Sabercats clinch division title and playoff bye

The Sault Sabercats leaped into the Ontario Varsity Football League playoffs for the first time on Saturday after capping a 7-1 regular season with a victory over the Huronia Stallions.

The 48-10 win over the Stallions at Rocky DiPietro Field gives the locals a first round bye as the Adam Division West champions and a spot in the conference semi-final to be played here on Aug. 6.

Facing a depleted Huronia squad, the Sabercats broke open the game in the second quarter as a 10 yard Noah Rushon touchdown reception, an 86 yard punt return by Jon Day and a 20 yard interception return by defensive lineman Tyler King gave the Sault a 28-7 lead going into the half.

Tommy Reville opened the scoring with a 11 yard reception from quarterback John Mullin while second half majors were scored by Matt Premo on a 30 yard reception, Tysen Vanderloo on a 98 yard catch and run and a Kofi Osei 35 yard run. Kicker Dan Swystun nailed six of seven convert attempts.

Rushon continued his solid season with eight receptions for 130 yards to give him a season total of 48 receptions for 827 yards and seven touchdowns, two catches short of the league leader.

Osei led the rushing attack with 101 yards on 10 carries while Brad Radbourne added 33 yards on three rushes. Mullin completed 15 of 24 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns while Peter MacNamara was two for two for 118 yards and a touchdown in relief. Premo added four catches for 97 yards while Reville hauled in three balls for 37 yards.

Defensively, Marc Palumbo recorded seven tackles and an interception while Swystun made 5.5 tackles, Frank Weise five, Kyle Lanteigne five, King 4.5, Rob Amadio four and Vanderloo 3.5 and a sack. Craig Johnson also recovered a fumble.

The 7-1 record bested the Sabercats' previous mark of 5-3 set last season.