The Superior Heights Steelhawks are entering the 2026 high school senior football season with a clear goal: compete every time they step onto the field and make a deeper playoff run.

Coming off a 4-2 regular-season record in 2025 before falling in the semifinals, the Steelhawks know there is plenty to build on. Now entering his fourth year as head coach at Superior Heights, Matt DeSando believes this year’s group has the experience, leadership and determination to take another step forward.

“The expectation for this year’s group is to compete in every single game,” DeSando said. “We want to compete hard every time we are on the field and improve from last year’s performances. My goal for this team is to win a playoff game — hopefully two.”

Experience and Leadership Key for Steelhawks

The offseason has provided the Steelhawks with an opportunity to develop both individually and as a team. Several players gained valuable experience playing with the Sault Sabercats, experience that DeSando believes will translate into larger roles during the high school season.

“The offseason has been good,” DeSando said. “Several players gained more experience playing Sault Sabercats. With more experience comes opportunity for a big role in the fall season.”

One of the biggest positives DeSando has seen is the leadership within the group.

“The leadership of our group is something that stands out,” he said. “The way they carry themselves and the pride they have is something to look forward to.”

The Steelhawks graduated much of their previous leadership group, creating an opportunity for several returning players to step forward.

DeSando identified Lucas Cruickshank, Ben Trevisanut, Maxx Clément, Daxton Billingsley, Taber Young, Cruz Dias and Marcus Gould as players who will be counted on to take their games and leadership responsibilities to another level.

“With experience under their belts, they are very capable,” DeSando said.

Building a Steelhawks Identity

One of the major priorities for Superior Heights this season will be establishing an identity and playing disciplined, fundamentally sound football.

With returning players bringing experience at nearly every position, the coaching staff will look to build around that foundation while continuing to develop the team throughout the season.

“We will be leaning on those returning players and focus on improving our game around them,” DeSando said. “We will be focused on establishing an identity, playing disciplined football and executing basic fundamental components of the game really well.”

That identity will be especially important in a competitive local football landscape where teams are familiar with one another.

“Our local high school football loop is always competitive,” DeSando explained. “Teams know each other so well. It is critical to establish an identity in all three phases of the game.”

For DeSando, the goal is to make opponents adjust to what the Steelhawks are doing rather than allowing the game to dictate their approach.

“We want the competition to react to what we do,” he said. “That can only happen if we are able to play fast and fundamentally sound football within our systems.”

Three Veterans to Watch

The Steelhawks will have several experienced players expected to play important roles, but three veterans stand out heading into the 2026 campaign.

Dylan Wooton – QB/FS/K/P

Wootton returns as one of the most versatile and accomplished players on the roster.

Last season, he was a co-recipient of the Alex Denman Award for League Most Outstanding Player, a league all-star, team MVP and team captain.

DeSando describes Wootton as a cerebral football player who excels in all three phases of the game.

“Dylan is a very cerebral football player and excels in all three phases of the game,” DeSando said. “He is a creative playmaker and unbelievably talented multi-sport athlete. Anytime #2 is on the field, we like our chances.”

His ability to contribute as a quarterback, defensive back and specialist gives the Steelhawks a valuable weapon on both sides of the football and special teams.

Lucas Cruickshank – Offensive Tackle/Defensive Line

Cruickshank will be a major presence in the trenches for Superior Heights.

The returning lineman was a league all-star and the team’s Lineman of the Year last season.

DeSando believes his combination of size, skill, passion and attitude makes him a player capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.

“Lucas is a passionate football player and possesses size and skill for a big man,” DeSando said. “His attitude and dedication have been the highlight of his game for the past couple of seasons.”

DeSando added that Cruickshank is a dominant force who competes on every snap.

Ben Trevisanut – Running Back

Trevisanut enters 2026 following a breakout season in which he established himself as a dangerous offensive weapon.

A league all-star and the team’s Offensive Player of the Year, Trevisanut made an impact both running the football and catching passes out of the backfield.

“Ben is coming off a fantastic season where he exploded onto the scene both running and catching out of the backfield,” DeSando said.

Another talented multi-sport athlete, Trevisanut brings a strong work ethic and desire to improve.

Perhaps just as importantly, DeSando points to Trevisanut’s appreciation for the players doing the work in front of him.

“What is perhaps most appreciated about Ben is that he never forgets about the big men blocking for him on the line,” DeSando said. “We look forward to seeing what Ben can accomplish this fall.”

Grade 10 Players Ready to Make a Impact

While veteran leadership will be important, the Steelhawks also have a group of younger players ready to make the jump to senior football.

Three Grade 10 players DeSando believes could make an immediate impact are Simon McLean, Ian D’Angelo and Thomas Reilly.

Simon McLean – Linebacker

McLean brings speed and a physical presence to the defensive side of the football.

After a successful summer campaign with the Sault Sabercats, DeSando is excited to see what McLean can bring to the Steelhawks defense.

“Simon brings speed and is a tackling machine,” DeSando said. “After a very successful summer campaign with the Sault Sabercats, we look forward to what he adds to our defensive unit.”

Ian D’Angelo – Defensive Line

D’Angelo will look to make his mark in the trenches after showing his ability during the summer.

DeSando said D’Angelo was a standout in junior football and held his own while playing an important role on the Sabercats’ defensive line.

“Ian was a standout in junior football and held his own this summer while being an integral part of the defensive line for the swarming Sault Sabercats defense,” DeSando said.

The Steelhawks will look for him to bring that physicality and energy to the senior level.

Thomas Reilly – Offensive Line

Reilly enters the season after what DeSando described as his best season yet.

His Grade 10 campaign was impressive, and despite suffering an injury early in the summer, the coaching staff believes he has the ability to become an important contributor at the senior level.

“Thomas is coming off his best season yet,” DeSando said. “His Grade 10 season was nothing short of impressive.”

DeSando believes Reilly can become a strong player in the senior loop and is looking forward to seeing what he brings to the group.

More Than Wins and Losses

While playoff success is clearly an important objective for the Steelhawks in 2026, DeSando believes the team’s definition of success extends well beyond the football field.

He wants his student-athletes to compete in everything they do, take pride in their work and remain committed to their academics.

“I would first and foremost like to see our student-athletes compete in everything they do and take pride in what they do,” DeSando said.

That approach applies both on and off the field.

“I look forward to fierce and disciplined competition on the field and an undesired commitment to academics,” he added. “We strive to be better people in all aspects of life than previous days. Anytime we can accomplish that goal, the season is a success.”

With a strong group of returning players, emerging young talent and a coaching staff focused on discipline, fundamentals and establishing an identity, the Superior Heights Steelhawks enter the 2026 season with plenty of optimism.

After finishing 4-2 in the regular season and reaching the semifinals in 2025, the challenge is clear for the Steelhawks: take the next step.

For DeSando and his team, that means competing every week, developing a strong identity and ultimately finding a way to win in the playoffs.

And if everything comes together, Superior Heights isn’t just hoping to win one playoff game — they’re hoping to win two.