BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The Sudbury Spartans' 2006 season may be done, but it's far
from over.
The Northern Football Conference released its list of First and
Second Team All-Stars this week, and the Spartans had four
players on the First All-Star Team, and five players on the
second list.
Running backs Dan Leduc and Stephen Gravel, along with
offensive lineman Pat Walsh, were selected to the First Offence
squad, while Kim Labrosse (better known as Junior) made the
First team for defence.
Wide receiver Brandon Dougan, offensive lineman Bruce
Vaillancourt, Leduc (punt return), defensive lineman Kevin
White and linebacker Joe Kerr made their respective second
teams.
The Spartans finished the campaign with a 3-5 record, before bowing out of the playoffs in the first round thanks to a 41-14 loss to Milton.
Head coach Chris Bartolucci was obviously pleased with the
all-star selections.
"Our offence was recognized by the league," said the bench
boss. "To have four players and five players on the all-star
teams is something good and not bad for a team that went 3-5.
It's a good place to build from. It says we did something right
this season."
The list of all stars speaks volumes about the talent on the
club.
"When you look at our all-stars...they all have really good
experience in this league," said Bartolucci. "These guys have
been the pillars of the Spartans franchise. They deserved the
recognition."
The all-star players are most certain to be playing in the
second annual NFC All-Star game, which will be contested at
Queen's Athletic Field on Sept. 9. The big game will showcase
the deep talent base of players not just in Sudbury, but the
north as well.
"This will give local fans plenty to cheer for," said
Bartolucci. "They're going to see some great players. There's
21 players from the Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay and Sudbury
clubs on the First- or Second All-Star teams...it says a lot
about the football and the players in the north. It will be a
tremendous All-Star game."
The players were thrilled with the news.
Labrosse has played 18 seasons in the NFC, all with Sudbury,
and has never made an all-star squad.
"It feels great," said the defensive back. "It's really nice
to be recognized by your peers. I had a good season...It's hard
in this league because there's so many good players in it. I
led the league in interceptions and set a new interceptions
record for the Spartans...It feels extra special."
The all-star game will prove how good the players are in the
NFC.
"The all-star game will be exciting...That's when people
will see the real talent in the league," said Labrosse. "It's
not bush league at all. There's former pro and future pros
playing in the league."
Leduc, who was forced from his usual wide receiver position
to running back because of injuries, had an incredible year,
rushing for 472 yards, fifth most in the NFC.
"It's an honour to be nominated," said the 30-year-old. "I
was surprised and couldn't believe it when I heard it. I am
thankful. I played in the all-star game last year...I had the
time of my life and I can't wait to play again."
This was Leduc's first time being named to an all-star
squad.
Gravel, the Spartans other primary running back, rumbled for
480 yards, fourth most in the league. He's also another
newcomer to the all-star teams.
"It makes me feel great because all the hard work I put in
this season paid off," said Gravel. "It's nice to know you're
appreciated. It's something positive I can take from this
season and something I can work on for next season."
For Walsh, it was the 12th time in his long career he has
been named to the first or second team.
It was the perfect compliment as Walsh has hung up the pads
and retired.
"It feels nice to end my career this way," said Walsh. "It's
a nice cap.
"I was curious to see what others thought of my season. I thought I had a shot at the second team, not the first team, so it was a shock."
