Senior Coach Jim Monico Talks Championship Expectations
Coming off a strong finish to last season, the St. Mary’s Knights enter the upcoming senior football season with their sights firmly set on competing for a championship.
The Knights have built one of the strongest football traditions in Sault Ste. Marie, and while the program has plenty of young talent waiting in the wings, senior head coach Jim Monico and his team aren’t interested in simply talking about what St. Mary’s could become someday.
They believe the time is now.
With experience returning, a talented group of newcomers moving up from junior football and depth across the roster, the Knights feel they have all the ingredients necessary to make a serious run this season.
Ready to Compete Now
St. Mary’s has become a destination for young football players in the community, and that continued growth is evident throughout the roster.
The Knights have arguably the most prestigious football tradition in the city, but Monico knows tradition alone doesn’t win football games. The challenge now is taking everything the program has built and turning it into success on the field this season.
The Knights believe they have the best past, a very bright future and, perhaps most importantly, the talent and mindset to make their mark in the present.
An Offense Loaded With Weapons
The biggest storyline heading into the season may be the return of quarterback Alex Hayes.
After missing last season with an injury, Hayes returns with plenty to prove and plenty of motivation. His experience at quarterback gives the Knights leadership and stability at one of the most important positions on the field.
And Hayes won’t be short on weapons.
St. Mary’s has a deep and versatile group of skill-position players capable of creating big plays in a variety of ways. The Knights also boast a loaded backfield featuring Hunter Jackson, Ren Levesque, JJ Perrault-Didier, Aaron Juma and newcomer Adam Provenzano.
With that kind of depth, opposing defenses will have to prepare for multiple threats every time the Knights take the field.
Physicality Will Define the Defense
While the offense has plenty of star power, the Knights’ identity will also be built on the defensive side of the football.
St. Mary’s will combine young talent with veteran leadership and looks to establish a defense that plays with relentless effort from the opening whistle to the final snap.
The philosophy is simple: get to the football, rally to the ball and make opponents pay.
Physicality is expected to be a major part of the Knights’ defensive identity, with players being asked to play fast, aggressive and together.
Key Returnees
Alex Hayes — After being sidelined last season, the veteran quarterback is eager to get back on the field. His experience, leadership and ability to make plays make his return one of the biggest boosts to the Knights heading into the season.
Cole Rivet — One of the city’s best all-around football players, Rivet brings toughness, versatility and an ability to contribute wherever the Knights need him. His value goes well beyond one position.
Ren Levesque — Levesque combines skill and effort and will be an important part of the Knights’ offensive attack. His ability to make plays and contribute to the team’s overall identity makes him a key player to watch.
Aaron Juma — A true Swiss Army knife, Juma can line up virtually anywhere on the field. His versatility is matched by his leadership, making him one of the most valuable players on the Knights’ roster.
A Talented Group of Newcomers
The Knights also welcome several players who made significant impacts at the junior level this summer.
Ashton Neufeld — One of the top young football players in the province, Neufeld was named the JV Sabercats’ MVP this summer. A hard-hitting and versatile player, he has the ability to contribute in multiple areas of the field and is expected to make an immediate impact.
Luke Cady — Tough, smart and physical, Cady was the JV Sabercats’ Defensive Player of the Year this summer. His relentless style of play should translate well to senior football, and the Knights expect him to step in and contribute right away.
Adam Provenzano — Provenzano joins an already talented Knights backfield and gives Monico another dynamic option at running back. Widely regarded as one of the city’s top young backs, Provenzano was a key member of the JV Sabercats and a co-winner of the team’s Offensive Player of the Year award.
Vin Volpe Sagle — Volpe Sagle adds another talented option to an already strong receiving group. He led the JV Sabercats in touchdowns this summer and was also a co-winner of the team’s Offensive Player of the Year award alongside Provenzano.
The Expectations Are High
For Monico and the Knights, expectations aren’t something to shy away from.
St. Mary’s enters the season with experience, depth, young talent and confidence. More importantly, the players have bought into the idea that this isn’t simply another season of development.
This is a team that believes it can compete.
The tradition is already there. The next generation is coming. But the Knights don’t want to wait for tomorrow.
They want to win today.
With a roster loaded with playmakers, a physical defensive identity and a coaching staff that believes in the group they’ve assembled, St. Mary’s is ready to roll into the senior football season with one goal in mind: compete for a championship and make their mark on the present.
The future may be bright for the St. Mary’s Knights, but according to senior coach Jim Monico and his players, their time is now.
