With second place in the OSFL (Ontario Summer Football League) U16 AA East Division on the line - and a chance to knock the Sault Sabrecats from the ranks of the unbeaten - the Sudbury U16 Jr Spartans were more than ready to battle this past Saturday at the James Jerome Sports Complex.

"We knew it was going to be a tough fight," said Sudbury coach Dan Yoisten, his team building up a 9-0 lead at the half and holding on for a 12-6 win. "Both defenses are really good. Both defenses were well prepared."

"It was one of those typical Sault Ste Marie - Sudbury football games that goes right down to the wire; good, hard football."

The homeside opened the scoring thanks to a 26 yard touchdown pass from Kade Campbell to Dean Vildis, with the latter converting his own score by sailing the PAT through the uprights.

As for Campbell, it was a productive outing for the local pivot, going 11/17 for 147 yards including 66 to Brendan Goffin on five catches.

The Jr Spartans tacked on two more points before half-time when Caleb Middaugh was credited with the safety touch before the Sabercats countered in quarter three, marching for a major on their first possession of the second half.

That was as close as the lads from the Lock City would get with Vildis tacking on a field goal in the final 12 minutes of play, forcing the Sault to play for a touchdown late.

Defensively, Mason Hofford and Caleb Middaugh showed the way with four tackles each, supported by a large three tackle group that included Ostin Parro, Dexter Mailloux, Rylan Maksymchuk, Byron Marshall and Jax Perry, the latter adding an interception and earning a little extra praise from coach Yoisten.

"He (Perry) just stepped up to another level," said Yoisten. "He was playing in a position (defensive halfback) that we were kind of training him up for. He had a fantastic game."

Standout Sudbury running back Michael Bisschops was limied to 64 yards on 12 carries, while Kade Campbell scrambled in adding 27 yards rushing to his stat line.

"We did try and make some adjustments but they are a well coached defense," said Yoisten. "They were ready. They made adjustments on the fly, just like we did."

In the end, Sudbury did enough to earn themselves one extra home game, hosting the Toronto Jr Argos this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at James Jerome in OSFL first round playoff action.

"Being at home, in front of the home crowd and not having to spend four to five hours on a bus is an advantage," said Yoisten.