After opening the 2026 OSFL U18 season with a hard-fought 15-12 loss to the North Toronto Sentinels on May 16th in Toronto, the Sault Sabercats once again hit the road on Sunday, May 24th for a matchup in the nation’s capital against the Myers Riders.

In a defensive battle that remained close throughout much of the afternoon, the Riders capitalized on key scoring opportunities to secure a 14-3 victory over the Sabercats.

The home side opened the scoring in the first quarter when Myers punched in a one-yard rushing touchdown to take an early 6-0 advantage. Following the successful convert, the Riders carried a 7-0 lead while both defenses settled into the contest.

The Sabercats continued to battle throughout the second half and finally broke through in the third quarter thanks to the reliable leg of AJ Coccimiglio. The Sabercats kicker connected on a 29-yard field goal to trim the deficit to 7-3 and bring Sault Ste. Marie within striking distance.

Momentum, however, quickly swung back in favour of Myers late in the third quarter.

Just before the quarter expired, the Riders quarterback delivered a deep 15-yard pass that set up a massive 42-yard rushing touchdown carry to extend the Myers lead to 13-3. The successful convert pushed the score to 14-3, a margin that ultimately stood as the game-winning score.

Despite the loss, the Sabercats showed strong defensive stretches throughout the contest while continuing to gain valuable experience early in the 2026 campaign against tough OSFL competition.

The Sabercats will now return home to Sault Ste. Marie looking to capture their first win of the season when they host the Cumberland Panthers on May 30th at Superior Heights. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m, with the game broadcast live on Saultsports TV and True North Sports Radio.

Meanwhile, the Myers Riders will remain at home in Ottawa next weekend when they host the Cornwall Wildcats in a 5:30 p.m start.