Steelers gain season opening win

The Sault Steelers opened up the 2005 Northern Football Conference season on the right foot Saturday night in Markham with a 13-8 win.

The Steelers will make their home debut on Saturday night at Rocky DiPietro Field against perennial powerhouse Oakville Longhorns at 7 p.m. in the second half of a local doubleheader. The Sault Sabercats open the day against Lambton at 2 p.m.

Kurt Morrison's 55 yard punt return proved to be the difference while Tim Higgins opened the scoring for the Steelers with a 21 yard touchdown reception from quarterback Travis McLean. Andrew Posteraro added a convert.

Morrison and Wade Kraft recorded an interception while Brandon Lewis led the defense with five tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Jason Giosa added 4.5 tackles, Seth Robinson and Troy Boyer added 3.5 each and Rob Southwind three while Morrison also recovered a fumble.

McLean completed nine of 15 passes for 88 yards while Toby Traveson led the rushing attack with 75 yards on nine carries and Higgins caught two passes for 40 yards.

In other games around the NFC, Milton blanked Oshawa 24-0, Quinte Limestone defeated Sudbury 29-10, Oakville whipped North Bay 48-13 and the Toronto Maddogs nipped Tri-City 13-7.

*** 2005 SAULT STEELERS SCHEDULE:

June 4 - Soo 13 Oshawa 8 June 11 - vs. Oakville 7 p.m. June 18 - @ North Bay 7 p.m. June 25 - vs. Toronto 7 p.m. July 9 - vs. Quinte 7 p.m. July 16 @ Milton 3 p.m. July 23 - vs. Sudbury 7 p.m. July 30 - @ Tri-City 7 p.m. Aug. 6 - Quarterfinals Aug. 13 - Semi-finals Aug. 20 - Championship