The 2003 Sault Steelers recorded the first undefeated regular season in franchise history in spectacular fashion Saturday night, trouncing the Sudbury Spartans 51-7.
With the victory, the Steelers finish the season in first place with a record of 8-0 in the Northern Football Conference. Other scores from around the league have yet to be reported.
Offensively, the Steelers put on an impressive show for the sparse but enthusiastic crowd at Rocky DiPietro field. Josh Gauthier spearheaded the rushing game, running for 115 yards on 9 carries. Keegan Franklin was also an offensive force to be reckoned with, collecting 47 yards on 10 carries. Quarterbacks Seth Cond and Travis McLean passed for 103 and 80 yards, respectively.
The touchdown floodgate was opened up six minutes into the first quarter when Gauthier scampered in from twelve yards out. Four minutes later quarterback Seth Cond connected with receiver Tim Higgins on a twelve-yard pass for the major score.
Early in the second quarter Gauthier found himself in the end zone once again after rushing 54 yards in a fine display of cardio vascular endurance. Shortly thereafter, Franklin scored his first of three touchdowns, lumbering in from one yard out.
Sudbury had time to concede a safety before Franklin scored his second touchdown on an eight yard jaunt to bring the score to 37-0 at the half. Not even two minutes into the third quarter, the Franklin show continued with a one-yard rumble over the goal line. Capping off the Steelers' scoring was Tony Boniferro's 10-yard reception from Cond. Anthony Posteraro nailed all seven converts.
The Sudbury Spartans, who had a mere 21 players dressed, salvaged some dignity when Daniel Leduc caught a three yard pass from quarterback Jordan Cecchetto early in the fourth quarter for the major score. The Spartans' offense was otherwise stifled by the Steeler's defense, led by Brandon Lewis with 6 tackles and Jamie Kennedy, who racked up 5 tackles and one batted ball.
With even the traditional water dousing failing to extinguish the exuberance of head coach Barry Rushon, the Steelers head into the playoffs on a definitive high note. They will be playing two playoff games with home field advantage.
SooToday will have a complete preview of the NFC playoffs once the league distributes its playoff schedule.