The expectations for the Sudbury Jr Spartans - both the U16 and U18 teams - keep rising with every passing week.
It's not just that the teams keep piling on the wins (both teams now sport a record of 4-1, with both teams have lost just one game each - and that by a single point).
It's as much about just how handily these victories are occurring for the local OSFL (Ontario Summer Football League) programs.
The pair took to the road last weekend, with the elder lads stomping the Toronto Jr Argos 41-14 while the U16 squad tamed the York Lions, 43-12.
There is a lot to like about the play of the Sudbury tandem - including the fact of just how business-like they are in their approach against lesser skilled opponents.
"Every game that I am going into, it doesn't matter if I'm playing Peterborough, the Soo, Huronia or Clarington, in my mind, they are all the same," said 18 year-old defensive back Tucker Lalonde.
"We've got to put our foot on the gas and just keep going."
That was certainly the case in Toronto last Saturday as Steven Sola rushed for a pair of touchdowns before wide receiver Quin Mazzuchin took over, scoring on catch and run plays that covered nearly 200 yards combined for three majors.
Meanwhile, Lalonde and the rest of his defensive compatriots continue to do their thing as the newcomer to summer football refines his game with every passing week.
"The biggest challenge for me is on those runs plays where you have to shed that block and then make a play on that big 200 pound running back," said Lalonde. "That's a lot harder than trying to play defense against a good wide receiver."
Lalonde went out for the Chargers high-school team in grade nine, much heavier at the time and inserted as an offensive lineman.
"It was just painful," he now laughs.
Taking a year away from the game, he would return in grade 11, having committed to a weight-room and weight loss regimen and embracing the shift to the defensive secondary.
"I started really focusing on foot skills and catching the ball," he said. He's expanding that knowledge even more this summer, tapping into the likes of Jr Spartans veteran Niki Sola for guidance.
"I've watched his man press and man coverage; he's really helped me with that," said Lalonde. "You just watch and learn."
Beyond his contributions on defense, Lalonde has found at least one other outlet for his love of contact.
"I think I have been a very impactful player on special teams," he said. "I just like going all out, right from the kickoff, and blowing up plays."
The U16 Jr Spartans did not really "blow up" the York Lions until the second half last week, trailing 12-7 as the teams retreated to their dressing rooms at the half.
A 36-0 outburst in the final two quarters capped off an outing that featured majors from Moshood Adeleye (35 yd pass from Evan DeMarchi, 5 yard TD run from DeMarchi, 35 yard run from Levi Blouin, 30 yard run from Kade Campbell, 60 yard interception return from Elliot Lees and a Ryder Lalonde fumble recovery in the end zone.
Dom Quintana made good on all six converts and blasted a 60 yard single on a kickoff to round out the scoring for the visitors as both Sudbury teams return home this weekend to face the Peterborough Wolverines: game times at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
