Please note: As this is a team orientated web site, rarely are names mentioned in the summaries. If you are interested to know who were making the big plays, please contact us at jd@sabresfootball.comOct 26, 2002
Sabres lose in semi-finals for a second straight yearLast year it was Jordan that ended Sal's season. This year, it was Sherwood Park's other high school that ended the Sabres playoff run. Bev Facey moves on to the Metro League final with a 28-13 win over the Sabres.
While some may argue that Sal "wasn't getting any of the bounces", it came down to the fact that the Falcons played a more consistent game, enabling them to finish drives with scores. Sal came close on numerous occasions: A third a goal from Facey's five yard line that was half a yard short at the end of the first half; a touchdown throw that glanced off the outstretched fingertips of a receiver in the endzone; a drive-ending fumble in the "Red Zone". Sal had their chances, but Facey converted theirs. Simply, the team that played better, won.
The Sabres now support the other Strathocona County programs in their quest for provincial titles. Good luck to Bev Facey (Tier 1), Arch Bishop Jordan (Tier 2), and Ardrossan (Tier 4).
Oct 23, 2002
Sal moves on to semi-finals with 42-0 victory over BelleroseBellerose's change in game plan was good for a few more first downs than the previous games against the Sabres, but it wasn't enough to threaten Sal from moving on to the semi-finals. The Sabres still managed to score six touchdowns using both run and pass racking up over 420 yards of offense, with close to 200 through the air. Four players were involved in the rushing and five receivers kept drives alive. Defensively, play was highlighted by two interceptions and a fumble recovery all by a single defensive back.
With the win the Sabres move on to play Bev Facey for a shot at the Metro title next week. The Falcons beat the Sabres by only eight points during the regular season, but failed to score on the Sabres in the second half. This all points to an exciting game where winner moves on to provincial playoffs and the loser cleans out their lockers for the year. Game time is 7:30 at Foote Field on Friday October 25.
Oct 18, 2002
Sabres finish the season the way the startedThe last game of the regular season was against the same opponent the Sabres played in exhibition play: Bellerose. While the Stormdogs had developed into a better football team than the first time they met the Sabres, Sal was only held one touchdown shy of the 10 they scored in the exhibition game. Final score in this game was 63-0.
In the final game of the regular season, the Sabres offense took to the air when a pass to run ratio of at least 2 to 1. Touchdowns were scored through the air as well as on the ground. Two touchdowns were added by electrifying punt returns. Even the defense was trying to get on the score board when a Bellerose pass was intercepted and returned to the Stormdogs 3 yard line. Three attempts to get that linebacker into the endzone as a substitute runningback resulted in a gutsy goal-line stand by Bellerose who took over on downs.
With the win, the Sabres finish third and get to replay this game on Tuesday, October 22 as a quarter-final. Same time, same place: Foote Field at 5:00.
Oct 11, 2002
Another hard loss for the SabresCross town rival games should be tough contests and this game was no different. In the blowing October snow, the Facey Falcons were able to build a first half lead of 20-6 and hang on for the win.
The Falcons opened the scoring when their runningback broke through the Sabre defensive front and broke away for a long TD. A few series later, the Sabres put a long sustained drive together capping the drive off with a 5 yard run. The Sabres missed the convert and were still behind by a score of 7-6. Facey then had the wind for the second quarter and used it to kick a few field goals. The Falcons added one more rushing TD before the half.
After some dressing room adjustments were made, the Sabres defense provided a second half shut-out which included a blocked field goal attempt. The Sabre offense came out firing with a 60 yard catch and run on the opening play to cut the the Falcon lead to 8 points, but the two point conversion play was foiled by the Falcons and the score would remain 20-12. While the Sabres won the second half, it was not enough to win the game.
The defenses of both teams fought hard allowing both sides to only score 2 touchdowns apiece. In this tug-of-war type of game, Facey had the edge in time of possession putting more multi-series drives together. The youthful Sabres offense demonstrated their talent on many occasions, however, they are still lacking consistency that is required in the close games. While there were some exceptional successful passing plays, there were a couple of incompletions that if caught may have changed the direction of the game. A key for the Facey defense was that they did a good job of containing the agile Sabre QB.
This game sets up what could be a very exciting rematch in the playoffs. With the loss, the Sabres will finish 3rd which means they will face the Bellerose Stormdogs in the first round of the playoffs. If they win that game, they will face the Falcons in the semi-finals who will have a bye in the first round.
