The Sabercats are preparing for this weekend's opener knowing they will need to step up their game.
After trouncing the expansion Sudbury Northerners 72-13 in an exhibition contest in the Nickel City last Saturday, the Sabercats now face a new look Guelph Bears on Saturday afternoon at the University of Guelph.
Guelph, which changed the coaching staff during the off season, will be looking for revenge from last year's 51-32 loss to the Sabercats at Rocky DiPietro Field. The Bears are an improved group featuring a pass-oriented offense.
"Guelph is different group this year. They have a new coaching staff and a really good quarterback. From what I hear they are going to be a competitive team this season. We are going to have our work cut out for us this weekend," said Sabercats head coach Ross Viotto.
The Sabercats will need their defensive secondary, which was suspect at times last season, to step up and provide good pass coverage while the offense will look to wear down the Guelph defense.
"I think we need to establish our running game first in order to step up the pass with the run," said Viotto. "But we need to make sure that our offensive line is in sync this game and that is always a concern of ours going into a game.
"Defensively, we need to stop the pass and we really have to put pressure on their quarterback. From what I understand he likes to stay in pocket and doesn't run much so if we can get after him we can stop him from getting a good look down field."
Quarterbacks Anthony Amadio and Ryan Maunu will split the duties under centre. As in Sudbury, Viotto plans to start Amadio and have him play the third quarter. Maunu will play the second and fourth quarters.