Steelers continue perfect season

The Sault Steelers made an impressive debut in front of the local fans with a convincing 31-13 victory over the Tri-City Outlaws.

The win at Rocky DiPietro Field on Saturday night gives the Steelers a perfect 3-0 Northern Football Conference record and their best start in the modern era of the Steeler franchise.

Playing with a full and deep roster, the Steelers were able to physically wear down the expansion Tri-City team and outscore them 24-7 in the second half. Tri-City fell to 2-2 with the loss.

"Our defense was solid out there and the key to our defense is that they play tough. We talked to our offense at half time about what a lift our defense should give them and how that should elevate our game offensively which happened in the second half," said Steelers head coach Barry Rushon.

Tim Higgins scored his first of two touchdowns on a nine-yard pass from quarterback Seth Cond to put the Steelers ahead 7-6 at the half.

The Steelers opened the second half scored as Josh Gauthier scampered for a 22-yard touchdown run. The Steelers then ran an interception back 28 yards to build a 21-6 lead after three quarters.

Tri-City narrowed the score to 21-13 before the Steelers sealed the victory late in the game with Higgins catching another nine yard touchdown pass and Anthony Posteraro, who kicked four converts, booting a 31 yard field goal.

"We're just trying to climb back to being a legitimate contender in this league," said Rushon. "I don't think we're there yet but it's coming. We have good depth this year and we need to sustain the commitment from the players."

Gauthier led all Steeler rushers with 77 yards on 16 carries while full back Keegan Franklin gained 54 yards on 10 carries. Quarterback Seth Cond completed five of 10 passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns while Travis McLean completed two of nine passes for eight yards and an interception.

"It's been a long time since a team from the Sault has been 3-0 to start the season and now that we're here we have to move on from it," said Cond. "But you can't say enough about our defense. In my opinion, we have had the best defense in the league since I've been around and we have gotten even better this year. What our defense can throw at them just crushes an opponent."

The Steelers defense, which made two impressive goal line stands, was led by Gordie Campbell and James Albidone with six tackles each. Brandon Lewis made 5.5 tackles while Jamie Kennedy recorded 4.5 tackles and a sack.

Troy Boyer made two interceptions, batted down three passes and made 3.5 tackles from his defensive back position. Darren Woods recovered two fumbles and John Maione, who also recorded four tackles, one.

The Steelers will return to the road to begin a home-and-home series with the North Bay Bulldogs on Saturday. The two teams return to Rocky Dipietro Field on July 5.

*** EXTRA POINTS:

* Former Steeler/Storm standout Stu Waite was inducted into the NFC hall of fame in Sudbury on Saturday night.

* In other NFC scores on Saturday, Oakville remained unbeaten by pounding Sudbury 54-0 while North Bay improved to 4-0 with a 34-14 win in Oshawa.