Times names All-Area football team

Players show abundant talent and skills in shortened season

 

TRI-CITY AREA — From the opening contest until the last, these competitors let their respective performances speak for itself.

Here is a look at the 2020 edition of the Tri-City Times All-Area football team and the numbers they generated en route to those accolades:

Kicking

Brandon Hunsaker, Almont, placekicker.

Hunsaker connected on eight of nine extra point attempts and made the game-tieing field that sent Almont’s contest into overtime against visiting Blue Water Area Conference rival Richmond during the 2020 campaign.

This was his second* season on Almont’s varsity.

The 6-0 and 205-pound junior ended the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention selection.

Brandon Hunsaker, Almont, punter.

Make no mistake about it, Hunsaker was a definite asset for Almont in his role of punter this fall.

The 6-0 and 205-pound junior averaged an impressive 35.11 yards per effort, including a long of 52 yards. Seven of his punts were stopped inside the opposing 20-yard line.

“He was an outstanding punter for us,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “We are excited to have him back for his senior season,” he noted.

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

Hunsaker finished the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention choice.

Offense

Jack Kaplan, Imlay City.

The 5-8 and 145-pound senior completed 17 of 45 pass plays for 327 yards, including three touchdowns, during the 2020 campaign. He threw five interceptions along the way.

In addition to those numbers, Kaplan rushed the ball 34 times for 214 yards while collecting four touchdowns. That works out to an average of 6.4 yards per tote.

“He did an excellent job taking over at quarterback this year and was a big part of our success this season,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak said. “Jack picked up the offense really quickly through hard work and is an outstanding competitor,” he noted.

This was Kaplan’s first year on Imlay City’s varsity.

Cristian Rojas, Imlay City, runningback.

Rojas rushed the ball 77 times for a Tri-City best 607 yards, an average of 7.8 yards per tote, and collected eight touchdowns this fall

“He has a great combination of speed and power especially for a smaller back,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak said. “Cristian really got better at reading blocks this year and the kid is ridiculously tough,” he noted.
The 5-4 and 145-pound junior wrapped up his third season on Imlay City’s varsity as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention selection.

Michael Lulgjuraj, Almont, runningback.

Lulgjuraj wound up with 350 yards on 64 totes, an average of 5.5 yards per carry, including one touchdown, during the 2020 campaign.

The 5-11 and 190-pound senior also had three receptions for 12 yards, an average of 4.0 yards per catch, with one touchdown.

Lulgjuraj put up those credentials while playing three regular season and two playoff games.

“He has been an impact player at fullback for three seasons,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Michael was our leading rusher as a sophomore, then battled injuries through his junior season but made some huge plays for us at Ford field and throughout our playoff run,” he noted.

“His senior season was cut short by quarantine but he still was our leading rusher. “It will be difficult to replace Michael’s production in the backfield next season.”

Lulgjuraj completed the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.

Mason Smith, Almont, runningback.

Smith rushed the ball 43 times for 212 yards, an average of 4.9 yards per carry, while collecting four touchdowns this fall.

The 5-11 and 170-pound junior also had three catches for 31 yards, an average of 10.3 yards per reception.

“He stepped up and played on both sides of the ball this season,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Mason did a great job on both sides of the ball,” he emphasized.

“We are looking forward to having Mason back for his senior season. He will be counted on to step into a bigger leadership role in 2021.”

Smith ended his second full season on Almont’s varsity as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team pick.

Dakota Sandzik, Imlay City, wide receiver.

The 5-8 and 145-pound senior provided 13 catches for 269 yards, an average of 16.5 yards per reception, during the 2020 campaign.

“He filled a hybrid role for us on offense,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak commented. “I really think you could make a case for him being the best receiver in the BWAC and his speed out of the backfield when we used him there made him dangerous anytime he had the ball,” he noted.

This was Sandzik’s third year on Imlay City’s varsity.

Sandzik concluded the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.

Chris Cezik, Imlay City, tight end.

The 6-2 and 255-pound senior supplied seven receptions for 85 yards, an average of 12.1 yards per catch, this fall.

“He has a unique combination of size and hands that we don’t see a lot of in high school football,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak commented. “Chris is a great blocker and a great receiver.” he noted

Cezik finished his third season on Imlay City’s varsity as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.

