Steelers win and will host NFC semi-final (Updated)

The Sault Steelers scored a pair of victories on Saturday night.

First, the Steelers took care of an undisciplined North Bay Bulldogs team 27-13 to capture their Northern Football Conference quarterfinal playoff match up at Rocky DiPietro Field.

Secondly, thanks to a pair of upsets out of town, the Steelers have moved up to the second seed in the playoffs and won the right to host the Tri-City Outlaws next Saturday night at Rocky DiPietro Field beginning at 7 p.m.

The Outlaws upset the Oakville Longhorns 14-12 while the seventh seeded Toronto Eagles upset the second seed Oshawa Hawkeyes 21-7. Toronto will now face the Milton Marauders, who received a first round bye with an 8-0 record.

Steelers receiver Tim Higgins led the team by hauling in three touchdown passes from quarterback Travis McLean while running back Jeff Maki scored the other major.

After a good start to the game, the teams found themselves tied at 6-6 midway through the second quarter when both teams had trouble keeping their cool, especially the Bulldogs.

After Higgins hauled in his second touchdown from four yards out to end the opening half, his first set up by a Troy Boyer 44 yard punt return, Maki punched in his major from six yards out after the Bulldogs handed the Steelers a free six points. During the drive, North Bay drew five flags for 65 yards for objectionable conduct and rough play penalties.

Dwayne Lafayette brought the Bulldogs back into the game late in the third quarter with a 45 yard interception return but Higgins sealed the win with a 52 yard catch and run touchdown.

Andrew Posteraro kicked three of four convert attempts.

The Bulldogs finished the game with 195 yards in total offense but were flagged for 170 yards in penalties and gave up four sacks. Running back McKerrow Bilz was held in check with only 43 yards on 13 attempts.

McLean completed 11 of 22 passes for 151 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions for the Steelers, who also took 90 yards in penalties, with Higgins catching eight of those passes for 120 yards. Maki led the rushing attack with 46 yards on 11 carries.

Defensively, Jason Giosa turned in a solid performance by recording 10 tackles while Seth Robinson added 4.5 tackles and two sacks. Gordie Campbell had two sacks to go with 3.5 tackles while Brandon Lewis added 4.5 tackles, Robert Southwind four and Kurt Morrison recorded an interception.

The semi-final winners will meet for the NFC championship on Saturday, Aug. 20 at the home field of the highest remaining seed.