With a year under their belts in the revitalized Richardson Stadium, 2017 may be all about redemption for the Queen’s Gaels football team.

Last season, the Gaels had a shot at the playoffs, but the spot was taken from them on the final play when Ottawa completed a fluky two-point conversion for a one-point win.

Fast forward to 2017 and the group that sees the majority of their starters returning will use the finale of 2016 as motivation heading into this season.

The main strength of the team is once again expected to be the defensive unit. Defensive coordinator Greg Marshall has developed this group into a methodical machine. Having been together in Marshall’s system since their first-year, where many players received significant playing time, their familiarity with each other will mean big trouble for opposing offences in the league. Queen’s will look to improve on last season where they ranked third in the OUA in sacks, yards allowed per game, defensive touchdowns and were fourth in interceptions.

Offensively, the tricolour has to deal with minimal losses as well, as their core offensive pieces are back for another campaign. Quarterback Nate Hobbs will be under centre for his fourth season as a Gael along with veteran Jonah Pataki in the backfield once again. The Gaels offensive line sees the return of Daniel Hayes who had a brief stint with the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks before rejoining the Gaels. Keep an eye on third-year receiver Chris Osei-Kusi as he looks to build on a strong 2016.

“We definitely want to be in the playoffs and we want to be in the hunt,” says head coach Pat Sheahan. “We’re in a tough conference and have a tough season ahead of us but we think with a little bit of growth and commitment, we should be there. If we can stay away from injuries it should be a pretty good defensive unit. We’ve played some great games and are showing signs of maturation. After a bad play if we can gather ourselves and get back to stopping the opponent then this should be a good year for the defence.

The Gaels open their season on Saturday, Aug. 26 at Richardson Stadium against the Carleton Ravens. Visit gogaelsgo.com for schedule and ticketing  information.