Morgan Miodowski, Almont, center.

The 6-0 and 220-pound performer helped Almont’s offense average 205.5 yards per game during the 2020 campaign.

“Morgan is one of our hardest workers and among our strongest players,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “If center weren’t such an important position, he likely would have seen a lot of time on the defensive line as well,” he noted.

“It will be difficult to replace Morgan’s leadership next season.”

This was his second season on Almont’s varsity.

Andrew Alden, Imlay City, guard.

The 5-9 and 230-pound senior helped the Imlay City offensive attack click often, playing a role in the Spartans putting together a 4-3 overall mark this fall.

“He was a starter for us each of his varsity seasons and has been our most consistent offensive lineman,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak commented. “Andrew made all the adjustments for us up front and really did a great job to groom the underclassmen for the future,” he noted.

“He is an amazing teammate. Andrew is the kind of kid that would pancake you and then help you up and shake your hand.”

This was his third year on Imlay City’s varsity.

Bryce Stoutenburg, Imlay City, tackle.

His presence up front made Imlay City a team to be reckoned with during the 2020 campaign.

“He really came into his own this year,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak commented. “Bryce worked hard in the offseason to secure his starting spot and he combined with Cezik and Alden to form what they called the strong side of the offensive line,” he noted.

“He is an absolute road grader as a run blocker.”

This was third year on Imlay City’s varsity.

The 6-3 and 255-pound senior ended the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention selection.

Defense

Dillan Landerschier, Imlay City, nose tackle.

The 6-3 and 230-pound junior collected four solos and 19 assisted stops during the 2020 campaign

“He is a beast in the weight room who set a goal to be the most dominant defensive lineman in the league,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak said. Dillan was double teamed most of the year and still put up big numbers for us,”
he noted.
This was his first year on Imlay City’s varsity.

Chris Cezik, Imlay City, tackle.

Cezik supplied five unassisted and 24 assisted tackles this fall.

The 6-2 and 255-pound junior also registered a pair of fumble recoveries and had one pass breakup.

“Defensively he really came into his own for us,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak said. “Chris did not get a starting spot until a few weeks in but was arguably our most dominant defensive lineman down the stretch,” he noted.

“He was great against the run and the pass.”

This was his third year on Imlay City’s varsity.

Cezik ended the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.

Lane Jackson, Almont, tackle.

The 5-9 and 160-pound senior generated eight solo and 12 assisted tackles during the 2020 campaign.

Jackson played in four contests for Almont.

“He plays a very demanding position for someone his size but was able to use his quickness to make plays in the backfield,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Lane has been a difference maker for the last two seasons at defensive tackle and will be difficult for us to replace,” he noted.

Nolan Panduren, Almont, end.

Panduren managed 11 unassisted and 27 assisted tackles this fall.

The 5-11 and 175-pound junior, who is one of just two returning defensive starters from the 2019 state runnerup squad, also contributed two forced fumbles and one blocked punt to Almont’s cause.

It took him four regular season and two playoff games to produce those numbers.

“He has been a difference maker since day one of his freshman season,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Nolan is not your typical defensive end, he is probably about 175 pounds, but he is very strong for his size and is able to make plays with his quickness,” he noted.

“We are going to miss his production on the defensive line for sure.”

Panduren wrapped up his fourth varsity season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.

Wyatt Luther, Imlay City, linebacker.

The 6-0 and 190-pound senior wound up with 16 solo and 55 assisted tackles during the 2020 campaign.

Luther also contributed one forced fumble and a fumble recovery to Imlay City’s cause.

“He is the best tackler on our team and the emotional leader,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak commented. “Wyatt was without a doubt one of the best defenders in the area, not just in the BWAC,” he noted.

“He has a high motor and never quits.”

This was his third year on Imlay City’s varsity.

Luther finished the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team pick.

Lance Wolford, Imlay City, linebacker.

Wolford furnished 16 unassisted and 47 assisted tackles this fall.

The 5-10 and 180-pound junior also had two pass breakups, notched one forced fumble and registered one fumble recovery.

“He has been starting as a middle linebacker since his freshman year,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak said. “Lance is like having a coach on the field and will frequently text me things he sees on film,” he noted.

“He is one of the most physical players I have ever coached. It is scary to think what he will be like as a senior.”

Wolford completed his third varsity season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.