Speaking of Bellerose, the Sabres take on the Stormdogs in the last game of the regular season. The game is a Foote Field next Thursday at 5:00.
Oct 4, 2002
Scots hand Sabres their first lossAfter an emotional game against the Skyhawks last week, the Sabres came out flat against the Scots this week and were unable to shake it off before the Scots took complete control of the game.
Things started badly when the Scots opened with a long touchdown on their very first play. The Sabres struggled to string successful plays together and the Scots scored another major before the Sabres were able to add one of their own. But that would be the only scoring the Sabres would do. Jordan’s execution was near flawless where as the Sabres had many miscues and failed to demonstrate any desire to change the direction of the ball game in the first half. The Scots took a 20-7 lead into the dressing rooms at the half.
In the second half, the Sabres’ D adjusted well to the Scots offense, essentially shutting it down except for one drive where ABJ added one more touchdown. However, offensively the Sabres still had problems moving the ball against a Scots defense that was flying to the ball.
In the end the Sabres faced a 26-7 defeat at the hands of the defending champs who look determined to get back to the finals again. For the Sabres to get another shot at ABJ, they themselves will have to make it to the finals. This won’t be an easy task because there are many good teams in the league this season. One of the best teams left to play includes Bev Facey next week. The Falcon’s passing game is something all opponents must respect, and the Sabres will take the next week preparing to stop it. Game time is Thursday, October 10 at Coronation Stadium at 7:30.
Sept 28, 2002
Sabres beat Skyhawks to move to 2-0Thursday’s game against the St. Albert Skyhawks fell into the same pattern as the previous game. An early tied ball game, with the Sabres pulling away during the remainder of the game. The Sabres struck first on their first possession with a 65 yard scamper for a first down. However, in a similar fashion to AOB, the Skyhawks put a methodical scoring drive together early in the first quarter. The Sabres controlled most of the remainder of the game, both offensively and defensively.
The Skyhawks had problems moving the ball into scoring position and the Sabres’ offense racked up 474 yards of total offense that included the Sabre’s QB going 11 for 16 for 112 yards with 2 TD’s and one interception. This game featured 6 receivers with completions. Two other majors were added by the ground attack. Midway through the second half the Sabres had some turnover problems that helped St. Albert get back into the game. However, the Sabres pulled things back together and ended the game with a long sustained drive that ended with the QB taking a knee to end the ball game on the Skyhawks’ 5 yard line. The final score was 28-20 for the Sabres.
The Sabres played a solid game against a good team as St. Albert is one of four teams that have a shot at the Metro title. Next week’s game will be against the defending league champs the ABJ Scots, another team that is once again in the hunt for the championship.
Sept 19, 2002
Season opener opens slowlyThe game started with an impressive 109 yard drive into the wind, which ate up 10 minutes of the first quarter. The only problem is that the drive was put together by AOB. With time running out in the opening frame, the offense didn't have any better success quickly giving the ball to the punt team. Rrrrg, Rrrrrg, Rrrrrg.... this is your wake up call!
The defense woke up first and proceeded to get tighter and tighter, forcing AOB to make long, unsuccessful throws. On their next possession, the Sabres had greater success moving the ball and it was their turn to drive the ball against the wind. This drive led to a 1st and goal situation from the 5 yard line. The first play moved the ball to the 2 yard. The next play the Salisbury back ploughed his way into the endzone, however he lost the ball and it bounced back out to the one yard-line. Normally, when the ball breaks the plane of the goal line it counts as a touchdown, but not this night. The good news is that the Sabres' D was not going to allow another 109 yard drive, catching up to the AOB back in the endzone for a safety. After receiving the post-safety kickoff, the Sabres moved the ball again up the field. The Sabres' quarterback then called his own number and scampered down the sidelines, 54 yards for a touchdown and a 9-7 lead.
Once again the defense had more success in stopping AOB drives and the offense had the ball again. Some solid defensive plays by AOB and some penalty trouble, prevented the offense from another smooth drive. The Sabres managed to get the ball to the AOB 30 but then managed but found themselves in a hole: 3rd and 15 into the wind. The next play, a Sabres' back managed to get what looked liked 15 yards, but those holding the first down marker must have been standing 6 inches too far up field and the Sabres turned the ball over on downs at the AOB 20 yard line. This was the second time the Sabres were in scoring position, coming away without points.
