After a challenging 2025 campaign that saw the White Pines Wolverines finish with a 1-4 record and fourth place in the Sault Ste. Marie High School Football League, head coach Will Basawa believes his football program is poised to take an important step forward this fall.

While last season’s record wasn’t what the Wolverines envisioned, Basawa says the adversity became one of the program’s greatest teachers.

“We learned that every snap matters,” Basawa said. “A couple of mistakes can flip an entire football game. That kind of season will either toughen you up or expose you, and our players chose to get tougher. Our focus has been on discipline, fundamentals, and competing from the opening kickoff until the final whistle. That’s the mindset that builds a winning football program.”

Those lessons have fueled an offseason built around improving the little things that often make the biggest difference on Friday nights.

Building from the Ground Up
For Basawa and his coaching staff, success begins with mastering the basics.

“It all starts with fundamentals,” he explained. “We’ve been hammering blocking, tackling, conditioning, and taking care of the football because championships are built on those things.”

The coaching staff has already noticed significant improvement from players returning to the program.

“Our returning guys have come back stronger, faster, and with a much better understanding of what it takes to compete every day. What’s really encouraging is seeing our younger players buying into that work ethic during offseason workouts. That’s how you build a program.”

That commitment has helped establish a stronger culture throughout the Wolverines roster heading into the 2026 season.

Leadership Setting the Standard
Every football team needs leaders, and Basawa believes this year’s veteran group understands exactly what leadership looks like.

“Leadership is everything,” he said. “The best teams I’ve ever coached or been around had players who set the standard through their work ethic instead of just talking.”

Several senior players have embraced that responsibility throughout the offseason.

“We’ve had veterans leading drills, encouraging teammates, and holding everybody accountable. When your leaders raise the bar every day, the whole football team follows.”

That accountability has become one of the defining characteristics of the Wolverines’ preparation for the upcoming season.

Creating a New Identity
If there’s one thing Basawa wants opponents and fans to notice this season, it’s the style of football White Pines intends to play.

“You can expect a football team that’s going to play hard, play fast, and play with passion every single snap,” Basawa said. “We want to be physical, disciplined, and relentless no matter who’s on the other sideline.”

More importantly, Basawa wants to change the perception surrounding the Wolverines program.

“Our identity is going to be built on effort, and our goal is helping change how people view White Pines.”

The veteran coach also addressed some of the outside narratives that have surrounded the program over the years.

“Every year we have to fight rumors and local politics,” he said. “There isn’t a single thing another program in this city can offer a young player that we cannot match.”

It’s a message that reflects the confidence Basawa has in both his coaching staff and the direction of the Wolverines program.

Competing in a Tough League
The Sault Ste. Marie High School Football League remains one of Northern Ontario’s most competitive high school leagues, where every week presents a new challenge.

Basawa knows turning last year’s close losses into victories will require consistency in all three phases of the game.

“There aren’t any easy weeks in this league,” he said. “To win those close games, we’ve got to eliminate self-inflicted mistakes, finish drives, and execute when the pressure’s on.”

He believes disciplined football over four quarters will ultimately determine the Wolverines’ success.

“If we stay disciplined, play complementary football, and keep battling for four quarters, I like our chances. That’s what winning football is all about.”

Six Players to Watch in 2026
The Wolverines will feature a number of experienced players expected to play major roles this season.

Offensive Players
DJ Pine – Running Back
The unquestioned workhorse of the Wolverines’ offense, Pine returns after rushing for nearly 700 yards in 2025. He was instrumental in White Pines’ historic victory over St. Mary’s College and will once again serve as the focal point of the running game. His combination of power, vision, and toughness makes him one of the league’s premier offensive weapons.

Adam Hassane – Skill Position
Hassane brings elite speed to the Wolverines offense. A track athlete with game-breaking ability, he has the potential to score every time he touches the football. His explosiveness gives White Pines a dangerous home-run threat capable of changing the momentum of a game in a single play.

Lain Sayers – Offensive Line
Sayers is expected to anchor the offensive line in 2026. Described by his coach as a “certified people mover,” he thrives on physical football and brings a relentless attitude to the trenches. His development will be critical in establishing both the Wolverines’ running game and pass protection.

Defensive Standouts
Dede Alabi – Linebacker
Alabi steps into the important role of defensive leader this season. Acting as an extension of the coaching staff on the field, he’ll be responsible for making adjustments, directing teammates, and setting the tone defensively with his communication and leadership.

Ben Potter – Defensive Line
Potter has earned the respect of the coaching staff through hard work and perseverance. Expected to lead the defensive front, he’s the type of player White Pines will rely on whenever a big defensive stop or momentum-changing play is needed.

Jacob Day – Defensive Back
Day headlines the Wolverines secondary with his outstanding coverage skills and physical style of play. While he excels defending the pass, he’s equally effective coming downhill to make open-field tackles, giving White Pines a dependable presence in the defensive backfield.

New Faces Ready to Contribute
Every successful season features emerging talent, and Basawa identified two newcomers who could make an immediate impact.

Offence
Shamus “Angus” Cochrane – Quarterback
Cochrane inherits perhaps the biggest challenge on the roster as he takes over the quarterback position following Garrin Pine’s graduation. While replacing a veteran signal caller is never easy, the coaching staff has complete confidence in the young quarterback.

“He has the biggest shoes to fill on the team,” Basawa said. “We love his focus and his toughness.”

His development will be one of the biggest storylines to watch throughout the 2026 season.

Defence
Brody Marchand – Linebacker/Defensive Line
Marchand is expected to become one of the Wolverines’ most versatile defenders. Capable of playing both linebacker and along the defensive line, his willingness to embrace whatever role the team requires has impressed the coaching staff.

“We love his commitment to doing the job that needs to be done,” Basawa said.

Ready for Kickoff
With experienced leaders returning, young talent ready to emerge, and an offseason dedicated to improving the fundamentals, the White Pines Wolverines believe they are prepared to take the next step in 2026.

Basawa knows success won’t happen overnight, but the culture being built inside the Wolverines locker room has him optimistic.

The message is simple: play fast, play physical, stay disciplined, and compete every snap.

If White Pines can consistently do those things, don’t be surprised if the Wolverines become one of the league’s biggest stories during the 2026 Sault Ste. Marie high school football season.