Landon Kruse. Almont, linebacker.

Kruse provided 16 solo and 22 assisted tackles during the 2020 campaign.

It took him four regular season and two playoff games to generate those numbers.

“He is one of the best defensive players we have had here in recent memory,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Landon has a very high football IQ and was a great leader for us this season,” he noted.

“We will definitely miss Landon’s talent, experience and leadership next season.”

This was his third year on Almont’s varsity.

The 5-10 and 165-pound senior concluded the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.

Brandon Hunsaker, Almont, linebacker.

Hunsaker notched eight unassisted and 23 assisted tackles this fall.

It took him four regular season and two playoff games to generate those numbers.

“We moved him around a bit on defense this year,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Brandon started out at defensive end and eventually played at inside linebacker to help our defense out,” he noted.

“We are excited to have him back for his senior season and we are looking for Brandon taking on a larger leadership role.”

The 6-0 and 205-pound junior ended his second varsity season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention pick.

Corey Webster, Almont, linebacker.

Webster wound up with five solo, 16 assisted tackles and one interception during the 2020 campaign.

It took him four regular season contests and one playoff game to produce those numbers.

“Corey has battled injuries through his time on varsity but was always productive when on the field,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “We could use him as a blocking back, defensive end, inside linebacker or outside linebacker,” he noted.

“He spent the majority of his senior season as an inside linebacker because that is where we needed him. We will certainly miss him next season.”

This was his third year on Almont’s varsity.

The 5-10 and 195-pound senior finished the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention selection.

Blake Bunch, Almont, linebacker.

Bunch generated six unassisted and 14 assisted tackles this fall.

The 5-10 and 170-pound junior also contributed four pass breakups to Almont’s cause.

It took him four regular season and two playoff games to notch those numbers.

“Blake did everything we asked of him this year, including playing both sides of the ball for part of the season,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “With this season of experience under his belt we are expecting big things from 2021,” he noted.

“He will also be stepping into a bigger leadership role for us next season.”

This was his initialcampaign on Almont’s varsity.

Julian Rojas, Imlay City, defensive back.

Rojas collected six solo and 35 assisted tackles during the 2020 campaign.

The 5-3 and 135-pound sophomore also registered a pair of pass breakups and one forced fumble.

“He has great instincts,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak said. “That enabled Julian to wind up as our third leading tackler for the second straight season,” he noted.

This was his second year on Imlay City’s varsity.

Dakota Sandzik, Imlay City, defensive back.

Sandzik furnished 12 solo and 13 assisted tackles this fall.

He also contributed two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal to Imlay City’s cause.

“He captained our secondary and had amazing instincts,” Imlay City Coach Brian Tresnak said. “Dakota was a great pass defender in zone or man,” he noted.

“He would start anywhere in our league.”

This was his third year on Imlay City’s varsity.

The 5-9 and 145-pound senior completed the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.

Trenton Kruse, Almont, defensive back.

Kruse supplied eight solo and 10 assisted tackles during the 2020 campaign.

The 5-9 and 145-pound sophomore also contributed three pass breakups to Almont’s cause.

It took him two regular season and two playoff games to produce those numbers.

“He made it known that he belonged on varsity by dominating the first two junior varsity games,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Trenton stepped right in on varsity and had some initial growing pains but really came on strong in our final three games,” he noted.

“We are looking forward to having him back for the next two seasons.”

Honorable mention- Brock Conger, Almont, quarterback; Jared Fahley, Capac, quarterback; Brandon Hunsaker, Almont, offensive guard; Wyatt Luther, Imlay City, offensive line/placekicker/punter; Blake Bunch, Almont, running back; Dakota Sandzik, Imlay City, running back; Myles Falzon, Capac, running back; Emilio Lord, Almont, running back/defensive back; Gabe Garcia, Capac, running back/offensvie tackle/defensive tackle; Scott Pape, Almont, tight end; Hunter Tyson, Capac, tight end/offensive guard/nose guard; Mason Smith, Almont, cornerback; Eli Bankston, Almont; offensive guard/tackle/linebacker,

Coach of the Year- For directing Imlay City to a 4-3 overall and a 4-2 Blue Water Area Conference mark, good for third place, Spartan Coach Brian Tresnak garners Tri-City Times All-Area Coach of the Year accolades.