Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The first-place St. Mary’s Knights continued their strong 2026 junior high school football season on Friday, October 16, earning a 38-20 victory over the fourth-place White Pines Wolverines at Superior Heights in Sault Ste. Marie.
Entering the matchup, the undefeated Knights held a 5-0 record, while the Wolverines were still searching for their first win of the season at 0-5. St. Mary’s established an early advantage and built a 21-0 lead before White Pines mounted a second-half comeback attempt.
Following the game, Knights head coach Tony Boniferro praised his team’s collective effort while recognizing the contributions of players who made the most of their opportunities. He also credited the White Pines coaching staff and players for their improvement heading into the postseason.
Knights Strike First and Build an Early Lead
St. Mary’s opened the scoring at 5:55 of the first quarter when Blake Pellerin powered through the White Pines defensive line for a one-yard touchdown run. Tyler Diluzio added the extra point to give the Knights a 7-0 lead.
The Knights carried that advantage into the second quarter, where quarterback Landon Chiarot extended the lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown. Diluzio once again converted the extra point, putting St. Mary’s ahead 14-0.
At 5:53 of the second quarter, Liam Corcoran found the end zone on a four-yard touchdown run. With another successful conversion from Diluzio, the Knights had built a commanding 21-0 advantage.
However, White Pines responded before halftime.
At 5:17 of the second quarter, Wolverines quarterback Easton Jones connected with Gayvn Nevers on a 32-yard pass, with Nevers turning the play into a 35-yard touchdown. The major got White Pines on the scoreboard and cut the deficit to 21-6.
White Pines Mounts a Comeback Attempt
The Wolverines carried their momentum into the third quarter and continued to chip away at the Knights’ lead.
At 8:11, Jones connected with Nevers on another passing play, and Nevers turned the reception into a 27-yard touchdown. It was Nevers’ second consecutive touchdown, bringing White Pines within nine points at 21-12.
St. Mary’s quickly answered to regain control of the contest.
At 5:20 of the third quarter, Nathan Sweeney rushed six yards for another Knights touchdown. Diluzio converted the extra point, extending the lead to 28-12.
Diluzio added to the Knights’ scoring at 7:51 of the third quarter with a successful 16-yard field goal, increasing the advantage to 31-12.
With 87 seconds remaining in the quarter, Jayden Romano broke free for a 35-yard rushing touchdown. Diluzio added the conversion, giving St. Mary’s a 38-12 lead.
Boniferro highlighted Romano’s performance as an example of the depth and work ethic within his team. Despite regularly attending practice and working hard, Romano had not received many opportunities to play before Friday’s contest.
“Look at Romano. He shows up to practice everyday and works hard. But hasn’t gotten much of a chance to play. Tonight, he went out there and was, arguably, the MVP of the game,” Boniferro said.
The Knights coach was pleased with the way his entire group responded and embraced its opportunities.
“Great team win for us. Guys were given an opportunity and they made the most of it,” Boniferro said. “I love our group and they showed a lot of character tonight.”
White Pines, however, was not finished.
With just 38.9 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Wolverines player Lucian Talda-Chillman broke through for a 71-yard touchdown run, providing another spark for the White Pines offence. Jones connected with Caden Eder on the two-point conversion, bringing the score to 38-20.
Despite the late scoring surge from the Wolverines, the Knights maintained their advantage to secure the 38-20 victory.
Boniferro Credits White Pines Ahead of Semi-Final Rematch
While pleased with his team’s performance, Boniferro also recognized the progress White Pines has made throughout the season and praised the work of the Wolverines’ coaching staff.
“And what a job White Pines coaches have done to get their team ready. They have some players over there. Their offence has really progressed and credit to each and every player over there,” Boniferro said.
The Wolverines’ second-half response demonstrated their ability to generate offence against the undefeated Knights, setting the stage for another meeting between the two teams with significantly higher stakes.
Boniferro expects a competitive postseason matchup when the rivals meet again.
“It’s going to be a battle in the semis!” he said.
Knights and Wolverines Set for Semi-Final Showdown
With the regular-season meeting complete, the focus now shifts to the Sault Ste. Marie Junior High School Football playoffs.
The Knights will look to carry their undefeated regular-season momentum into the postseason, while the Wolverines will have another opportunity to challenge the first-place team after showing their offensive potential in Friday’s contest.
St. Mary’s and White Pines are scheduled to face off in the junior high school football semi-final on Thursday, October 22nd.
With a place in the championship game on the line, both teams will look to deliver their best performance when the two Sault Ste. Marie rivals meet again.
