Tri-City Times names All-Area football team

TRI-CITY AREA — From the first snap until the last, these competitors excelled out on the field.

Here is a look at who made the 2025 edition of The Tri-City Times All-Area football squad and the numbers they generated en route:

Sean O’Neil, Almont, kicker/punter.

O’Neil connected on 40 of 50 extra points and four of eight field goals during the 2025 campaign.

The 6-4 and 205-pound senior kicked off 82 times, with 54 of those efforts resulting in touchbacks.

O’Neil also punted 14 times for 32 yard average.

“Sean’s impact over his career has been outstanding,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. His consistency and leg strength made him one of the most valuable specialists in the region,” he noted.

“He changed games by flipping field position and pinning opponents deep with touchbacks.”

This was his fourth year on Almont’s squad.

O’Neil ended the 2025 campaign as an Al-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection as a kicker/punter plus was a Division 6 All-Region and All-State choice as a specialist.

Gianni Coscione, Dryden, quarterback.

Coscione completed 128 of 196 pass attempts for 2,420 yards, including 30 touchdowns, this fall. He threw nine interceptions en route to those numbers.

The 5-10 junior also rushed the ball 119 times for 1,050 yards, an average of 8.8 yards per carry, while collecting 18 touchdowns.

“Gianni is not only a great athlete but his work ethic is second to none,” Dryden Coach Hunter Gall commented. “It is no accident that he performs as such a high level,” he noted.

“He commands our offense well and has the ability to turn almost anything into a big play,” he noted.

This was his third year on Dryden’s varsity.

Coscione wrapped up the season as an All-Big Thumb Conference first team selection.

Sam Schneider, Capac.

Schneider amassed 1,870 rushing yards on 213 totes, an average of 8.8 yards per carry, during the 2025 campaign.

The 5-6 and 140-pound senior also contributed 27 touchdowns to Capac’s cause.

“He is a very explosive runner,” Capac Coach Bill Nestle commented. “Sam did a tremendous job this year breaking tackles and running tough inside,” he noted.

This was his fourth season on Capac’s squad.

Schneider closed out the 2025 campaign as an All-Big Thumb Conference Blue Division first team choice and an All-Region pick.

Brody Corneau, Almont, running back.

Corneau rushed the ball 124 times for 1,269 yards, an average of 10.3 yards per carry, while collecting 17 touchdowns this fall.

The 6-2 and 180-pound junior also managed 12 receptions for 365 yards, an average of 30.4 yards per catch. He managed seven touchdowns en route to those numbers.

“He was nothing short of spectacular this season, Almont Coach James Leusby commented “Brody dominated as running back for us,” he noted.

“He was a constant big play threat for us offense.”

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

Corneau ended the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection and an All-Region choice.

Matthew Bacholzky, Almont, running back.

Bacholzky provided 881 rushing yards on 108 totes, an average of 8.2 yards per carry, with 11 touchdowns during the 2025 campaign.

The 5-10 and 170-pound senior also provided 10 receptions for 191 yards, an average of 19.1 yards per catch. He collected three touchdowns en route to those numbers.

“He was one of the most dependable and intelligent players on the field this year,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “On offense he was explosive and consistent,” he noted.

This was his third season on Almont’s squad.

He finished the 2025 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team pick.

Jacob Stewart, Almont, running back.

Stewart rushed the ball 103 times for 860 yards, an average of 8.4 yards per carry, while collecting 10 touchdowns this fall.

“He provided us with a powerful reliable presence in our backfield,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Jacob was one of our keys to success on that side of the ball,” he noted.

This was the third year for the 6-0 and 190-pound senior on Almont’s varsity.

He finished the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team selection.

Santiago Perales, Dryden, wide receiver.

Perales wound up with 57 receptions for 1,335 yards, an average of 23.4 yards per catch, with 16 touchdowns during the 2025 campaign.

The 5-10 and 165-pound junior also contributed two kick return touchdowns to Dryden’s cause.

“He is extremely talented and a great receiver at every level,” Dryden Coach Hunter Gall commented. “Santiago runs the whole route well and has the explosiveness to turn any catch into a score,” he noted.

This was his third season on Dryden’s squad.

He completed the 2025 campaign as an All-Big Thumb Conference Blue Division first team choice and All-Region first team pick.

Wiley Roose, Capac, tight end.

Roose had 16 catches for 275 yards, an average of 17.2 per reception this fall.

The 6-3 and 190-pound senior collected four touchdown receptions along the way.

This was his third year on Capac’s varsity.

He ended the season as an All-Big Thumb Conference Blue Division second team selection.

Rian O’Neil, Almont, tight end.

