New football program to begin in the fall

Young football players in Sault Ste. Marie now have another option to continue learning the sport.

The Sault Bobcats select football team will begin play this fall in the Eastern Upper Peninsula Football League, playing in a six-game season against teams from Rudyard, Pickford, Brimley, Detour, Engadine and Cedarville.

The intent for the new program is to allow players in grades six through eight an opportunity to learn the game at a higher level of competition.

The Bobcats coaching staff includes Ross Viotto as head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Viotto was heavily involved in starting the Sault Sabercats program.

Viotto’s staff will consist of Scott Gray (defensive coordinator and assistant head coach), Greg Mathison (special teams coordinator and offensive line coach), Phil Lucchetti (linebackers and running backs coach) and Isaac Smithers (defensive line coach).

The staff also includes equipment manager Chris Carr.

Jim Monico, who is involved in Sault Minor Football along with coaching senior football at St. Mary’s, will serve as the Bobcats SMFL liaison.

Tryout dates are set for Aug. 8 and 9.