Almont’s Jack Paupert looks to pick up a first down during a Division 5 playoff game versus Saginaw Swan Valley.
TRI-CITY AREA — From start to finish, these players set the standard for excellence with their top-notch play out on the field.
Here is look at who gained selection to the 2019 edition of the Tri-City Times All-Area first team lineup and the numbers they generated along the way:
Offense
Josh Hellebuyck, quarterback, Almont.
The 5-9 and 165-pound senior completed 70 of 128 pass plays for 1,312 yards this fall. He threw 23 touchdown passes and was intercepted 10 times along the way.
“He has put in a lot of work to improve his game in the last two summers,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Josh was a member of our leadership team and a two-year starter for us,” he noted.
“We put a lot of faith in Josh to lead us over the last two seasons and he did a great job, leading us to a record to 23-2. We will definitely miss Josh’s leadership and playmaking ability next season.”
He concluded his second year on Almont’s varsity as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.
Jack Paupert, Almont, running back.
Paupert amassed a Tri-City best rushing total of 1,003 yards on 124 totes, an average of 8.0 yards per carry, while generating 16 touchdowns during the 2019 campaign.
The 5-10 and 170-pound senior also had 20 receptions for 392 yards, an average of 19.6 yards per catch, with seven touchdowns.
“His statistics don’t even come close to measuring what he means to our team,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Jack was a member of our leadership team and a three-year varsity starter,” he noted.
“He had very good sophomore and junior seasons but he wanted more and put in a lot of work in the offseason to get faster and stronger and that translated into an outstanding senior season. When we needed a big play, Jack found a way to make it happen. We can’t say enough about his willingness to sacrifice for his team and we are going to sorely miss his leadership and his presence on both sides of the ball next season.”
Paupert wrapped up his third season on Almont’s varsity as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.
Mason Smith, Almont, running back.
Smith rushed the ball 117 times for 967 yards, an average of 8.3 yards per tote, while collecting 11 touchdowns this fall.
The 5-10 and 160-pound performer also provided one catch for 22 yards.
“He had a very good sophomore season after spending a few games on the varsity at the end of his freshman season,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Mason carried us in our BWAC clinching win over Richmond with 138 yards and two touchdowns and also had a monster game against North Branch with 222 yards and four touchdowns,” he noted.
“We are excited to have Mason back for two more seasons and we expect him to continue to add to his size and strength.”
This was his first full year on Almont’s varsity.
Cristian Rojas, Imlay City, running back.
Rojas managed 680 yards on 112 totes, an average of 6.1 yards per carry, while contributing four touchdowns during the 2019 campaign.
The 5-4 and 145-pound sophomore also had nine receptions for 165 yards, an average of 18.3 yards per catch.
“He was our second leading rusher,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak said. “Cristian possesses great vision as a ballcarrier,” he noted.
Rojas concluded his second season on Imlay City’s varsity as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team pick.
Colby Schapman, Almont, split end.
Schapman hauled in 36 receptions for 753 yards, an average of 20.9 yards per catch, with 14 touchdowns this fall.
“He brought a dimension to our offense that we didn’t have in Almont for quite awhile,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Colby is deceptively fast and can go get just about any ball with his 6-5 frame,” he emphasized.
“His stats could have been much more eye-popping if we had been forced to throw more often if he had played in the second half of more games.”
The 190-pound senior ended his third season on Almont’s varsity as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.
Conner Robinson, Capac, wide receiver.
Robinson had 35 catches for 491 yards, an average of 14.0 yards per reception, while contributing four touchdowns, during the 2019 campaign.
The 5-10 and 160- pound junior wrapped up his second year on Capac’s varsity as an All-Greater Thumb Conference East second team choice.
Jackson Malcolm, Almont, tight end.
Malcolm hauled in seven receptions for 112 yards, an average of 16.0 yards per catch, with one touchdown this fall.
