Sabercats earn third straight win (Updated)

The Sault Sabercats are showing the ability to make the big plays late in the game.

Thanks again to some late game heroics, the Sabercats claimed their third consecutive Ontario Varsity Football League regular season win with an entertaining 35-28 decision over the Halton Invictas at Rocky DiPietro Field on Saturday night.

The victory improves the Sabercats record to 3-2 and moves the club even further into the thick of the Adam Division playoff race with three games remaining in the regular season. The top four clubs in the nine-team division will advance into post season play.

The Sabercats, in their third year of existence, are chasing their first OVFL playoff spot.

On Saturday, Noah Rushon made a leaping catch deep in the corner of the end zone in tight coverage with 1:01 left in the fourth quarter to break a 28-28 tie and secure the victory for the Sabercats.

Rushon's game winning touchdown was setup earlier the quarter as Jon Day hauled in an 18 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Maunu to tie the game at 28-28.

"Our guys did a great job of keeping their mouths shut and playing football," said Sabercats head coach Ross Viotto. "I think Ryan is on the same page as the receivers and we are understanding the offense better."

In the opening half, Halton took early control and built a 14-0 lead on touchdowns by Todd Arruda on a four yard run and Kevin Leroux on a 29 yard reception from Leroy Williams.

The Sabercats deficit came after the club lost defensive star and punter Matt Gauthier five minutes into the game with a serious leg injury. Gauthier has his leg put in a splint and was carried off the field before heading to hospital for further examination.

Gauthier had been coming off a spectacular performance against Cambridge last week and was named the OVFL defensive player of the week. Against the Lions, Gauthier recorded 10 tackles, a sack and an interception.

Rushon scored his first of two touchdowns with 4:07 remaining in the first half on a 30 yard pass from Maunu to put the locals on the scoreboard.

The following possession, Matt Premo caught a seven yard pass from Maunu to tie the score at 14-14.

On the next series, Nick McLeod scored on an 80 yard catch and run to put the visitors ahead 20-14 at the break.

In the third quarter, Kayvon Fatemizadeh put the Sabercats ahead 21-20 on a four yard touchdown run.

Halton then exploited the Sabercats secondary for another lengthy touchdown early in the fourth quarter as Daniel Rodriquez took a Williams pass 78 yards to put the Invictas ahead 28-21 and set the stage for the Sabercats victory rally.

Dan Swystun converted all five Sabercats touchdowns.

Maunu, who took several big hits in the game from the Halton defenders, completed 16 of 30 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns while adding 51 yards rushing on eight carries.

"We've given Ryan some reign with the offense," said Viotto. "If he feels a play will work then go for it. He has a real good grasp of the offense and has taken advantage of it with his feet and his arm."

Rushon led the receiving corps with five catches for 91 yards, Premo caught five balls for 87 yards and Day recorded 50 yards on two receptions. Fatemizadeh led the Sabercats rushing attack with 66 yards on 21 carries.

"We need to work on our running game and the blocking because we need to be able to run. It sets up our play action which we were successful with in the first half," said Viotto.

Defensively, Kevin Nanne stepped up his game with the absence of fellow linebacker Gauthier and recorded 10.5 tackles. Kurt Morrison added five tackles and Swystun 4.5.

Defensive back Joey Thorburn continued his opportunistic play in the secondary and recorded two interceptions, including a return of 35 yards.

The Sabercats will now take their three game winning streak into a two week layoff.

After enjoying their league bye next weekend, The Cats will get another break as the OVFL will shut down on the July 10th weekend to allow the league's top players to compete with Team Ontario.

With the two week layoff, Viotto has elected to give his troops this coming week off from football and will return to practise July 6.

"This break is good for us right now because we need a rest," said Viotto. "We have a lot of kids who are banged up right now and we are going to give them a week off and get ready for Guelph the following week."

The Sabercats return to action July 17 on the road in Guelph. The team will then conclude the regular season with back-to-back home games against London and Essex on July 24 and 31, respectively, at Rocky DiPietro Field.

PHOTO: Linebackers Jeff Ianni (#25), Kevin Nanne (#62) and defensive back Joe Thorburn (#30) swarm a Halton running back.