A late touchdown was ultimately the difference as the Sault Sabercats junior varsity team dropped a 26-23 Ontario Football Conference decision on Sunday.
Leading late in the game, the Sabercats surrendered a touchdown in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter to drop their season opener to the Sarnia Sturgeon.
The Sabercats held a 17-7 lead at halftime before the Sturgeon battled back to tie the game at 17 in the third quarter.
The two teams proceeded to trade touchdowns late in the contest as Sarnia improved to 1-1 while the Sabercats fall to 0-1.
The varsity Sabercats, who opened the season with a victory last weekend after a forfeit by the Brampton Bulldogs, had a bye week and will return to action next weekend.
Both Sabercats teams will be at home against the Waterloo Predators. Kickoff for the JV game is set for 1 p.m. with the varsity game to follow at 4 p.m. Both games are at Superior Heights.
In Northern Football Conference action on Saturday evening, the Sault Steelers dropped a 24-12 decision on the road to the Toronto Raiders.
The team will take an 0-2 record on the road next weekend against the North Bay Bulldogs.
Next home action for the Steelers is on June 16 when the team hosts the Sudbury Spartans at Rocky DiPietro Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.