“He was a member of our leadership team and has been a key to our running team for the past two seasons,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Jackson has helped our running game close to 270 yards per game and 7.55 yards per carry,” he noted.
“In our offense, the tight end position is basically a glorified offensive tackle. Jackson has done a great job down blocking and getting to inside linebackers to allow our running backs to pick up big chunks of yards. He has worked very hard to add strength and to improve his technique over the past two years. It will be difficult to replace Jackson next season.”
The 6-5 and 215-pound senior finished his second season on Almont’s varsity as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention pick.
Derek Johnston, Almont, center
Johnston’s play in the middle enabled Almont to average 266.8 rushing yards per game and collect 52 touchdowns during the 2019 campaign.
The 6-1 and 230-pound senior also helped Almont’s quarterbacks throw for 1,376 yards and 23 touchdowns.
“He was a two-year starter for us at center and improved dramatically from the beginning of his junior season,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Derek has added size and strength over his two years on varsity and that was noticeable on the field this season,” he noted.
“Derek and quarterback Josh Hellebuyck did a great job making sure the ball was secure over the last two seasons. We will miss his consistency next season.”
Jacob Hausmann, Almont, guard.
Hausmann’s play proved instrumental to Almont’s offensive success, allowing the Raiders’ running game to generate 266.8 yards per contest and passing attack to amass 1,376 yards this fall.
“He has been a three-year starter on offense,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Jacob probably has the highest football IQ of anyone I have ever coached.”
“He was a member of our leadership team and was voted by his teammates as our team captain this season. Jacob has the skills and drive to play at the next level and has received interest from several schools.”
The 6-1 and 225-pound senior wrapped up his fourth year on Almont’s varsity as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.
Andrew Alden, Imlay City, guard.
Alden’s play helped contribute significantly to Imlay City’s successful 5-4 run during the 2019 campaign.
“He was our best offensive lineman and the only one to start all nine games,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak said. “Andrew was a team leader and a huge reason why we rushed for nearly 800 more yards than we did in 2018, he noted.
This was his second year on Imlay City’s varsity.
Alden completed the 2019 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team selection.
Nathan Kerby, Almont, tackle.
Kerby’s presence on the Almont offensive line was definitely appreciated this fall.
It is because of his contributions of the 6-2 and 210-pound senior Almont was able to amass 3,735 rushing and 1,376 passing yards over their 14-game slate.
“He was a member of our leadership team and a two-year starter at left tackle for us,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Nathan has worked very hard over the last two years to add size and strength and set the tone for our offensive line with his physical play. “We will definitely miss Nathan next season,” he noted.
Carson Tennant, Almont, tackle.
“He was probably our most consistent offensive lineman this season. “Carson has worked very hard to get stronger and that showed in his performance this season,” he noted.
“He and Nathan Kerby really made great bookends to our offensive line and were able to run both sides effectively due to their efforts.”
This was the second year on Almont’s varsity for the 5-11 and 225-pound performer.
Defense
Michael Rinke, Almont, tackle.
Rinke provided 10 solo and 47 assisted tackles during the 2019 campaign.
“He was a member of our leadership team and a two-year starter on defense,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Michael has worked very hard to add strength and improve his technique against bigger offensive linemen,” he noted.
“He is a very intelligent football player and plays as hard as anyone on our team. We will surely miss Michael’s effort and leadership next season.”
This was the second season for Rinke, a 6-2 and 185-pound senior tackle, on Almont’s varsity.
Meric Okoniewski, Almont, end.
Okoniewski supplied 13 solo and 53 assisted tackles for Almont this fall.
In addition to that, he contributed one fumble recovery to Almont’s cause.
“He has been a stalwart on the strong side for us this season,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Meric worked very hard to add strength and weight to his frame and that certainly showed up on the field this season.” he noted.
“Many of our opponents learned very quickly that it is not easy running the ball to Meric’s side of the field. In addition, he made it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to throw over him, batting down several passes and affecting several others at key moments for us. He has the ability to play at the next level and has received interest from Alma College, Saginaw Valley State University as well as several other schools. He is an outstanding young man and an excellent student. We surely will miss Meric next season.
