Sabercats prepare for Friday's season opener

The Sault Sabercats may have been denied an actual opponent, but the defense showed no mercy toward the offense in the blue/gold game.

With the Sudbury Northerners pulling out of their long scheduled exhibition game against the Sabercats less than 48 hours before kickoff, the locals were forced to play a blue/gold intrasquad game.

The tune-up came within days of the Sabercats' Ontario Varsity Football League season opener on Friday night in Sarnia against the Lambton Lions at 7:30 p.m.

In an offense versus defense scrimmage, the offense would begin a 15-play series at the opponent's 45 yard line.

The offense would gain six points for each touchdown while the defense would snare two points for each sack, interception and fumble recovery during the 60 play game.

The Sabercats defense captured the contest and Sabercats head coach Ross Viotto feels that defenses are usually ahead of the offense at this time of year. "I wasn't surprised by anything I saw in the scrimmage," said Viotto. "The defense is usually ahead of the offense because the offense has more systems but I think the defense played exceptionally well and offensively we need some time.

"I told the kids that we have to work extra hard in practise and even if we stay a bit later this week it will help. I think we'll be there and we'll get it done."

With just three practises remaining until the season opener, the Sabercats would really like to focus on the timing of the offensive line and developing the running game.

"We need to get everyone together at practise and work the running game and get that timing. We have six backs right now and I think they all ran well but we have to work on opening some holes for them," said Viotto.

The Sabercats will also face a tough situation this week with potential player absentees from the season opener due to the NOSSA high school track meet in North Bay on Thursday and Friday.

Depending on the NOSSA event schedule, some may miss the game entirely while some may be able to travel to Sarnia and join the team in time for kickoff.

"We'll figure out what we are going to do this week and everybody's situations but we have no choice but to be ready for Lambton on Friday," said Viotto.

Following the Lambton game, the locals will make stops in Hamilton on June 6 and Brantford on June 13 before returning for their home opener on June 19 against the Cambridge Lions at 7 p.m. at Rocky DiPietro Field.

To visit the Sabercats website, click here. To check out the OVFL website, click here.

PHOTO: Sabercats receiver Jon Widgett