Essex leaves Sabercats licking their wounds

After a pair of victories on the road to open the Ontario Varsity Football League season, the Sault Sabercats saw their home opener spoiled by the Essex Ravens on Sunday.

Dominating the Sabercats on both sides of the ball, the Ravens cruised to a 39-2 win at Rocky DiPietro Field to improve to 4-0 on the season while the Sabercats fall to 2-1.

The Sabercats must regroup quickly as another divisional game with serious early season playoff implications is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in London against the Falcons, who are 3-0 on the year and coached and operated by Sault native Mike Esposito.

The Ravens, who built up an 18-0 lead by the half, received touchdowns from Eric Wilson, on a 28 yard interception return, Derek Easter, on an 81 yard reception from Kyle Quinlan, Matt Hutchinson on a 90 yard kickoff return, Kenny Sawyer on a 13 yard run and Jesse Gross on a 26 yard scamper. Joe Collela booted five converts, a field goal and a single.

Frank Weise recorded the only two points for the Sabercats after a conceded safety.

The Ravens held the Sabercats to only 80 yards total offense and picked off Sault passers four times.

Jeff Greco rushed for 24 yards on six carries while the quarterbacks struggled against a tough defense as Peter MacNamara threw three interceptions and Anthony Amadio completed four of 17 passes.

Defensively, Jordan Verdone recorded 9.5 tackles and a sack, Weise made six tackles and blocked a kick while Zach Clement picked up five tackles and half a sack.

GAME PHOTOS WILL BE ADDED.