O’Neil provided Almont with five catches for 100 yards, an average of 20 yards per reception during the 2025 campaign.

The 6-5 and 200-pound junior managed three touchdown receptions en route.

“Rian made an immediate impact for us,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “His size and athleticism made him a mismatch in the passing game and his physicality allowed him to be a dominant blocker in the running game,” he noted.

This was his first year on Almont’s squad.

He ended the 2025 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice and a Division 6 All-Region pick.

Dustin Claeys, Almont, guard.

His presence up front enabled Almont to amass 907 passing yards and 3,688 rushing yards this fall.

The 5-6 and 200-pound senior guard also helped Almont generate 67 total touchdowns.

“Dustin was one of the toughest most reliable linemen on the field,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “His technique, leverage and intensity made him a force on the offensive line,” he noted.

“He was a huge reason for our success running the football, consistently opening up lanes and finishing blocks with physicality.”

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

He wrapped up the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection and Division 6 All-Region choice.

Liam Szymanski, Almont, tackle.

Szymanski helped Almont generate 4,575 total yards, including 3,668 rushing yards, during the 2025 campaign.

Almont finished the year with 67 touchdowns.

“Liam was one of the anchors of our offensive line,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “His power and size made him extremely difficult for opponents to handle,” he noted.

“We trusted his side completely when we needed tough yardage,”

This was his second season on Almont’s squad.

The 6-3 and 295-pound senior completed the 2025 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team pick.

Gavin Dams, Capac, line.

The Capac offense proved tough to contain this fall, thanks in part to the contributions of Dams.

“He is a physical player,” Capac Co-Coach Bill Nestle commented. “Gavin was a major reason for the success of our offense,” he noted.

This was his third year on Capac’s varsity.

The 6-1 and 230-pound senior lineman completed the season as an All-Region selection and an All-Big Thumb Conference Blue Division second team choice.

Defense

Dustin Claeys, Almont, line.

Claeys collected 12 solos and 31 assisted tackles during the 2025 campaign.

“He is one of the toughest most reliable linemen on the field, Almont Coach James Leusby commented.

This was his second season on Almont’s squad.

The 5-6 and 200-pound senior finished the 2025 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team selection.

Dominic Medley, Almont, tackle.

Medley provided Almont with six solo and 46 assisted stops this fall.

The 5-9 and 180-pound senior also contributed one fumble recovery to Almont’s cause.

“Dominic was an absolute disruptor on the defensive line,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “His quickness off the snap and his ability to fight through blocks made him a constant threat to opposing defenses,” he noted.

“He consistently found himself in the backfield blowing up plays before they could develop. Dominic plays with a maximum effort and toughness while giving the defense a spark on every snap.”

This was his third year on Almont’s varsity.

Medley concluded the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team choice.

Cohen Ferqueron, Almont, linebacker.

Ferqueron amassed 23 solos and 111 assisted tackles during the 2025 campaign.

“Cohen was the emotional and physical leader of our defense,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “His instincts, tackling ability and football IQ are elite,” he noted.

“He plays with relentless intensity and sets the tone from the first snap to the last. Setting the Almont career tackles record (357) is a testament to his talent, preparation and consistency. Cohen’s leadership and physicality made him the heartbeat of the defense.”

This was his third season on Almont’s squad.

The 6-1 and 210-pound senior ended the 2025 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team pick, an All-Region selection and Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 6 All-State choice.

Colten Karbel, Almont, linebacker.

Karbel generated 35 solo and 104 assisted stops this fall.

The 6-1 and 190-pound sophomore also contributed one interception to Almont’s cause.

“Colten had a breakout season, showing elite range toughness and instincts from the inside linebacker position,”Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Leading the team in tackles as an underclassman speaks to how advanced and impactful he already is,” he noted.

“He plays fast, diagnoses plays quickly and brings physicality to every tackle. Colten’s ceiling is extremely high and he is positioned to be one of the top defensive players in the conference next season.”

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

Karbel completed the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team pick.

Brady Schneider, Dryden, linebacker.

Schneider wound up with 78 total tackles during the 2025 campaign.

The 5-8 and 145-pound junior also provided Dryden with three interceptions and one fumble recovery.

“He is a great player and even better kid,” Dryden Coach Hunter Gall commented. “Brady puts in the work and is one of the toughest kids on the field,” he noted.

“He’s great against the run, pass and was a leader of our defense.”

This was his second season on Dryden’s squad.

Schneider finished the 2025 campaign as an All-Big Thumb Conference Blue Division honorable mention selection.

Brenden Bussone, Capac, linebacker.