After having the defense make quick work of the AOB offense again, the Sabres had the ball back after good punt by AOB. Sal proceeded to pound the ball against the large front of AOB, but coughed up the ball again. This time, AOB was at the right place at the right time, scooping the ball up and taking it into the endzone. AOB reclaimed the lead with a score of 14-9. So with gun shot wounds to both feet, the Sabres had to regroup as time was running out on the first half. Regroup is what the offense did. Moving the ball into the wind again, the Sabres once again had the ball just outside of the AOB 30 yard-line. With time running out, the Sabres went deep, hitting one of the runningbacks who had released down field. Thirty-four yards into the wind, it was another touchdown to make the score at half time, 16-14 for the Sabres.
After some reflecting in the dressing room during half-time, the Sabres knew they could perform better, and took it upon themselves to prove they were a better team that showed up in the first half. The opening kick-off return set the tone when the Sal's returner hurdled a would-be tackler before his 40 yard return was cut off. The second half contained most of the 111 yards of passing with receptions being shared by 5 receivers. AOB's offense either ran out of gas, or Sal's defense had their number as they struggled to get close to mid field most of the half. The Sabres had the majority of the ball possession and drove the ball into the endzone two more times, once in each of the 3rd and 4th quarter. The last touchdown was converted by a two point conversion after the Sabres' kicker was unable to participate for the remainder of the game.
In summary, the offense was 3 yards short of another 400 yard game. The Sabre backs had rushing totals of 135 and 89 yards, with the QB adding another 62 yards. Three touchdowns were scored by one back and the other by the QB. The Sabres offense also had three fumbles, all recovered by AOB. Defensively, the Sabres' highlights included the safety-touch, two sacks, one fumble recovery and one pick. The final score was 31-14.
A solid second half after a slow start showed that this young team has some character. Unfortunately, a slow start next week could see the Sabres trailing the St. Albert Skyhawks very quickly. On Thursday, September 26, let's see if the Sabres can come out firing on all cylinders. Game time is 7:30 at Coronation Stadium. (Note: a write-up for next week's game will be delayed as this "reporter" will be in sunny southern Louisiana for the next week and half. Good luck Sabres!)
Sept 12, 2002
Sabres finish pre-season on an high note
Memories of lop sided scores still burn in the memory of many Sabres, and maybe that has driven the team of 2002 to come together faster than predicted. On a night where conditions were perfect for football, the Sabres wearing their new "Reds" were firing on all cylinders against an inexperienced Bellerose squad, beating the team from St. Albert by a score of 69-0.
The tone was set from the first play from scrimmage when a simple dive was turned into a 67 yard major. The game would continue with the defense immediately getting the ball back for the offense by forcing punts or causing fumbles. Each possession of the first half was capped by a touchdown leading to a half time score of 48-0. The Sabres offense only turned the ball over twice during the game; once on a fumble and another on downs. The punt team never saw the field.
Six touchdowns were scored by the running attack and four more were added through the air. The only blemish in the Sabres' scoring was a convert that hit an upright. In
total, the Sabre offense amassed 490 net yards, 309 rushing and 181 by the air. The touchdowns were spread around by six players including one each by the three junior players gaining experience with their senior team-mates. The "game ball" could have gone to a certain runningback who rushed for three touchdowns and had two touchdown receptions. The two Sabre quarterbacks threw 70% while throwing two touchdowns apiece and managed to get the ball to six receivers.
On the other side of the ball, the defense held Bellerose to only three first downs and allowed them to cross center field only twice before getting the ball back. Gang tackling was often missing last year, but the norm during this game. Keeping Bellerose from moving the ball meant the defense saw very little action and were able to keep fresh for the entire game.
It was clear that Bellerose had very few players with experience playing high school football. Although, there were diamonds in the rough that the Sabres will have to be aware of when they meet up again at the end of the regular season. While the Sabres can take away many positives, it will be interesting to see how they come out for the first game of the regular season next week against AOB. Austin O'Brien always plays tough against the Sabres and should prove to be a better measure of how good this Sabre team really is.
Sept 7, 2002
Success at the Lazerte JamboreeThis weekend the Sabres faced another mixed bag of opponents. From two Tier 1 Public league teams to teams from smaller schools from out of town. The first game was a 3 TD -2 TD win over Eastglen. With Eastglen continuously playing catch up against an improving Sabre defense, the Sabre offense was able to score on all three of their possessions to keep the game in hand.
Springbank, a town near Calgary was next. A little more size and speed than Eastglen, Springbank was a step up for the next game. However, the defense dug in when they had to and the offense spread the ball between the runningbacks, the receivers as well as some timely runs by their quarterback. With two touchdowns along the ground and one TD reception, the Sabres displayed a balanced attack. The final score was 3-1.
