2003 Year in Review - Sabres Football

2003 was a year that saw the continued development of the Metro League’s Carr conference as the most competitive league in the province. The league contained the reigning Tier 1 and 2 provincial champions, which made the return of the Sabres as League Champions an even greater achievement.

Coming into 2003, the Sabres had an idea that great things could happen based on the fact that most of their offense was returning, including their quarterback. The size of their offensive line and fullback and the speed of their tailbacks and quarterback made them well suited as an option-based offense. Although the option burned more than one defense, their receiver corps was one of the best in the history of the team. In more than one game, up to 7 or 8 players had receptions in a game. Overall, it was the most balanced offense the program has ever developed.

Defensively, the Sabres had both size and speed, though ultimately it was the speed that became their trademark. It was unfortunate that they lost a starting middle linebacker at the start of the season, but those that stepped in to fill his shoes more than excelled.

The year began with a running start with a 36-6 non-conference win over Fort McMurray. The Sabres maintained the momentum with similar victories over AOB (37-3) and Grande Prairie (39-8).

Then came the cross-town rival game against the defending Tier 1 Champs, Bev Facey. The home-town game between rivals added the energy of a large crowd to the game and took it to a new level. In the end, the Falcons’ two-year dominance over the Sabres was put to an end with a 22-15 victory.

The season’s momentum was slowed in the next game against St. Albert where the Sabres had problems successfully finishing drives. The Sabres struggled to beat the Skyhawks by a score of only 15-8.

Momentum may have been falsely restored by an exhibition against a courageous Hinton squad that almost had fewer players than Sal has coaches. The 55-0 victory won by mostly second team and junior players may have set Sal up for a fall in their following game.

Though it may have been a tough lesson to learn, Sal’s next league game was the solidifying moment of the season. All momentum could have been lost with a 41-21 drubbing at the hands of Sherwood Park’s other high school Archbishop Jordan. However, the Sabres built on the few positives found in the game and were confident about a rematch. But to get to the rematch with ABJ, a second go with the Falcons was up first in the Carr Conference semi-finals.

The league semi-final was probably the toughest game of the season. Not because they faced their most challenging opponent, but because Sal was playing with half of their defense out with injury and a quarterback with the flu who just crawled out of bed to play the game. The Falcons literally threw everything they could at Sal with their highly respected aerial attack. But it was Sal’s balanced attack that won the day with a tight 28-26 victory.

After ending the Falcons’ season as the Falcons did to the Sabres last year, the Sabres had the rematch they wanted with ABJ. After spending hours reviewing tape and a solid week of practice, the Sabres had great confidence that they would not have a repeat of the regular season game. Unfortunately, three fumbles in the first half provided the Scots with three quick chances to score. But even though they faced a 28-7 deficit at half, the Sabres did not panic because they recognized that the only thing they did wrong in the first half was turn the ball over. In the second half, their patience and game planning was rewarded as every time they had possession of the ball they scored, leading to the greatest comeback in program history to win 35-28.

After securing their league leading 6th championship, the Sabres then moved onto provincials. The Northern Provincial Semi-finals would be against Grande Prairie. The Warriors were also having a successful year and despite the Sabres beating them easily earlier in the season, GP was provincially ranked ahead of the Sabres, which only added another reason to beat them again. The Sabres did so on a frozen field in Sherwood Park, 39-16.

With the semi-final victory the Sabres had a date with the Edmonton Public League Champion, the Strathcona Lords. Scona had the best running game in their league and a passing game that could score when called upon. With no team coming within 30 points of beating Scona in their league, the Sabres were the underdogs. It must have been a surprise when the Sabres jumped out to a 10-0 lead to start the game. However, a seesaw battle would ensue as both teams found ways to score. The Sabres’ defense shut down the powerful running game of Scona, but Scona then took to the air to find success. In the end, it game down to a long field-goal into the wind; if the Sabres made it they would win by two, if they didn’t, they lose by one. Whether or not the ball was tipped by the Scona defense is still being debated, but ultimately the field-goal was no-good. The final score... 25-24 for Scona.

So ended the 2003 season of the Salisbury Sabres. They would not return to the Provincial Championship, but all agreed that the season was still a great success. They had their 6th Carr Championship (13th league championship in the program’s history) and bragging rights in Sherwood Park for the next year.

To the delight of the coaching staff, many of the returning players have already been seen in the fitness centre, working out on a regular basis. Even more encouraging for next year is the fact that most of the offense is again returning. Two starting receivers will be returning, two runningbacks and the “Triplets” from the O-line are also back for more year. One returning runningback who was a close second in team MVP voting is expected to compete for the league rushing title next year. His main competition may be the other player in the backfield who is also a returning senior and is chomping at the bit to play a full season.

The Sabres are also fortunate that a few key standouts return to lead the defense next year. There are some holes to fill for next season, but the Sabres are fortunate that there are many dedicated and talented players waiting in the wings to step in. So while they may be young, it appears the defense will be just as hard to play against as last year.

At first glance at the Junior Team’s record, one could be disappointed. However, the team finally gelled near the end of the season and showed great promise. It’s unfortunate that the season had to end. But even though their record wasn’t stellar, it closely resembled the record of the 2001 Junior Team. That team consisted of players that just won the League Championship as seniors. That said, it has been decided that the Junior Team will play an even greater roll in player development starting next season, and additional coaches are in the works. Most importantly, the coaches and veteran players are excited about the incoming bantam players and look forward to having them wearing red and black in the spring.

Probably the best thing that has happened to the Sabres over the past two years has been the development of the Red and Black Booster Club. A group of dedicated parents who know how to fundraise and ensure the program is running smoothly. Stay tuned as exciting project announcements are scheduled for this off-season… projects that will elevate the Sabres Football Program to a whole new level. 2004 promises to be a very exciting year for the program.