HAMILTON -- Despite a solid team effort, a short bench eventually worn down the Sault Sabercats.
Fielding a small group of 27 players, the Sabercats hung tight for three quarters of play. But the Steel City Ironmen controlled the fourth quarter and defeated the Sabercats 29-13 on Saturday afternoon here at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton.
With the loss, the Sabercats finish the Ontario Varsity Football League season at 3-5 and fail to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
"I was very proud of these kids today. They showed a lot of heart and a lot of class and they did what they could do with only 27 guys out there. I don't know if I could have asked anymore out of them but they just ran out of gas at the end," said Sabercats head coach Ross Viotto.
Ron Kelly got the Sabercats on the board in the second quarter with a 17-yard touchdown reception from Ryan Maunu to take a 7-1 lead. Steel City would rally with a pair of touchdowns in the final three minutes of the half to take a 15-7 lead.
Mark Palombi scampered for a nine yard third quarter touchdown to pull the Sabercats, who missed the eventual two-point convert, to within two at 15-13.
But with several guys playing both offense and defense, the Sabercats eventually ran out of steam as Steel City scored two fourth quarter touchdowns.
Quarterback Ryan Maunu completed eight of 14 passes for 129 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Anthony Amadio completed one of three passes for 13 yards and an interception. Matt Premo led the Sault receivers with four catches for 78 yards. Palombi led the rushing attack with 49 yards on 12 carries.
Defensively, Kelly turned in a strong performance at both safety and defensive end with 4.5 tackles and two interceptions. Gavin Cond recorded nine tackles while Kurt Morrison made eight tackles, an interception and batted down two balls. Palombi recorded six tackles and an interception, Ian Hazlett made 7.5 tackles, Adam Day had 4.5 tackles and Rob Signoretti recorded an interception.