It was pouring rain when the Sudbury Spartans took to the field for their 2006 season opener in Kitchener June 3, a disappointing 62-13 loss to the Tri-City Outlaws.
"They're a good team, no question. You can see why
they were champions last year," said Spartans' head
coach Chris Bartolucci.
The Spartans being a team that relies heavily on their
passing ability to wins games, the rain meant the outcome would
be decided on rushing and defence - an area where Bartolucci
knows his squad is weak.
"(Because of the rain) the passing game was virtually
non-existent. Not being able to throw the ball as much as we
would like to, they brought their whole defence up to the line
of scrimmage . . . and we're still able to run for 237
yards.
"That's pretty damn good," said Bartolucci after
his first game behind the Spartans' bench.
The coach said his team brought the ball to within 30 yards of
the goal line on several occasions but were unable to
capitalize and made it tougher on themselves by fumbling the
ball or giving up interceptions.
"I don't think we put our best effort on the field
defensively," said Bartolucci. "We're weak on
defence, we know that and we know we have to make some
adjustments."
Bartolucci said he is concerned, but not scared about his
team's fate this season.
"I'm always disappointed to lose but overall our
offence did a good job of moving the ball," he said.
"We'll bounce back from this.
"There was some good things that came out of it, the score
doesn't indicate it and the public will never understand it
but from a coaching point of view - I saw a different
team."
The Spartans' next game, their home opener, is June 17
against the Oakville Longhorns. The game is at Queen's
Athletic Field, Game time is 7 pm.
In other local football news, the Sudbury Northerners, of the
Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) are 1-1 after winning
their second game of the season 21-18 over the Limestone
District Grenadiers at Queen's Athletic Field June 3.
