Sarnia, On -Before the home crowd estimated at 250 people the game began at 7:00 and ended at 11:20 after after an hour and fifty-four minute rain delay.  The Sarnia Imperials for the first time since they reinstated the team in 2006 are moving on to the Semi-Finals after taking a quarter final 28 - 2 win over the Sault St. Marie Steelers.
 

The defensive lines were a major factor leading the Imperials in the win. "We came out a little sluggish" said Head Coach Jake Cherski "Our defense was awake which was good early because it kept us in the game until our offense starting to click in."
 

At the half the Imperials led 21 - 0 with the first touch down scored by Chad Van Barnesveld who rushed into the end zone and fell on the ball after the Steelers Quarterback missed the snap.  Deshawn Hayes picked off a Steeler pass and ran in 39 yards for a touch down.  The final touchdown before the half was scored on a comical play starting when Steeler's Aaron Bertelo was tackled by Dewayne Jackson and the ball popped loose and Steve Mati intercepted the loose ball to take it down field then made a forward lateral to John Bain who ran it in for the touchdown.

 

Deshanwn Hayes ran a total of 132 yards in the game scored his 2nd touch down in the 2nd half,  Julien Shadd-Gentry also ran in for a touch down in the win.  Kevin Allear punted all four converts for the extra points.

 

The Imperials will now meet the undefeated Toronto Titans in the Semi Finals on Saturday August 11 at Birchmount Stadium beginning at 9:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

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