Maurice Sodja knew the St. Clair Football team was talented when he arrived on campus last fall. The Saints rolled to an undefeated season before losing in the CJFL national championship game 43-0 to the Saskatoon Hilltops.
"We all looked at each other and said we can't put a product like that on the field again. It was a learning lesson." said the Louisville, Kentucky native who was a second-team All-Canadian in 2023.
The team worked hard during the off-season and the results are showing on the field. St. Clair is 4-0 heading into a showdown Saturday night at Acumen Stadium against 3-1 Ottawa. The Saints have only allowed one touchdown this season and that came during their week 1 win over London.
"We just put on a bunch of weight. Everybody did. That was our goal. Everybody get stronger, faster and athletic. I think we all did it pretty good." Sodja told Powerplay Sports.
Sodja feels he has more spring in his step and the hits he takes do not affect him as much as last season. "I'm getting up strong from bigger hits. I don't really feel it much. I'm just out there playing ball. I definitely feel it. The ball is flying out of my hand farther and faster."
After three weeks of shutouts, the Saints are looking forward to the next two weekend's against Ottawa and London at home. "We are all really excited about this weekends game," Sodja said. "Ottawa always try’s to hit us in the mouth and make the game a challenge, but that’s what we want. We know that we are everyone’s Super Bowl and we are the team to beat in the OFC but we accept it with open arms. We can’t wait for this weekend. It should be a fun one!"
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