This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.
The 6-7 and 235-pound defense end closed out the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.
Colby Schapman, Almont, cornerback.
Schapman furnished 24 solos and 14 assisted stops during the 2019 campaign.
In addition to that, Schapman contributed one interception to Almont’s cause.
“He did a great job for us on defense,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Colby played where coach Ritchie Feys needed him to fit our scheme,” he noted.
“We will miss Colby tremendously next season.”
This was his third year on Almont’s varsity.
The 6-5 and 190-pound senior ended the campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.
Caleb Weigand, Almont, cornerback.
Weigand finished with 17 solo and eight assisted tackles during the 2019 campaign.
The 5-9 and 170-pound senior also contributed a team-high 19 pass breakups to Almont’s cause.
“He put in a lot of work over the last two seasons to make himself into a very good defensive back,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Caleb was a three-year varsity player and his experience showed this season.”
“Coach Ritchie Feys had a lot of trust in Caleb to execute his responsibilities and that faith paid off for us with an excellent senior season. We will miss Caleb’s presence in the defensive backfield next season.”
Nolan Panduren, Almont, end.
Panduren collected 18 solo and 48 assisted tackles for Almont this fall. His totals included 25 tackles for a loss and 10 quarterback sacks.
In addition to that, Panduren contributed one fumble recovery and one safety to Almont’s cause.
“He is very difficult to block,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Nolan is not big but his combination of size and quickness make it very difficult for bigger offensive linemen to keep him contained,” he noted.
“He made a living in opposing backfields and his stats show that. We are looking forward to having him back next season to lead our defensive line,”
This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.
The 5-10 and 170-pound junior closed out the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention pick.
Jacob Hausmann, Almont, linebacker.
Hausmann wound up with 27 solo and 78 assisted tackles during the 2019 campaign.
In addition to that, Hausmann contributed two interceptions to Almont’s cause.
“He has been a four-year starter for us on defense,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Jacob has the constant desire to improve and get stronger,” he noted.
He is an impressive young man who has devoted so much time to our program and to our youth program. We can’t thank him enough for that.”
This was his fourth year on Almont’s varsity.
The 6-1 and 225-pound senior concluded his 2019 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.
Blake Kapron, Almont, linebacker.
Kapron finished with 21 solo and 76 assisted tackles this fall.
In addition to that, Kapron contributed one interception and a fumble recovery to Almont’s cause.
“He has been arguably our most consistent player on defense for the past three seasons,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “We could always count on Blake to be in the right spot and to use the proper technique.
“He has been a key part of back to back BWAC championships and back to back undefeated seasons. His ability to play through some pretty big bumps and bruises and his willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team are appreciated more than we can ever show. We will definitely miss Blake next season.”
This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.
The 5-11 and 185-pound senior completed the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.
Landon Kruse, Almont, linebacker.
Kruse supplied 23 solos and 31 assisted tackles during the 2019 campaign.
In addition to that, Kruse contributed two interceptions to Almont’s cause.
“He stepped into a role late in his sophomore season and has never looked back,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Landon has consistently improved and became one of the cornerstones of our defense as the season went on,” he noted.
“If he puts in the work and has a strong senior season we believe Landon will be right up there with any outside linebacker we have had in Almont. We are looking forward to having him back to lead our defense next season.”
This was the first year on Almont’s varsity for the 5-11 and 160-pound performer.
Wyatt Luther, Imlay City, linebacker.
Luther had a hand in on 103 stops this fall.
In addition to that, Luther contributed four fumble recoveries to Imlay City’s cause.
“He was an absolute machine on defense,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak commented. “Wyatt played the strong side linebacker in our scheme and did an excellent job shedding blocks and getting to the ball,” he noted.
This was his second year on Imlay City’s varsity.
The 5-10 and 185-pound junior finished the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team pick.
