Sabercats silence Lions in season opener (10 photos)

SARNIA -- The Sault Sabercats began the 2006 Ontario Varsity Football League season on a winning note here on Saturday night at Norm Perry Park.

Quarterback John Mullin threw for three touchdowns and ran in for another to lead the Sabercats past the Lambton Lions 27-13.

The Sabercats won this contest in a different fashion than in the past. Traditionally a strong passing squad, the Sabercats used a punishing run game to stun the rival Lions.

Kofi Osei ran for 134 yards on 16 carries while full back Jeff Greco added 47 yards on 12 attempts and Peter McGonegal 40 yards on seven scampers.

The Sault also played a solid defensive game highlighted by three interceptions that switched the momentum in their favour.

Anthony Amadio made his return to the Sabercats this season in a new position at receiver and hauled in two touchdowns from 30 and six yards away. Joe Storozuk also caught a nine yard touchdown pass.

After Storozuk's major gave the Sabercats a 7-0 first quarter lead, Lambton answered with a field goal and a touchdown to take a brief 10-7 lead.

The touchdown, on the Sabercats first offensive possession of the season, was set up by a 16 yard scramble by Mullin on a fourth down gamble.

Amadio's 30 yard reception put the locals ahead 13-10 near the end of the opening half.

On the first possession of the second half, Amadio caught his second touchdown of the night before Frank Weise, who kicked three converts, set up Mullin's score on the ensuing defensive stand with a fabulous one handed interception and 35 yard run back.

Mullin fnished the game with seven completions on 16 attempts for 93 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions to go with 30 rushing yards.

Jon Turner led the defense with 6.5 tackles while Jordan Verdone added four. Jason Amadio and Jon Day also recorded interceptions.

*** GAME STATS:

Rushing:

Kofi Osei 134 yards on 16 carries Jeff Greco 47-12 Peter McGonegal 40-7 John Mullin 30-5 Anthony Amadio 13-2

Passing:

Mullin 7-16 for 93 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Receiving:

Anthony Amadio 64 yards on 4 cathes Cory Wensley 14-1 Joe Storozuk 9-1 Jon Widgett 6-1

Tackles:

Jon Turner - 6.5 Jordan Verdone - 4 Adam Elliott - 3.5 Dan Buonomo - 3 Justin Wensley - 3 Jason Amadio - 3 Pat Murray - 3

Interceptions:

Frank Weise - 1 Jason Amadio - 1 Jon Day - 1

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