Continuing with the balanced attack, the Sabres offense took it to a young and small Llyodminster team. Three touchdowns came via runs and three more resulted from passing plays. The defense spent most of the game on the field since the offense was able to score on one or two plays per drive. The defense provided the shut-out for a 6-0 win.
The last game of the afternoon was against the same Parkland Predators that the Sabres beat in the spring camp tournament in Camrose. The biggest and fastest team the Sabres faced during this jamboree would get the edge in the end. Each team had the ball three times. The Predators scored on their first drive, as did the Sabres. The Sabres scored with a 30 yard throw into the endzone. Next came 2-and-outs for both teams as the defenses flexed some muscle. The Preds then drove down and scored again, leaving one last possession for the Sabres to match the score. A ball controlling drive ensued and the Sabres were on their way to tying the game when an ill timed fumble resulted in a turnover. The final score was 2-1 for Parkland.
Overall, the team improved from last weekend. The defensive secondary proved once again that they are fast to support the run, but also quick to cover. The defensive front had two starting linebackers missing and still managed to do well. The young replacements held their own on many plays up the middle. Offensively, the ball was moved around from runningbacks to receivers. Touchdowns came from short distances after long sustained drives, as well as 3 or 4 from plays over 50 yards. By no means is the team ready for league play yet; however, there are still two weeks left until the games start counting. Two weeks to tweak what is in now and add new looks and plays on both sides of the ball. The Sabres next game is an exhibition game against Bellerose at the Strathcona Athletic Park next Friday in Sherwood Park. Game time is 7:30.
Aug 31, 2002
Sabres return from Hanna undefeatedThe first pre-season jamboree was a success for the 2002 Sabres. The team was fortunate to have a schedule that included two Tier 1 opponents. The schedule included games against Grande Prairie, Camrose, Brooks and Holy Cross from Saskatoon.
The first game was against the enviably large Grande Prairie. The Sabres initially struggled both on defense and offense with GP scoring on their first drive and the offense sputtering on their opening possession. However, the defense shut GP out for the rest of the game and the offense capped a long sustained drive off with a touchdown on their second of only two possessions during the game. The final score was one touchdown a piece.
The second game was against a Camrose team that with a few injuries had only 21 players at the tournament. Defensively, the Sabres did not allow Camrose to move the ball at all. Offensively, the first drive was quick with a few long running plays resulting in a touchdown. A second drive was engineered through the air and was finished off with a 15 yard TD reception. Many junior players were able to get into this game and proved their future value by moving the ball well offensively and maintaining the shut out on defense. The final score was two touchdowns to none for the Sabres.
The third game was against a normally powerful squad from Brooks. The Buffalos are usually one of the favourites to top their league, however they were no match for the Sabres at this tournament. The senior offense scored two easy touchdowns including a quick pass reception that turned into a 60 yard TD on the second play of the game. Not to be outdone, the defense added two touchdowns of their own off of two of their multiple interceptions. The Sabres' defense gave up a late long TD reception at the end of the game, but that was the only blemish in a 4 TD to 1 victory.
After a long break that included lunch, the Sabres next opponents were the only other undefeated team in the tournament. Holy Cross, a Tier 1 team from Saskatoon had just beaten Grande Prairie in the game before and were looking to keep their undefeated record intact. Holy Cross matched the Sabres in size and speed and was good final test for this tournament. Blessed with a good quarterback and some speedy receivers, Holy Cross attempted to move the ball through the air after finding no success on the ground. The Sabres secondary showed they also have speed of their own and never really allowed Holy Cross to become a threat.
Offensively, the Sabres faced Holy Cross' greatest asset, their linebackers. Fast and blitz happy, the linebackers provided the Sabres young offensive linemen with a handful of problems. It was a great learning experience for them and apparently they learn fast. Two thirds of the way through the game, the linemen managed to open a very large hole for the Sabres' rumbling fullback and he took the ball though Holy Cross' secondary and proceeded to outrun everyone to the end zone. The one touchdown was enough to win the game and give the Sabres the undefeated record of 3-0-1 for the tournament. The Sabres managed to score 8 touchdowns and only gave up 2 during their four games. Not a bad start after only 3 days of practice!
Now the Sabres will get in another 4 days of practice before the ME Lazerte Jamboree next Saturday. The next week will involved fixing some apparent problems as well as adding new wrinkles to the offense and defense before facing their next opponents.
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