In just under two weeks, the St. Mary’s College Knights will make the trip to Sudbury with one goal in mind — to bring home the 2025 NOSSA Junior Football Championship. After an emotional and hard-fought season, the Knights are ready to represent Sault Ste. Marie and cap off an unforgettable year.
“Words can’t even describe it,” said head coach Tony Boniferro. “It’s been such a long journey. There’s been a lot of emotion the last few days. It’s nice this team was able to put St. Mary’s junior team back on the map. One of the coolest things, for me personally, is the number of positive messages I received from the community. It really meant a lot that so many people reached out. It’s been really overwhelming and extremely appreciated.”
The identity of this year’s Knights has been forged by two dominant forces — a relentless defence and a powerhouse offensive line. St. Mary’s defensive unit has earned a reputation as one of the toughest in Northern Ontario: hard-hitting, reliable, and exceptionally well-coached. “Our defence is incredible,” Boniferro added. “They’re not fun to play against — which makes coaching them so much fun.”
On the other side of the ball, the offensive line has been equally impressive — a throwback to the days when St. Mary’s was known for its massive, physical linemen. Anchored by Pelletier, Riberdy, and Sonny, the trio has dominated the run game, while grade nines Elliot and Woods have played beyond their years. “They’re versatile, smart, and can move,” said Boniferro. “Loved watching them this season.”
Throughout the season, the Knights have maintained a calm, confident demeanor. Even in moments of adversity, the group never panicked. That mental toughness was on full display in the city final, when St. Mary’s rallied after a slow start against Korah — a sign of growth and maturity.
The upcoming championship game won’t be easy. The Sudbury representative has boasted high-powered offences all year, and St. Mary’s will need to limit their big-play ability. “The key will be forcing them to become one-dimensional,” Boniferro explained. “Our defence will be ready for anything and everything.”
Offensively, the Knights will stick to what’s worked all season — a balanced mix of run and pass, built on execution and physicality. “It’s tough to prepare for our offence,” Boniferro said. “We’ve got great skill position players and an O line that loves to block. That’s a recipe for success.”
Asked about Sudbury’s trademark physical style of football, Boniferro smiled. “That question just put a smile on my face,” he said. “We love physical, old-school football. I’ve had countless battles with Sudbury as a player — it’ll be cool to be on the sidelines this time. I truly believe we’re the most physical team in Northern Ontario, and I’d put us up against anyone in the province. The more physical the game, the better it is for us.”
Behind the scenes, Boniferro credits his coaching staff for much of the Knights’ success. “Pat Deluca and Trav Burns have done a remarkable job teaching O-line fundamentals,” he said. “Ryan Lillington and Brock Dewar have been fantastic — putting players in the best position to succeed. Ryan Cady and Steve Hayes are, without question, the best defensive coaches in the city. Coach Parlow and Coach Sagle bring experience and passion. I can’t thank them enough. This staff gets the most out of every player.”
When asked about standout performers, Boniferro had no shortage of praise. “Ashton Neufeld — absolute stud. One of the best players I’ve ever coached in 23 years. A true leader and multi-sport athlete,” he said. “Adam Provenzano’s performance in the finals was one for the history books. Luke Cady — league MVP — played like it all season. Mason Mazzuca, once a ‘soccer player,’ has become one of the best tacklers in the city. And the connection between Vin Sagle and DeZordo has been electric — a product of hard work and chemistry.”
As the Knights prepare for the NOSSA Championship, there’s a sense of belief within the team — a quiet confidence that’s carried them through every challenge this season. For Boniferro, that’s what makes this group special.
Regardless of the outcome, what do you hope your players take away from this experience as they continue through the St. Mary’s football program, coach Boniferro said “I hope the players feel like they were appreciated and treated with respect. We realize what a grind high school football can be. It’s not easy. Not everyone can do it. Being a high school student nowadays isn’t easy. So we try to remember not everyone is the same and people come from different situations. Building personal relationships with our players is key. Understanding who they are and what they need to be successful. You can’t paint kids with the same brush.”
“I hope and think they know they can trust us with the good and bad in their lives. Football at St Mary’s is about more than just football. It’s about succeeding in the classroom and life. We really preach that here and hope the kids remember that going forward. I’m extremely proud of what we are building at St. Mary’s. This group of players have started something special for us and I’ll be forever indebted to them for what they’ve meant to the program. All season we talked about two things: Opportunity and Legacy. They took a major step in creating a legacy for themselves by winning the city championship. They can cement that legacy, at St. Mary’s, with a NOSSA win, added Boniferro.
“They’ve earned every bit of this,” he said. “Now it’s time to go finish the job.”
