Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
With both teams hungry for their first victory of the season, the (0-2) White Pines Wolverines and the (0-2) St. Mary’s Knights squared off under the lights at Superior Heights Field on Friday, September 19th, in Sault Ste. Marie High School senior football action.
The Wolverines struck first when quarterback Garrin Pines powered his way across the goal line for a three-yard major at 6:51 of the opening quarter. Ethan McCorkell added the convert to put White Pines ahead 7-0. Moments later, McCorkell extended the lead with a 30-yard field goal at 2:45, giving the Wolverines a commanding 10-0 edge after one.
St. Mary’s got on the board in the second quarter, conceding a rouge at 8:15 to cut the deficit to 10-1. The Knights built momentum as Grayson Giordano showcased his athleticism, hauling in a 17-yard pass from quarterback Aaron Juma before breaking free for a 37-yard run to the end zone. Giordano then added the convert, bringing the Knights within two at 10-8 heading into halftime.
In the final quarter, Pines once again used his legs to make a statement. Evading three tackles, he dashed 11 yards to the end zone just 15 seconds into the frame, restoring the Wolverines’ lead to 17-8 after another McCorkell convert. Giordano answered back with his second field goal of the night, this one from 30 yards out, cutting the margin to six with 9:25 to play. But the Knights’ hopes dimmed late, as they conceded a safety at 2:46, sealing White Pines’ 17-11 victory.
The win was more than just a step forward in the standings—it marked White Pines’ first senior football victory in over a decade, a milestone moment for the program.
Wolverine coach Will Basawa told Saultsports that “this win tonight? This is what football’s all about. I mean, these guys — these young men — they came out here, laid it all on the line, and brought home the first win this program’s seen in over 10 seasons. That ain’t just a win, man — that’s a turning point. Look, for me and this coaching staff, it means everything. You put in the hours, the blood, sweat, and tears — the film sessions, the practice reps, the long nights — and you hope it leads to a moment like this. But more than anything, man… it’s about the players. These guys have been grinding, day in and day out. They’ve been told what they can’t do for years, and tonight? They showed what they can do.”
Now at (1-2), the Wolverines will look to carry that momentum into a tough Thursday, September 25th matchup against the undefeated (3-0) Korah Colts. Meanwhile, the Knights (0-3) aim to regroup as they prepare to face the Superior Heights Steelhawks on Friday, September 26th. Both contests are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. kickoffs.
