered a tough loss in the 2025 Loney Bowl Championship, with a final score of 46–11 in favour of SMU. Saint Mary’s secured their first AUS Championship title since 2010 and went on to play in the Uteck Bowl National Semifinal, hosting the Montréal Carabins the following Saturday. Against a strong Huskies defensive attack, the X-Men earned their points through kicker Tyson Heather, with nine of their 11 points, and punter Malcolm Cameron who forced SMU to concede a safety. 

Despite the loss, the X-Men achieved numerous accomplishments throughout the 2025 season. They celebrated three AUS Defensive All-Stars: David McGill (defensive tackle), Owen Watrych (linebacker), and Naijaun David (cornerback), alongside four Offensive and Special Teams All-Stars: Devaughn Blackwood (receiver), Zachary Houde (receiver), Malcolm Bussey (running back), and Malcolm Cameron (punter). Major award winners included Owen Watrych as the AUS Outstanding Defensive Player, and Bryce Fisher as the Gino Fracas Award nominee. 

Several other significant milestones were also reached: Owen Watrych set the record for most single-season tackles in StFX history; Malcolm Bussey became the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards; and Silas Faghan is now the AUS all-time leader in career passing yards, career completions, and career passing touchdowns. Additionally, this past week, Owen Watrych was recognized as a U-Sports Second Team All-Star at the annual Vanier Cup awards gala. 

The X-Men have much to be proud of, and their eyes are set on the 2026 season.