Last season, the junior varsity Sault Sabercats finished the season with only a 1-7 record.
However, the team felt they made a statement getting their first win last season and are hoping to build upon that this year.
“Last season we got our first win and discovered what this league is all about” said rookie Sabercats Head Coach Jamie Antonello.
“This season is now about competing and proving that we can play in this league and earn respect.”
With a new season, comes new challenges. One of those the Sabercats are facing is the amount of coaching turnover. Antonello is in his first year as Head Coach as well as Offensive Coordinator after coaching the Sabrecats Offensive Line in 2014.
“We bring a lot of new faces to the coaching staff” said Antonello. “Justin Elwgren, David Toppan and Aaron Bourdages all played as 19 year olds for our varsity team last year and have jumped on board to coach quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive line respectively.”
However, the Sabrecats have a lot of returning coaches with OVFL experience between Defensive Coordinator Jared Theriault, Offensive Line Coach Jerry Pozzebon and Quarterback Coach Michael Campbell. All three coaches compliment the new young blood on staff.
Another challenge the Sabercats must deal with this season is the amount of player turnover. However, the Sabrecats have the leadership of the returning players to overcome this issue.
On offence, the Sabrecats lost both quarterbacks in their system but believe they have found their replacement.
“The loss of both or Grade 10 quarterbacks left us to find a new pivot in Michael Byron who had a fantastic high school season leading his team to a Northern Ontario Championship,” offered Antonello.
The defense is still strong despite the loss of Defensive All-Star and team leader, linebacker Michael Reid,
“That’s a huge blow that we will have to learn to overcome” said Antonello. “But we’ve got a lot of guys ready to go on that side if the ball.”
“Our front seven should compete with any in the league, led by defensive captains Mathieu DeSandro and Darian Belkosky.”
With the veteran leadership, returning players on offence and the defence’s strength, the Sabercats are eager to tackle the 2015 season.
The junior varsity Sabercats are only in it’s second year of existence. Last season, the team had to deal with growing pains being the new kids on the block.
However, the Sabercats have a bright future and hope to demonstrate the strides they’ve made this OVFL season.
Key players to watch on Offense:
QB Michael Byron
WR Greg Caruso
WR/SB Cooper Laframboise
WR Jordan Arruda
Key players to watch on Defense:
DT Mathieu DeSandro
DT/DE Darian Belkosky
DE Devon Seguin
CB Joe Trudeau
FS Adam Sandie
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