Bussone supplied Capac with 21 solo and 22 assisted stops this fall.

“Brenden was a very versatile player in our defense,” Capac Co-Coach Bill Nestle commented. “This was his first year playing linebacker and he really excelled,” he noted.

This was his second year on Capac’s varsity.

The 6-0 and 170-pound senior wrapped up the season as an All-Big Thumb Conference Blue Division first team selection.

Jacob Stewart, Almont, linebacker.

Stewart furnished 11 solo and 25 assisted tackles during the 2025 campaign.

“Jacob brought toughness and energy to the team that was truly transformative,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “When we moved him to strong outside linebacker our entire defensive identity sharpened,” he noted.

“He played with physicality and became a difference maker week after week.”

This was his third season on Almont’s squad.

The 6-0 and 190-pound senior closed out the 2025 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team choice.

Gordon Stolecki, Almont, end.

Stolecki supplied Almont with six solo and 46 assisted stops this fall.

The 5-11 and 195-pound senior also contributed one fumble recovery to Almont’s cause.

“Gordon was a dependable and physical force at strong side defensive end,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “His ability to anchor his side of the line, shed blocks and control gaps made him a huge part of our success,” he noted.

“He plays with power, discipline and toughness. These are all qualities that allowed him to enjoy a successful season.”

This was his third year on Almont’s varsity.

Sam Schneider, Capac, back.

Schneider provided Capac with 48 solo and 56 assisted tackles during the 2025 campaign.

The 5-6 and 140-pound senior also contributed one interception and one fumble recovery to Capac’s cause.

“He did a great job for us this season flying to the ball and making great tackles,” Capac Co-Coach Bill Nestle commented. “Sam was a key part to our defense,” he noted.

This was his fourth year on Capac’s squad.

Schneider finished the 2025 campaign as an All-Big Thumb Conference Blue Division first team selection, an All-Region choice and an All-State pick for Division 1 8-player squads.

Brody Corneau, Almont, back.

Corneau provided Almont with 23 solo and 25 assisted tackles this fall.

The 6-2 and 180-pound junior also contributed six interceptions to Almont’s cause.

“He was a lockdown presence,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Brody was definitely a key to our defensive success,” he noted.

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

Corneau wrapped up the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team selection.

Matthew Bacholzky, Almont, back.

Bacholzky furnished Almont with 20 solo and 35 assisted stops during the 2025 campaign.

The 5-10 and 170-pound senior also added one fumble recovery to Almont’s cause.

“He was disciplined, instinctive and always in the right position,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Matthew’s leadership was invaluable,” he noted.

“He communicated like a coach on the field. Matthew held himself and his teammates to the highest standard.”

This was his third year on Almont’s squad. Bacholzky ended the 2025 campaign as a Blue Water Area Conference first team selection, an All-Region choice and a Division 6 All-State pick.

Seth Turner, Capac, back.

Turner managed 25 solo and 12 assisted tackles this fall.

The 6-0 and 160-pound senior also contributed three interceptions and one fumble recovery to Capac’s cause

“He had a good senior year,” Capac Coach Bill Nestle commented. “Seth played consistently well against the run and pass at defensive back this season.

This was his third year on Capac’s varsity.

Turner finished the season as an All-Big Thumb Conference Blue Division honorable mention selection.

Coach of the Year- For directing Almont to a 12-1 overall mark (including a pace-setting 7-0 BWAC showing) as well as a Division 6 semifinal appearance, James Leusby earns Tri-City Times All-Area Coach of the Year accolades.

Bill Nestle, who guided Capac to an 8-3 overall mark and a regional final appearance for Div. 1 8-player squads, was also considered for the honor.

Second team

Offense- Blake Lane, Almont, quarterback; Brody Tesnow, quarterback, Capac; Kaleb Pietrzak, center. Capac; Dylan Hartman, center, Imlay City; Gavin Prusakiewicz, center, Dryden; Ben Nickrand, guard, Danny Rojas, running back, Imlay City; Boston Vock, Capac, wide receiver; Rowan Handley, Dryden, wide receiver; Brett Lestage, wide receiver, Imlay City; Logan Schapman, Almont, end;

Defense- Ryder Baker, Almont, tackle, Jacob Voelker, Almont, tackle; Callum Brown, tackle, Dryden; Peyton Frankowiak, line, Capac; Alex Pettke, line, Bryce Lietz, Capac, end; Luke Taylor, end, Dryden; Gabe Peters, Capac, back; Aiden DeSano, Almont, back; Rowan Handley, Dryden, back; Zach Stroup, linebacker, Capac; Brady Homer, linebacker, Imlay City; and Brett Lestage, back, Imlay City.