Jordan Cherry, Capac, linebacker.
Cherry generated 42 solo and 40 assisted tackles during the 2019 campaign.
In addition to that, Cherry registered one interception.
“He was our best defensive player,” Capac Coach Rob Novy said. “Jordan will be tough to replace,” he noted.
This was his third year on Capac’s varsity.
The 6-0 and 190-pound senior completed the 2019 campaign as an All-Greater Thumb Conference East second team selection.
Dakota Sandzik, Imlay City, safety
Sandzik collected 36 tackles this fall.
In addition to that, Sandzik contributed five interceptions and one fumble recovery to Imlay City’s cause.
“He was a huge part of why our defense was greatly improved this year,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak commented. “Dakota had more interceptions than we did as a team in 2018,” he noted.
“He has excellent range in the secondary and great recovery speed for the rare occasions when he is beat. Dakota has great hands and a great nose for the football.”
This was his second year on Imlay City’s varsity.
The 5-9 and 135-pound junior concluded the year as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team pick.
Jack Paupert, Almont, safety.
Paupert supplied nine solo and 20 assisted tackles this fall.
In addition to that, Paupert contributed three interceptions to Almont’s cause.
“Along with Jacob Hausmann he led our defense by making check calls and was in the correct coverage at all times,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Jack is the toughest kid in our program and played through some pretty good bumps and bruises,” he noted.
“We can’t say enough about his willingness to sacrifice for his team and we are going to sorely miss his leadership and presence on both sides of the ball next season.”
This was his third season on Almont’s varsity.
The 5-10 and 170-pound senior closed out the year as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.
Special Teams
Ben Laskowski, Capac, placekicker.
Laskowski connected on six of seven field goals, including a pair of school record-setting attempts from 45 yards, and proved true on three of three extra point kicks this fall.
It was his second year on Capac’s varsity.
The 6-0 and 180-pound junior wrapped up the year as an All-Greater Thumb Conference East first team selection.
Ben Laskowski, Capac, punter.
Laskowski averaged 35.4 yards per punt during the 2019 campaign.
This was his second year on Capac’s varsity.
The 6-0 and 180-pound junior ended the year as an All-Greater Thumb Conference East first team choice.
Second team
Offense- Riley Bertram, Imlay City, quarterback; Jacob Castillo, Almont, running back; Michael Lulgjuraj, Almont, running back; Austin DeRocher, Imlay City, fullback; Dylan Heber, Imlay City, center; Jacob Vallad, Imlay City, guard; Omar Navarro, Capac, lineman; Bryce Tank, Capac, lineman; Blake Kapron, Almont, lineman; Dakota Sandzik, Imlay City, receiver; and Dan Parski, Capac, receiver.
Defense- Joe Harper, Imlay City, tackle; Don Bruman, Capac, tackle; Jacob Castillo, Almont, linebacker; Lance Wolford, Imlay City, linebacker; Julian Rojas, Imlay City, linebacker/defensive back; Connor Robinson, Capac, back; Cristian Rojas, Imlay City, back; Mitch Schoenrock, Capac, back; and Dan Parski, Capac, end.
Specialists
Placekicker- Ryan Miller, Almont.
Punter- Wyatt Luther, Imlay City.
Honorable mention
Offense- Jordan Cherry, Capac, running back; Mitch Schoenrock, Capac, center; and Jared Fahley, Capac, receiver.
Coach of the Year- For directing Almont to a pacesetting 7-0 Blue Water Area Conference showing, a perfect 9-0 regular season run, a district title, a regional championship and a Division 5 state runnerup placing, Raider Coach James Leusby earns Tri-City Times All-Area Coach of the Year accolades.
Kevin Kissane has been covering high school sports for the Tri-City Times since 1985. When not standing on a field or court with his camera and notepad, he enjoys golf, travel and family. Kevin is a 1980 graduate of Capac High School, and is also a grad of St. Clair Community College and earned a degree in journalism from Central Michigan University.
