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.
Number #: 5
High School (Grade Fall 2026): St. Mary’s College
Position: Defence Half
What season are you entering with Sabercats? Second season
Why is summer football so important to you?
Summer football is important because it helps me get better at my skills and lets me compete against teams from other cities. I get to learn from great coaches and build friendships with players from other schools. Representing Sault Ste Marie is something I take pride in because we get to show the kind of athletes that come from the north.
What are your personal and team-oriented goals for the upcoming 2026 OSFL season?
My team goals for this season are to keep getting better each week and work toward winning a championship together. My personal goal is to become a dominant defensive player my team can rely on when the game is on the line.
What are you most looking forward to playing this season for the Sabercats?
I am most looking forward to playing defensive half because it lets me do a bit of everything. I can drop back into coverage like a cornerback does, but also step up and help stop the run like linebacker
For anyone that is not familiar with your play style, how would you describe yourself as a player?
I would describe myself as a smart player who studies the game and prepares for game day. I love the physical side of football and I am the type of player that leaves everything out on the field.
Who is your biggest football role model? Could be a coach, teammate?
I am lucky to have a lot of football role models in my family, but my biggest one has been my dad. He introduced me to the game and has coached me since minor football through the past two years of high school. He taught me how to understand the game and showed me the attitude and effort it takes to win. Other coaches that have impacted me on my football journey have been: Coach Hayes, Coach Bono, and Coach DiPasquale.
How do you stay motivated and focused during a game or practice?
I love football, so staying focused at practice and games isn’t hard for me. I like challenging myself to get better every day and competing with teammates like Ashton Neufeld and Mason Mazzuca who push me and hold me accountable. I love that football is tough in both ways. The physical side where you have to be willing to put your body on the line to make a play, and the mental side where you are trying to read the offence and figure out how to stop them.
What do you think makes a great leader on the football field?
A great leader is someone that leads by example both on and off the field, that doesn’t make excuses but tries to find solutions to problems. Someone that the team can look to stay in control whether the team is winning or losing.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a football player?
My greatest accomplishment as a football player is winning a city and NOSSA championships for St. Mary’s junior football. As an individual I was honoured to win MVP of junior football this past season. All of these accomplishments could not have been possible without having great teammates and dedicated coaches.
What makes you the best candidate for this position that the coaches have asked you to play?
I believe that I am the best candidate to play the defensive half position because I have the ability to play both zone and man coverages. I have a physical style of play and study game film to prepare myself for game day.
What do you think is the most important aspect of being a member of a team?
I think the most important part of being a team member is being yourself and looking out for each other. Also helping to motivate everyone in their commitment toward team goals.
Finally, what do you think is the most important quality for a football player to possess compared to other sports?
I think the most important quality of a football player is resilience. The game of football has lots of ups and downs, you need to be able to get up after you have been knocked down. Sometimes the greatest lessons we learn are in the losses which makes us able to achieve success.
