Steelers fall to Spartans

The Sault Steelers haven’t had the depth they have in other seasons through two weeks of the Northern Football Conference regular season.

Though the team had more players in the lineup than during their season-opening loss to the G.T.A. All-Stars a week earlier in Toronto, the Steelers dropped a 27-13 decision to the Sudbury Spartans on Saturday evening at Superior Heights in Northern Football Conference action.

Sudbury opened things up in the second half to break open what was a tight game through two quarters.

“They tried to run early on and we shut them down pretty good,” said Player/Coach Brandon Lewis. “Then they opened it up with their young quarterback.

“They made some big plays and there were some mental errors on our part,” Lewis added. “The thing is, we’ve got guys in positions that are learning.”

Lewis added that depth has been an issue early on.

“We know that in the next couple of weeks some guys will have work making them available (to play),” Lewis said. “We’re looking forward to the weeks to come. Today’s result was directly related to not having the numbers and not being able to fulfil things at practice.”

Steelers quarterback Frank Weise completed one of eight passes for 15 yards. Matt Buchan ran the ball for 82 yards on 18 carries.

Fred Casselman and Alonzo Clarke had five tackles each defensively for the Steelers.

Josh Cuomo ran for a pair of touchdowns for Sudbury and finished the evening with 74 yard rushing on seven runs. James Howatt caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Campbell and had three receptions for 85 yards. Dustin Crowder also had a touchdown catch from Campbell (nine yards).

Erik Conrad had 7.5 tackles to lead Sudbury defensively.

The Steelers return to action on the road against the Toronto Raiders on June 13.

(Photo: Nate Edwards of the Sault Steelers tackles Sudbury;s Aaron Campbell during Northern Football Conference action on Saturday. Brad Coccimiglio/SooToday)