Steelers return 'feels new' as team comes back to NFC play

To say they’re excited to get started would be an understatement.

The Sault Steelers are slated to open up the Northern Football Conference season tonight at Rocky DiPietro Field in a 7 p.m. start against the Tri-City Outlaws.

“It’s been so long; it feels new right now,” said Steelers coach Brandon Lewis. “It’s exciting. It’s every kind of emotion you could feel for game day.”

After COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the past two seasons, the team returns to action for the first time since the summer of 2019.

Lewis said player numbers have been good ahead of tonight’s opener.

“The last three or four outdoor practices, we’ve been able to go 12-on-12 offence versus defence,” Lewis said. “It’s been six or seven years since we’ve been able to do that. The commitment of the guys as a whole is impressive.”

Lewis credited the work of Darrell Wood, who is working on his coaching staff, in recruiting and playing a major role in getting the team ready for the new NFC season.

With a mix of veterans and new faces, Lewis spoke highly of a number of the young players joining the team for the new season.

“Michael Reid is a standout,” Lewis said. “He’s just a phenomenal defensive player, so intelligent. He’s a great athlete. We’re so excited to have him because so many young people and his peers, he helps them get better as he’s playing.”

Lewis added that new addition Brock Hoover, who is slated to play a slot for the Steelers this season, will also play a key role for the team.

“He’s just a phenomenal athlete,” Lewis said. “He’s another guy that helps the team get better; he’s intelligent. He works with everybody around him to help them. People coming into your program like that is invaluable.

Asked about the veteran group on the roster, a group that includes Steelers mainstays like Fred Casselman and Nate Edwards on the defensive side of the ball along with Luke Tenhagen offensively, among others, Lewis said the group would play a significant role in the return.

“They’ve been there and see how the league works,” Lewis said.

The kickoff for tonight’s game is set for 7 p.m.

Prior to the game, the team is also honouring Jay Brunetti, who will be inducted into the NFC hall of fame.