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Steele leads STM's conference all-star honours

You don’t go from unranked to best in the east in a few short months without some major kilowatt performances. And while no one would suggest the St.
Sam Steele
St. Thomas More nose tackle Sam Steele, shown at left during his team's game against Terry Fox, was voted the Eastern Conference's defensive MVP, after helping his squad plough through the regular season undefeated. Seven STM players in total earned all-star honours.

You don’t go from unranked to best in the east in a few short months without some major kilowatt performances.

And while no one would suggest the St. Thomas More Knights did it on the backs of just a handful of players, the well-rounded Eastern Conference AAA football champions did have star power on their side.

Lineman Sam Steele was voted the conference’s 2017 Defensive MVP, posting a league-best 13 quarterback sacks and averaging eight tackles a game.

“(Steele) had an amazing season. He’s the smallest (defensive lineman) of the (all-star) bunch. Quickness, intelligence and strength,” said STM coach Steve DeLazzari of his best traits. “He’s a second-
place finisher in (provincial) wrestling, and his work ethic is off the charts. That and his commitment are two attributes that set him apart from a lot of players.”

The Grade 11 Steele may seem light at 205 pounds when lined up against near-300-pound behemoths, but his football IQ gives him an edge over many larger rivals from his spot at nose guard.

“It’s kind of the anchor, the middle of that defensive line and I’ll be honest, that’s where Mission ran the ball all game (in Steele’s absence last week).”

Two other Knights got defensive all-star honours: linebacker Mateo Carteri and safety Jonah Fridfinnson. Carteri made a smooth transition from strong safety to middle linebacker this year, while Fridfinnson took over the starting safety role and ended the regular season tied for fourth in tackles, with 51.

“I was looking at the depth of our team and where our strengths were. We had some strengths in the defensive back field so I decided to start Jonah there, where he’s excelled,” said DeLazzari.

“I moved Mateo to middle backer because that was a weakness. It’s (Carteri’s) very first year playing the position and he ended up a unanimous decision as a linebacker all star.”

The Knights offence was an example in efficiency as it averaged 36 points a game. Grade 11 quarterback Dario Ciccone displayed veteran-like poise in completing 58-of-90 pass attempts for a 64.4 per cent completion rate and 954 yards. Only one other QB had a better ratio (Western Conference all-star and South Delta’s Michael Calvert, at 69 per cent), with at least 50 pass attempts. Eight of those passes were for touchdowns, while Ciccone also scampered in for three of his own.

“I think the comment from another coach was about his efficiency; he doesn’t make many mistakes,” noted DeLazzari. “He’s also what I consider a dual threat at quarterback. He can run the ball and if the pocket breaks down, he can get outside that first tackle and go. He has done a lot of damage with his feet this year in big games.”

Eckert’s contributions are commeasurable with someone in the discussion of overall MVP. The senior running back carved out 796 yards over six games, averaging 9.37 per carry and 13 touchdowns.

But those numbers don’t do the all-star justice, as his versatility – without mentioning his terrific contributions on defence – as a rusher sets the tone for STM most days.

“(Eckert) is such a difference maker with his speed and athleticism. When you’re six-foot-one and 205 and run the 40 time as fast as he does, he’s tough to bring down,” remarked STM’s coach. “Once he gets in open field he’s gone – and he has a similar work ethic to Sam Steele; that’s why I call those two the heart and soul of our team. They don’t quit, they just go and go and go.”

Receiver David Osho had only 13 catches during the regular season, but four were turned into six points, thanks to a 28-yard-per average. Despite not cracking the top-20 in total receptions, he posted the eight-best yards total and average-per-catch numbers.

“(Osho) has been a difference maker in some games, scoring some key touchdowns. That two-point convert against Fox, he had a big touchdown against Tweedsmuir. He had a strip-six and a touchdown against Mission.”

From the offensive line, Sajjun Shokar was selected to the all-star ranks. At six-foot-four and 220 pounds, the Grade 12 isn’t casting as formidable a shadow as some of his fellow all-stars, but it's how he uses his frame that sets him apart, said DeLazzari.

“I’ve always said at the high school, at the upper level the most important part of any offence is your line. I think the Seattle Seahawks are a good example of that,” he noted. “(Shokar’s strengths are his) length and his range, and his feet. Being six-foot-four and a basketball guy, he has those long arms and he can get that good push.”

Like a number of programs, all the athletes above were selected for either offence or defence, but were on the field for a majority of plays both ways. That versatility, and toll, is another reason why it’s incredible how they joined together with their teammates to go undefeated through a grueling exhibition and regular season.

While the opposition and wear and tear are always testing the team’s mettle, it also bonded stronger as it heals from the death of former head coach Bernie Kully last month. They’ve been playing for each other and for coach Kully, with the end result an incredible accomplishment. The aim is to continue improving and winning all the way through the playoffs.

“I couldn’t be more proud of how we ultimately executed the regular season,” said DeLazzari. “But that means nothing now. We need to refocus and carry over what we’ve done into the playoffs and hopefully make a deep run at it.”