Erwin Klempner is OK with being in the crosshairs.

The Regina Thunder's head coach said so Sunday after his team's 59-10 PFC victory over the Calgary Colts at Mosaic Stadium, an outcome which Klempner said will result in other teams putting a target on the Thunder's collective back.

"We want everyone to know that every time they line up against us, it's going to be like a playoff game," Klempner said. "In order to get into the playoffs, teams are going to have to go through us.

"We're 2-and-0 and we've really raised the bar with our play. Nobody's going to take us lightly anymore. Before, teams took us lightly. They'd say, 'They're going to fold their tents or implode.' The guys here now are starting to learn how to turn it on. We're trying to establish a culture here."

Klempner suggested the Thunder's newfound maturity has been on display over the past two weeks.

In its opener a week earlier, Regina went on the road and thumped the defending PFC-champion Edmonton Wildcats 32-14. On Sunday, the Thunder easily handled a team that some observers consider a serious threat to win the 2010 PFC title.

"But we're just 2-and-0," Klempner cautioned. "The kids have handled it so well. We got on the bus (Sunday) and there was some cheering and stuff, but then it was, 'Let's move on to the next thing.' "

Next up for Regina is a meeting with the perennially powerful Saskatoon Hilltops, who are to visit Mosaic Stadium on Sept. 11. Both teams have byes next weekend.

In Klempner's mind, the Thunder is playing for more than just a playoff berth this season and beyond.

The veteran coach believes the team is representing not only the city, but also all of the amateur football that is played in the city, be it in Regina Minor Football or the Regina Intercollegiate Football League.

"That's why I came here," said Klempner, who's in his fifth season as the Thunder's head coach after stints in the high school ranks and with the University of Regina Rams. "We've got all of this football being played here. I go across the country and I hear everyone say they want to be like Saskatchewan.

"We've got good kids who are really committed -- and that's why it's important. We're trying to give kids a chance to be proud of a program. We're getting there."