Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The first-place Sault College Cougars will put their perfect 5–0 record on the line Saturday, September 19th, when they travel to City Wide Sports Park in London, Ontario, to take on the third-place London Beefeaters.
The Cougars enter the matchup following an impressive 43–21 victory over the Ottawa Sooners on September 12th in Sault Ste. Marie. The win kept Sault College undefeated and atop the OFC standings heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
London, meanwhile, comes into Saturday’s game with a 3–2 record. The Beefeaters are looking to rebound after suffering a 26–19 loss to the St. Clair Saints on September 12th.
Despite the difference in the standings, Sault College head coach Paul Orazietti says his team knows it faces a major challenge on the road.
When asked about the biggest key to the Cougars’ 5–0 start, Orazietti pointed to three important factors: hard work, preparation and team culture.
Those elements will be tested against a physical London squad that Orazietti has high praise for.
“They are big and physical team with a great run game and very tough front 7 on defense,” Orazietti said. “Taking us out the equation I think they are the best team in the league. They have been unlucky twice against St. Clair and we will have to play perfect game to beat them on their field.”
With London defending its home field, the Cougars will also need to make sure they are prepared for the challenges that come with travelling for an important late-season matchup.
For Orazietti, preparation begins well before kickoff.
“I think the days leading up to the game, specifically our players taking care of their bodies will be key to being successful during this road trip,” he said.
Through the first five games of the season, Orazietti has been pleased with the Cougars’ ability to execute their game plans and remain committed to their team approach.
“I’ve been pleased with execution, game plans and team commitment to the plan at this point,” he said. “We need to continue to work on consistency week in and week out and bringing appropriate focus to each game.”
That focus will be especially important Saturday as the Cougars attempt to remain unbeaten.
While a 5–0 record has naturally increased expectations, Orazietti says the message inside the Cougars’ locker room remains centered on the next game.
“This is the only game that matters to us,” Orazietti said. “It is the next rung on the ladder and we have to get off to a good start to be successful.”
Saturday’s matchup provides Sault College with another opportunity to build on its undefeated season, while London will look to use home-field advantage to hand the Cougars their first loss of the campaign.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m on Saturday, September 19th.
Fans unable to make the trip to London can watch the game on CJFL TV, or join fellow Cougars supporters at Chuck’s in Sault Ste. Marie for the official Cougars viewing party beginning at 8:00 p.m.
With the Cougars sitting at 5–0 and the Beefeaters at 3–2, Saturday night promises to be another important test for Sault College as the OFC season continues.
