OSFL is Back! Get set with the most comprehensive 2026 Season Preview you’ll find anywhere.
As the countdown to the 2026 season continues, Saultsports is proud to launch its weekly player preview series featuring the Sault Sabercats. Each week, we’ll spotlight a coach’s player selection every week, giving fans an inside look at the talent and personalities set to take the field in the Ontario Summer Football League. The coverage will continue throughout the week with dedicated features on U18 players every Tuesday and U16 standouts every Thursday, building excitement and showcasing the depth of the Sabercats program heading into the new season.
Name: Lain Sayers-Manitowabi
Number: 78
High School (Grade Fall 2026): White Pines Grade 11
Position: Guard
What season are you entering with Sabercats? Second
Why is summer football so important to you?
Summer football is important to me because I get to showcase my skills against the best competition the province can offer. It also gives me time to improve myself before the high school season. I also get to play with some of the best football players in the Sault.
What are your personal and team-oriented goals for the upcoming 2026 OSFL season?
Team goals for the OSFL season is to win the championship, when we first meet as team coach Monico said we’re going for the championship and I believe we can win with this team. My personal goal is to become one of the most dominant linemen in the league.
What are you most looking forward to playing this season for the Sabercats?
I’m most looking forward to just being back out there and playing with my teammates and great competition. My most looked forward game to play is against Sudbury in Sudbury because the rivalry between us and Sudbury is electric and I also get to hopefully play in front of some family down there.
For anyone that is not familiar with your play style, how would you describe yourself as a player?
I describe my play style as a lineman is a strong blocker in the run game and in pass pro. In the run game I set the tone by blocking hard and fast, in pass pro I can get separation from the defenders and lock them down.
Who is your biggest football role model? Could be a coach, teammate?
My biggest role model is coach Dylan Monico. He taught me everything I know about playing offensive line. I use the knowledge he gave me to use it in games and at camps. Some other coaches I look up to are coach Boniferro and coach Reaume.
How do you stay motivated and focused during a game or practice?
I stay motivated/focused in practice and in game is my love for the game and my passion for the sport. I also stay motivated for my mom because she’s always been there for me and made so many sacrifices for me to get where I am today.
What do you think makes a great leader on the football field?
I think a great leader leads by example, not just with words. It’s about giving full effort in every aspect of the game in practice and in game, staying disciplined and doing your job the right way so your teammates can trust you. A good leader also communicates, keeps their teammates focused and brings energy to the team especially when things aren’t going well.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a football player?
My greatest accomplishment as a football player is coming off a season ending injury in grade 10 and still being able to perform at a high level. It took a lot of work physically and mentally, and it showed me how much toughness and discipline football really takes. After that being selected for the team Ontario phase 2 meant a lot to me because it showed my hard work is paying off.
What makes you the best candidate for this position that the coaches have asked you to play?
What makes the best candidate for guard is my knowledge at the position I’ve played three years there and I know a lot about. I can get down field in the run game and reach the second level fast. In the pass game I can hold my defenders down and in screens I can get down field fast and strong to block my defenders.
What do you think is the most important aspect of being a member of a team?
The most important aspect is trust. You have to trust the person beside you that will do their jobs correctly, because in football one mistake can affect the whole play. Being a good teammate also means putting the team first, doing your job and being consistent every day. Even if you’re not getting recognition you still do your job because it helps the team succeed.
Finally, what do you think is the most important quality for a football player to possess compared to other sports?
The most important qualities of a football player is toughness. You have to be tough both physically and mentally. Football is a very physical game but it also pushes you mentally with pressure and mistakes. You have to be able to take hits, stay focused and keep going no matter what. Being mentally tough means not letting one bad play affect the next one and always give full effort.
