Steelers upset in opening round of Power 5 playoffs

The first Power 5 Football League season came to a crashing halt on Saturday night.

Hosting the Sudbury Spartans to open the playoffs, the Sault Steelers dropped an 8-6 decision to their northern Ontario rivals at Rocky DiPietro Field.

Spartans quarterback Adam Rocha had the lone touchdown in the game, scoring on a two-yard run in the opening half that was converted by Victor Paajanen.

Both teams picked up points on rouges in the game.

For the Steelers, in addition to a safety, Brady Smith kicked a 16-yard field goal in the loss,

Brock Hoover ran the ball 20 times for 113 yards for the Steelers in the loss.

In addition to a big day defensively for the Steelers with 11 tackles and a pair of sacks, Michael Reid had 45 yards rushing on eight carries in the game.

Steven Hiimeaa ran the ball 14 times for 46 yards for the Steelers.

Defensively for the Steelers, Blake Ianelli had four tackles and a sack while Andrew Dale also had four tackles.

In addition to 38 yards rushing on 10 carries for the Spartans, Rocha completed 11 of 17 pass attempts for 135 yards.

Drake Thiessen caught five passes for 94 yards om the victory.

Defensively, Erik Conrad had 10 tackles for the Spartans.

The Steelers finished the regular season in top spot with a 4-2 record after beating the Tri-City Outlaws last week on home field and also winning both regular season meetings with the Spartans.

The Spartans, who will face the Sarnia Imperials in the Power 5 League final in Aug. 10, went 0-6 in regular season play.