Under the early morning sun at Richardson Memorial Stadium, the Sault Sabercats lined up for their biggest challenge of the season—the 2025 OSFL ‘AA’ U18 Sandy Ruckstuhl Championship. Standing between them and provincial glory were the undefeated Brantford Bisons, the reigning 2024 OSFL ‘AA’ champions.
In a tightly contested opening quarter, it was Brantford who struck first. Following a missed 31-yard field goal attempt from Ryan Harrison, the Bisons were awarded a single point (rouge) after the Sabercats failed to return the kick out of the endzone, giving Brantford a narrow 1–0 lead. The Sabercats quickly responded, however, as AJ Coccimiglio calmly connected on a 33-yard field goal to swing the lead in Sault’s favour at 3–1.
Early in the second quarter, Brantford’s offense began to assert itself. Quarterback Dowling connected with Max Cortina on a short 12-yard pass, with Cortina breaking tackles en route to a 20-yard touchdown. With Harrison’s convert, the Bisons regained the lead at 8–3. Moments before halftime, Brantford threatened again at the Sabercats’ 1-yard line. Powering through the defensive front, Sam Cavan added a second major for the Bisons, and with another successful Harrison kick, the lead grew to 15–3 heading into halftime.
The second half saw more control from Brantford. At the midway point of the third quarter, Harrison nailed a 17-yard field goal to extend the Bisons’ advantage to 18–3. With momentum firmly in their grasp, Dowling delivered another precise throw late in the fourth quarter, finding Semi Adefila in the endzone for a 17-yard touchdown strike. Another extra point from Harrison sealed the score at 25–3.
After the championship loss to the Bisons, Sabercat Payton Melchiorre told Saultsports that ““playing in a championship alone is a gift to begin with, and it made it an even better experience playing with the teammates I had from fifth years to first years. Getting to play against the best competition and to experience Queens University was also a blessing. Yes it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but we battled extremely hard and it only came down to a couple mishaps that could’ve takin the game the other way.”
Despite a strong and determined effort from the Sabercats, the Brantford Bisons’ execution, discipline, and depth proved too much on championship Sunday. With the win, Brantford captures their second consecutive OSFL ‘AA’ U18 title, solidifying their dynasty and capping off an undefeated 2025 campaign.
“For are first years and returning grade twelves, and especially myself. It has only fueled the fire for what’s to come. In a month’s time we’re already back on the field for high school to compete and get what’s ours. In nine months we’re right back playing together. This isn’t the end of long playoff runs for the Sabercats, it’s only the start,” added Melchiorre.
Bison coach James Kelly told Saultsports that “what you saw today was a complete team effort. several different players making plays on offense defense and special teams. Defensively I told the group they have a chance to go down as one of the best defenses we have ever had. I think there play on the field solidified that today. stopping a great Sault Ste Marie’s run game. On offense it took us a bit to get going credit Sault Ste Marie’ for good defensive play. But once we did get going we were able to make a couple big plays and finish drives off.”
“Brady Dowling stepped up huge for us and played a great game. he really has got better each week and has saved his best for the playoffs. it’s never easy to come off the bench and replace last year’s MVP. He did everything we wanted him to do and more today. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet. We did something very special. it’s rare to have one undefeated season let alone back to back. Just a great group of players and coaches coming together and working very hard. I’ve coached a lot of teams over the years, but the battles this group had in practice and the way they pushed each other was next level,” added Kelly.
Sabercat coach Jamie Antonello gives Saultsports his final comments after two seasons as the head coach of the U18 Sabercats after the loss with “definitely not the outcome we wanted and our group has been incredibly resilient all season long. They continued to show that resiliency today despite the score. We unfortunately had a few timely mistakes and Brantford was able to capitalize on those, and we just couldn’t claw our way back into the game. Our fifth years and captains are an incredible group of young men that I feel very privileged to have been able to coach, and they have cemented their Sabercat legacies, helping redefine our team culture and program.”
“Overall, I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud of a team, especially having to travel more than any Sabercats team has ever had to travel. I wish our fifth years and graduating players the best and hope they each have tremendous success in their personal and football journeys. I’m excited to see what this group of grade 11’s and 12’s can do next summer!” added Antonello.
When asked about his time with Sabercats Antonello said “though my role with Cats is transitioning to more behind the scenes support. I’ve been coaching Sabercats in various roles since 2012. Cody Wheten will be stepping into the role of Head Coach, from his current role as Special Teams Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach. Having the opportunity to coach at the CJFL level is a step I’m excited about. The decision I made to move to the Sault College program gives me new coaching challenges and the opportunity to be part of the expansion of football in Sault Ste Marie. It also allows me to spend more time with my family. I am confident in Cody and the rest of the staff.”
