There is a dark cloud hanging over the Sault Storm with no bright spot in sight.
The Storm dropped its fourth consecutive game on Saturday night before a sparse gathering at Rocky DiPietro Field, losing 13-6 to the Mega City Mad Dogs to fall to 0-4 in the Northern Football Conference.
While the Storm defense has been stellar all season, keeping the team in games with a chance to win, the Storm offense has failed to move the ball after scoring 32 points in the season opener in North Bay.
Saturday's game was no different as the Storm had every opportunity to grab the first win of the season.
After the Sault's Kyle Lansdell hit a field goal mid-way through the first quarter, the offense sputtered. Mega City took a 6-3 lead on a 75 yard touchdown by receiver Dave Beaulieu early in the second quarter before the Storm blew a glorious opportunity in the red zone late in the half.
With a chance to tie, Lansdell hit a field goal but it was called back as the Storm was caught with too many men on the field. A couple of more penalties on the same field goal try put the Storm out of range and gave Mega City the ball with a few ticks left on the clock.
Beaulieu would then score his second major of the game on a 55 yard passing play as time expired in the opening half.
In a lacklustre second half, neither team moved the ball well and both teams combined for 255 yards in penalties, mostly objectionable conduct calls.
The Storm could only gather 147 yards total offense led by Toby Traveson's 54 rushing yards. Quarterback Tim Higgins completed four of seven passes for 37 yards before being replaced by back-up Seth Cond in the second half. Higgins lined up as a wide receiver for the half.
Brandon Lewis had another outstanding game for the Storm defense, collecting 7.5 tackles. Jamie Kennedy made three tackles and recorded a sack while Lansdell also had a fine game in the secondary making three tackles.
The Storm will now head on the road for games in Mississauga next Saturday and Sudbury on July 6. The Storm returns home July 13 against an expansion Milton squad.
SABERCATS: The Sault Sabercats meanwhile had thoughts of an Ontario Varsity Football League upset in Essex, just outside of Windsor, but a 14-8 half-time lead disappeared into a 45-20 loss on Saturday night.
Tony Boniferro on an 11 yard strike from quarterback Travis McLean and Jon Day's 27 yard touchdown reception put the Sabercats in the lead. But the vaunted Essex Ravens offense picked apart the Sabercats in the second half.
Mark Palombi returned to the Cats' line-up after serving a one-game suspension and rushed for 91 yards on 16 carries from the fullback position. Tailback Josh Gauthier gained 75 yards on 15 carries. McLean completed six of 19 passes for a pair of touchdowns and two interceptions.
Joel Aro led the defense with five tackles while Mike Palombi recorded four. Gary Knox also made a fumble recovery.
The 2-2 Sabercats will return home on Saturday as they entertain Huronia, from Barrie, at 7 p.m. at Rocky DiPietro Field.