On Tuesday, October 27, the Sault Ste. Marie High School Football League officially revealed the offensive and defensive nominees for the Junior and Senior divisions for the 2026 season. The nominations recognize outstanding student-athletes from schools across the city who made their mark throughout the regular season through their talent, leadership, and consistent performances. Offensive candidates stood out for their playmaking ability, execution, and contributions to their teams, while defensive nominees earned recognition for their toughness, discipline, and ability to limit opposing offences.
With the nominees now announced, attention turns to the upcoming award presentations and the selection of the Senior All-Star Team. The honours will recognize the top performers in high school football across Sault Ste. Marie, celebrating the athletes who played key roles in their teams’ success and made a lasting impact on the field during the 2026 campaign.
Junior
Most Outstanding Player (Nick Farris Memorial Trophy)
Nominees: Deegan Desjardin (St Mary’s Knights), Connor Williamson (Korah Colts), Ben Campbell (Superior Heights Steelhawks), Jaxon Faubert-Kline (White Pines Wolverines)
Most Outstanding Lineman (Curtis Grandmont Trophy)
Nominees: Cooper Woods (St Mary’s Knights), Brock Biagini (Korah Colts), Taitum Rushon (Superior Heights Steelhawks), Bryson Johnson (White Pines Wolverines)
Offensive Player of the Year (Rushon Family Trophy)
Nominees: Landon Chiarot (St Mary’s Knights), Davian Clarke (Korah Colts), Brydan Wootton (Superior Heights Steelhawks), Lucian Tadla-Chillman (White Pines Wolverines)
Defensive Player of the Year (Steeler Trophy)
Nominees: Russell Pine (St Mary’s Knights), Jake Damignani (Korah Colts), Dom Ryan (Superior Heights Steelhawks), Landon Belleau (White Pines Wolverines)
Senior
Most Outstanding Player (Alex Denman Memorial Trophy)
Nominees: Payton Melchiorre (Korah Colts), Aaron Juma (St Mary’s Knights), Chase Cerasuolo (Superior Heights Steelhawks)
Most Outstanding Lineman (Gord Hargreaves Trophy)
Nominees: Evan Boville (Korah Colts), Michael Omabuike (St Mary’s Knights), Lucas Cruickshank (Superior Heights Steelhawks)
Most Outstanding Player (Rocky DiPietro Trophy)
Nominees: Greyson Avery (Korah Colts), Cole Rivet (ST Mary’s Knights), Ryan Oliver (Superior Heights Steelhawks)
Offensive Player of the Year (Sault Sabercats Trophy)
Nominees: Brett Koski (Korah Colts), Hunter Jackson (St Mary’s Knights), Ty Cond (Superior Heights Steelhawks)
Defensive Player of the Year (Steeler Trophy)
Nominees: Logan Lajunen (Korah Colts), Ashton Neufeld (St Mary’s Knights), Griffin Delparte (Superior Heights Steelhawks)
