The game plan on Saturday going into their OSFL (Ontario Summer Football League) U18 "AA" quarter-final matchup with the unbeaten Huronia Stallions (7-0) was for the Sudbury Jr Spartans (5-3) to do more than just throw a scare into the first place finishers in the East Division.

Tied at 30-30 with the fourth place Spartans with 3:06 to play at the Barrie Community Sports Complex, safe to suggest the Stallions were feeling a bit uneasy - even if a 51-30 final score might not have made it seem that way.

The Sudbury side were trailing 19-3 when Dylan Nelson scored on a five yard touchdown run, with Huronia getting some of that back on a field goal, making it 22-9. Another key Spartans score, this time by QB Evan DeMarchi on the final play of the opening half made it 22-16 - and gave the visitors some extra momentum.

An opening drive coming out of the dressing rooms culminated with a seven-yard Cam Quesnel touchdown reception and the first Sudbury lead of the contest at 23-22.

The Stallions countered quickly, returning the ensuing kickoff all the way back and forcing the Spartans to reply, yet again, this time with a 1 yard run from fullback Evan Doyle midway through the fourth, knotting the score at 30-30.

With just over three minutes to play, Huronia returned a Sudbury punt 50 yards for a score - and in the words of Spartans head coach Shane Hutchinson, "the wheels fell off".

An interception and late turnover on downs would lead to a pair of inconsequential majors that may have flattered the scoreboard for the favourites but did little to detract from the positive takeaways shared by coach Hutchinson in a losing cause.

"I couldn't be more proud," he texted. "The boys fought hard. They were big, fast and strong. The young players we have on this team, the development I've seen this season: the future is bright for this program."