Steelers turn in second consecutive shutout

The Sault Steelers have shown a defense that has proved to be unbeatable after two weeks of Northern Football Conference action.

On Saturday night, the Steelers improved to 2-0 on the season with their second consecutive road win and shutout in a 43-0 decision over the expansion Sarnia Imperials.

The Steelers will play their home opener on Saturday against the tough Oshawa Hawkeyes at 7 p.m. at Rocky DiPietro Field.

After a three touchdown performance in a 26-0 victory over Oakville in week one, Josh Gauthier scampered for 146 yards on eight carries including a 71 yard touchdown run.

Receiver Matt Premo caught two touchdowns from eight and 10 yards out while Noah Rushon hauled in a five yard major. Troy Boyer returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown and Nick Pederson scored on a lateral from Rob Southwind, who blocked a punt on the play.

Kyle Gauthier booted four converts, Premo added a two point conversion and Pederson added another point on a punt single.

Quarterback Travis McLean completed 13 of 25 passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns while Rushon caught six passes for 114 yards for the Steelers, who were also assessed 180 yards in penalties.

Defensively, Tysen Vanderloo blocked three punts and recorded three sacks while Adam Day and Joe Oldham added five tackles each. Matt Gauthier and Mike Prentice made four tackles apiece.

The Steelers also played the game without veteran defensive lineman Brandon Lewis, who was suspended for one game after receiving an ejection in Oakville.