The Sault Sabercats made their home debut on Saturday afternoon at Superior Heights as they hosted the Etobicoke Eagles in Ontario Varsity Football League action at the varsity and junior varsity levels.
In varsity action, the Sabercats improved to 3-0 with a 48-14 victory.
Quarterback Evan Bodnar completed 27 of 35 passes for 346 yards, four touchdowns and an interception for the Sabercats before exiting the game midway through the third quarter.
Austin Wesley caught six passes for 122 yards and a pair of touchdowns while James White caught five passed for 45 yards and a touchdown. Jeff Auger also caught a touchdown pass for the Sabercats.
Justin Senecal ran for a touchdown for the Sabercats.
Defensively Lau Frecha returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown.
“I don’t think we played a great game but I think we were the better football team in terms of athletes, depth and physicality,” said Sabercats Coach Steve Nott. “We challenged the players at halftime to come out and show that they were the better team and we did but there’s definitely some stuff to work on.”
Leading 20-13 heading into the second half, the Sabercats scored a pair of early touchdowns early on in the third quarter to break the game open.
“That definitely put it away,” Nott said, adding that letting Etobicoke remain in the game was a dangerous proposition had it gone on further.
In junior varsity action, the Sabercats fell to the Eagles 44-13. Tyler Legros caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Michael while Byron ran the ball in from nine yards out for the Sabercats other major.
Both Sabercats teams return to action on June 13 when they host the Essex Ravens at Rocky DiPietro Field. The junior varsity team plays at 4 p.m. while the varsity game begins at 7 p.m.
(Photo: Sault Sabercats quarterback Evan Bodnar (11) prepares to throw a pass in OVFL action on Saturday at Superior Heights between the Sault Sabercats and Etobicoke Eagles. Brad Coccimiglio/SooToday)