Glads smiling after narrow win over the Wild

The Sudbury defence continues to shine, as many expected prior to the start of the 2015 campaign. Defensive halfback Konnor Gillis scored the only touchdown for the Gladiators, returning an interception 68 yards, with Pierce Wallingford nailing the convert.

The Glads also registered their second safety touch in as many games, with Cam McDermid receiving credit for the two additional points. Though the entire defensive unit deserves credit, Rehel is especially pleased with the rapid development in his last line of defense.

"We've got five defensive backs who are elite in this league," said Rehel. "Great size, great speed, great hands and great instincts for the game. Our defence was perhaps even more stellar than in Week 1."

Though the score bore a strong resemblance to the season-opening loss, Rehel noted that there were some key differences, not the least of which came as a result of Sudbury playing without running back Thomas Rideout, sidelined with a knee injury.

His absence put additional pressure on backfield mate Johnny Pavacic, who enjoyed a very strong outing, often running off the back of offensive lineman Alex Vendramin.

"It was a wet day," said Rehel. "There were a bunch of things adding up that seemed to stop the offence from reaching the end zone."

Still, he was pleased with the ball movement the Gladiators received, accepting some responsibility for a penalty mismatch that Rehel surmised was somewhere in the 4:1 or 5:1 ratio in terms of additional yardage assessed on the visiting crew.

"This is a game where it truly showed my youth as a head coach," reflected Rehel. "I guess I haven't adjusted to the fact that I'm a head coach yet, and that was probably my downfall this game. I didn't realize that the way I react truly permeates through every player on our sidelines, and every other coach."

Thankfully, the extra penalties did not cost the Gladiators the win, as the team evened their record at 1-1. The locals will take to the road for a third straight time this coming Saturday, facing the Oakville Titans (0-2).

Though the Titans are still in search of their first win, Rehel points out that they present an interesting challenge, favouring a five or six receiver set offensively, that spreads the width of the field.

With Sudbury still struggling to put points on the board with a young offensive group that are gradually gaining experience, the importance of limiting Oakville to a bare minimum of big plays is obviously accentuated.

The Gladiators will be at home for the first time this summer on June 20, when the Toronto Jr Argonauts pay a visit to the James Jerome Sports Complex.