Some top-end talent have clearly grabbed the spotlight early in the 2022 OSFL (Ontario Summer Football League) season for the Sudbury Jr Spartans.

Feel free to now add Braeden Beggs to that list.

Beggs kick-started the Spartans offense last Sunday in North Bay, scoring the game's first touchdown on a 61 yard pass and run connection with QB Steven Sola and adding a 53 yarder in the fourth quarter as Sudbury stopped the Bulldogs 29-6.

A six minute game opening drive which got the homeside to midfield but not much further would pave the way to a scoreless tie after 15 minutes of play, something of a bonus in the end from the standpoint of Spartans head coach Jordan Desilets.

"It was important for the kids to realize that just showing up with helmets and jerseys will not win them a football game," said Desilets. "They actually have to play every game, regardless of the opponent."

"We started kind of slow. North Bay ran the ball well on us and we had to adjust defensively."

Up 7-0 in the second quarter, the visitors doubled the advantage thanks to a 71 yard run by Carson Huzij, who gained the corner on a sweep as Paolo Grossi kicked his second convert, adding a field goal to make it 17-0 at the half.

A Spartans march to start the third quarter likely would have sealed the contest early if not for a Bulldogs' interception that forced Sola to make his second touchdown saving tackle of the season.

Regardless, all that did was delay the inevitable as North Bay got on the scoreboard with a TD of their own, only to see Sudbury counter quickly, adding a safety and a single to take a 20-6 advantage into the final fifteen.

After Beggs made it a three-score game, Grossi closed things off with a 32 yard field goal in a contest that could have looked much worse for the Dogs.

"We are leaving a lot of meat on the bone right now," said Desilets, who noted that Sudbury fumbled the ball twice in the red zone in addition to the interception noted earlier. "We're leaving points on the field, so we will have to execute better moving forward."

"It's a little bit of a lack of experience, knowing enough to properly hold on to the football at all times."

Over and above the big play abilities of Braeden Beggs, Desilets also highlighted the efforts of Jacob Thom, Robert VanEmbden and Niki Sola defensively, as well as receivers Jacob Dillabough, Cody Osawamick, Connor Campeau and Drake Thiessen.

"They might not be catching the ball on every play, but I know they will be delivering nasty blocks to opposing defenders, making it a lot easier for our offense."

The teams complete the home and home Saturday (June 25th) at 4:00 p.m. at the James Jerome Sports Complex.