LONDON -- The Sault Sabercats marched into London on Sunday afternoon and left with their first road victory in franchise history.
Making all the big plays when needed, the Sabercats came from behind to beat the third ranked London Falcons 21-13 in Ontario Varsity Football League play at TD Waterhouse Stadium here on the University of Western Ontario campus.
The Sabercats played the most complete game in their two year existence which couldn't have come at a better time. Even though the locals are only two weeks into the season, a loss could have eliminated the team's playoff hopes.
"This was a huge win for us," said Sabercats head coach Ross Viotto. "We finally played 60 minutes of football which is tough to do on the road because the kids get tired in the second half but they hung in there, played tough down the stretch and made the big plays when we had to."
Now at 1-1, the Sabercats head into their home opener against the Essex Ravens, a favourite to compete for a league championship, in a more relaxed and less pressured situation. League history shows that it will take at least a 5-3 to qualify for post season play.
In London, the Sabercats displayed a new look defense that eliminated the Falcons passing game, a solid quarterbacking effort from Ryan Maunu, excellent pass protection from the offensive line and a cut back in penalty yardage.
Switching from a 4-4 defense to a 4-3 with zone coverage in the secondary, the Sabercats were draped all over the London receivers while the strength of the defensive line and linebackers contained a powerful Falcon running game in key situations.
Big defensive efforts were turned in by linebacker Dan Kennedy with 10 tackles and free safety Jason Giosa with 9.5 tackles and an interception. Linebackers Gavin Cond and Eric Vallee recorded eight and five tackles, respectively. As a unit the Sabercats deflected nine passes from London receivers.
The Sabercats opened the scoring in the first quarter as Maunu hit receiver Noah Rushon for a 76 yard touchdown. London scored a touchdown and field goal in the second quarter to go ahead 10-7 at the half.
London built their lead to 13-7 in the third quarter before the Sabercats took control. Maunu hit Ron Kelly for a 10 yard touchdown pass to close the third quarter. Maunu then sealed the victory with a nine yard touchdown run.
"Ryan played a great game for us and you could see his confidence grow as the game went on. Ron Kelly was quiet in the first half but came alive in the second and our defense was excellent, especially on pass coverage," said Viotto.
The Sabercats were able to maintain their lead in the fourth quarter with Mark Palombi's running efforts to gain yardage and eat the clock, a big 35 yard catch by Kelly on a third down play deep in their own zone and Jon Day's interception which he ran back 39 yards to set up their final scoring drive.
"I thought our boys played a good game but we just couldn't finish," said Falcons head coach and president Mike Esposito, a Sault native. "But I thought the Sault played well. They made some big plays out there and that interception (by Day) really hurt us. They deserve full credit for the win.
"It's always fun for me playing the Sault and I know a lot of these kids parents who are here. I like to see them win except when it's against me of course."
Palombi led the Sabercats running backs with 62 yards on 15 carries. Maunu completed nine of 15 passes for 175 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Kelly caught five balls for 81. Dan Swystun caught two passes for 22 yards and kicked all three converts.
"I think our guys are starting to learn that it's a long game and we need to stay positive and not get down on each other. We had been preaching that in practise all week because it was having a negative effect on our play but we had a much better atmosphere on the sideline today," said Viotto.
The Sabercats enjoy a bye this weekend before opening a four game home stand against Essex on June 14 at Rocky DiPietro Field beginning at 7 p.m.