Gauthier returns in Steelers win

Josh Gauthier made his return to the Northern Football Conference with the Sault Steelers on Saturday and his impact was immediate.

The veteran back joined the Steelers late in the third quarter of their game Saturday night against the Tri-City Outlaws and got his first action of the season to start the fourth quarter.

His first four touches of the ball resulted in a first down and touchdown to give the Steelers a 15-13 lead early in the frame as the Steelers beat the Outlaws 23-20.

Gauthier finished the day with 109 yards rushing on nine carries, which included his 14-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

Matt Buchan ran the ball in from two yard out with 1:16 left in the game to give the Steelers the win.

Receiver Chris Solomon finished the day with three catches for 42 yards and a touchdown for the Steelers.

Quarterback Frank Weise completed eight of 18 passes for 84 yards and threw for a touchdown and an interception in the game.

Defensively, Matt Gauthier had eight tackles and a fumble recovery for the Steelers

Josh Reason led the Outlaws offensively with 100 yards rushing on 18 carries, which included a 16-yard touchdown run. He also caught a four-yard touchdown pass.

Aron Froese also caught a touchdown pass for Tri-City. Kris Kusch had seven tackles defensively for the Outlaws.

The Outlaws roster features a trio of Sault connections in Jesse Hill, Anthony Posteraro and Aaron Bertolo. All three are former Steelers.

The Steelers are back in action on July 4 when they host the Ottawa Invaders in a 7 p.m. start at Rocky DiPietro Field. The Steelers then wrap up their home schedule on July 11 against the Montreal Transit before wrapping up the regular season on July 18 on the road against the Sudbury Spartans.

In other NFC action on Saturday, the G.T.A. All-Stars beat the Hamilton Steel City Patriots 78-8, the Montreal Transit blanked the Toronto Raiders 44-0, the Ottawa Invaders beat the Sarnia Imperials 21-3 and the Sudbury Spartans beat the Oakville Longhorns 28-24.

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NFC STANDINGS

West Division

1. Sarnia Imperials: 3-1
2. Hamilton Steel City Patriots: 2-2
3. Sudbury Spartans: 2-2
4. Sault Steelers: 1-3
5. Tri-City Outlaws: 1-3

East Division

1. G.T.A. All-Stars: 4-0
2. Montreal Transit: 3-1
3. Ottawa Invaders: 3-1
4. Toronto Raiders: 1-3
5. Oakville Longhorns: 0-3