Sabercats pull this one out.

BRANTFORD -- The Sault Sabercats refused to surrender their season and pulled out a character building victory here at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon. Led by their suffocating defense, the Sabercats improved to 3-4 by defeating the Brantford Bisons 14-7. Despite only remaining mathematically alive for an Ontario Varsity Football League playoff spot, a 29-player Sabercats roster showed determination to finish the season on a positive note. With a short roster, the Sabercats were benefited by the reserves that stepped into regular duty and played well. "It's hard to win the road especially after a nine hour bus ride but we came out here and did it. It was good character win for us and we were able to cut down the penalties a bit and play more disciplined," said Sabercats head coach Ross Viotto. "I would like for offense to be producing more and putting more points on the board but he had some guys playing more than they're used to and guys playing playing out of position. But those guys played well and, hey, we had our third string quarterback in Frank Weise out there at the slot and kicking. He and everyone else showed a lot today." With running back/receiver/kicker Dan Swystun, who has left the country on a student exchange, gone for the season and running back Frank Farkas absent, Jeff Ianni and Frank Weise filled in admirably on offense. Ianni carried the ball 11 times for 48 yards while Weise played at slot back and performed all the place kicking duties. Ianni's performance helped ease the load from full back Mark Palombi, who was also forced to start at linebacker in place of the suspended Ian Hazlett. Matt Premo opened the scoring for the Sabercats on a three yard reception from quarterback Anthony Amadio. A Weise single on a missed field goal gave the Sabercats a 8-0 halftime lead. Palombi put the Sabercats ahead 14-0 on a 25 yard scamper. The only score and big play Brantford could muster offensively was a 48 yard touchdown run on a counter play from Brodie Legein. Gavin Cond led the Sabercats defense with nine tackles and a fumble recovery while Jason Giosa made six tackles, Adam Day 5.5, Dan Kennedy five, Palombi 4.5 and Eric Vallee four. Elliott Corston-Pine made 3.5 tackles and a fumble recovery while Aaron Amadio recorded an interception. Offensively, Palombi gained 92 yards on 13 carries and quarterback Ryan Maunu, who completed three of five passes, scampered for 24 yards on four attempts. Anthony Amadio completed five of 10 passes for 62 yards. Ron Kelly, who also returned four punts for 76 yards, caught three passes for 61 yards while Premo hauled in three for 24 yards. The Sabercats close their season next Saturday against the Steel City Ironmen in Hamilton at Ivor Wynn Stadium beginning at 1 p.m. Ken Hilderley