The Sault College Cougars will look to put the finishing touches on an undefeated regular season when they host the London Beefeaters on Saturday, September 26, at Superior Heights Field.
The first-place Cougars enter the final regular-season game with a perfect 6–0 record, while the Beefeaters sit in third place at 3–3. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
The matchup will be the second meeting between the two teams in a span of just one week. The Cougars travelled to London on Saturday, September 19, and delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season, defeating the Beefeaters 52–10 under the lights in OFC Football action.
Despite the convincing victory, Cougars head coach Paul Orazietti is emphasizing that last week’s result has little bearing on Saturday’s rematch.
A New Week, A New Challenge
With London returning to Sault Ste. Marie just seven days after the 52–10 loss, Orazietti says his team must approach the game with the same preparation and mentality it has used throughout the season.
“Same process and preparation regardless of opponent; from our standpoint we are basically playing someone new this week,” Orazietti told Saultsports.
One major difference for London will be the return of its quarterback, something Orazietti believes could significantly change the Beefeaters’ offensive attack.
“In addition, I am reminding the guys that they will have a healthy QB this week which presents huge challenges.”
The Beefeaters enter the rematch with plenty of motivation after last week’s loss and will be looking to make adjustments on both sides of the football.
Orazietti expects London’s passing game to be a major factor.
“With the return of their QB we expect that they will move the ball in the air with more proficiency and they will be hungry for a measure of payback.”
Balance Has Been a Major Strength
The Cougars have been one of the OFC’s most balanced teams throughout the season, and that balance was on full display in London.
Sault College’s defence produced game-changing plays, including a pick-six, while the offence continued to consistently put points on the scoreboard.
For Orazietti, the biggest positive has been the fact that the Cougars haven’t needed to rely heavily on one particular unit.
“We haven’t had to lean too heavily into one area of our team this season. The defense is consistently giving us the ball back and the offense score when they have it so team balance has been our greatest strength.”
That balance has helped Sault College remain unbeaten through six games and put the Cougars in position to finish the regular season at the top of the standings.
Final Regular-Season Home Game
Saturday’s game will also mark the Cougars’ final regular-season home game, making it an important afternoon for the team and its supporters.
With playoff positioning on the line, Orazietti knows there is plenty at stake.
“This game is critical to the standings and playing a playoff game or games at home in the playoffs.”
The Cougars have enjoyed strong support throughout their home schedule, and the coaching staff is hoping to see another big crowd at Superior Heights Field.
“We love the energy from the hometown fans and as always hoping to get that same support on Saturday.”
Cougars Continue to Produce Across the Field
Entering Week Seven, the Cougars have received significant contributions from veterans and rookies throughout the roster.
Veteran kicker Nik Vecchio has provided a reliable scoring option, entering the game with 10 field goals on the season.
Veteran Sam Mustapha has been a major contributor on the ground and around the end zone. Mustapha has recorded 73 rushing attempts for 873 yards while finding the end zone 10 times.
At quarterback, rookie Emerson Peterkin has completed 95 of 144 pass attempts, continuing to develop while leading the Cougars’ offence.
Another rookie, Rylan Varcoe, has emerged as an important receiving option with 22 receptions for 409 yards.
Defensively, rookie Russell Beaubrun has made his presence felt in the secondary with three interceptions for 123 return yards.
Veteran Ethan Carchidi has been a force up front, recording 13 tackles, one assisted tackle and five quarterback sacks.
The Cougars have also received strong production from veterans Christian Barsic, who leads the team with 17 tackles, and George Limb, who has recorded 12 tackles and four assisted tackles.
No Room for Complacency
At 6–0, the Cougars have established themselves as the team to beat heading into the final week of the regular season. But Orazietti believes the biggest challenge now is keeping the team focused.
For the Cougars, an undefeated record cannot become a reason to relax.
“Complacency and over-confidence are our greatest enemies.”
Orazietti also pointed out that the Cougars’ record doesn’t necessarily tell the entire story of how competitive the OFC has been.
“Despite our record many of our games have been reasonably close and any of the 3 other playoff teams can beat us if we show up unprepared.”
That message will be particularly important against a London team that will arrive in Sault Ste. Marie looking to respond after last week’s 42-point loss.
The Cougars, meanwhile, have an opportunity to close out the regular season with a seventh consecutive victory, protect their position in the standings and give their home supporters one more regular-season performance to remember.
