Times unveils All-Area grid team

TRI-CITY AREA — Week in and week out these competitors knew what it took to get the job done out on the playing field.

Here is a look at who earned a spot on the 2022 edition of the Tri-City Times All-Area football squad and the credentials they generated along the way:

Offense

Sean O’Neil, placekicker, Almont.

O’Neil connected on 32 of 36 extra point kicks for Almont this season.

He proved successful on four of eight field goal attempts.

This was the first year on Almont’s varsity for the 6-2 and 165-pound freshman.

Trenton Kruse, Almont, quarterback.

Kruse completed 42 of 98 pass plays for 698 yards and six touchdowns during the 2022 campaign. He threw two interceptions en route to those numbers.

The 5-9 and 165-pound senior also rushed the ball 10 times for 27 yards.

This was his third year on Almont’s varsity.

“His biggest asset to the team was his athletic ability,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “We will also miss his leadership in the huddle next year,” he emphasized.

Kruse wrapped up the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention selection.

Brady Vanderploeg, Imlay City, quarterback.

Vanderploeg connected on 34 of 82 pass plays for 485 yards, featuring two touchdowns, this fall.

The 6-3 and 190-pound senior also contributed 377 rushing yards to Imlay City’s cause.

This was his third season with Imlay City’s varsity.

“He was the guy for us on offense this year,” Imlay City Coach Dave Brown commented.

Vanderploeg finished the year as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.

He also received his team’s Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Chase Battani, Almont, running back.

Battani registered a Tri-City best output of 928 rushing yards, including 11 touchdowns, during the 2022 campaign.

It took Battani 97 totes to accomplish the feat, leaving him with an average of 9.6 yards per carry.

The 5-8 and 180-pound sophomore also managed three catches for 17 yards, an average of 5.7 yards per reception.

This was his first year on Almont’s varsity.

“We are so excited to have him back for two more seasons,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Chase runs extremely hard and is not easy to bring down,” he noted.

“He will be a great future leader for our program.”

Battani concluded the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team pick.

Matthew Measel, Almont, running back.

Measel rushed the ball 85 times for 544 yards, an average of 6.4 yards per tote, while registering seven touchdowns this fall.

The 5-9 and 165-pound senior also hauled in 18 receptions for 283 yards, an average of 15.7 yards per catch, while collecting two touchdowns.

This was his third season he has seen some playing time with Almont’s varsity.

“Anytime we needed a big play we tried to get the ball in his hands,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Matthew was electric and always fun to watch,” he noted.

Measel completed the 2022 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.

Bryce Ferman, Almont, running back.

Ferman wound up with 651 rushing yards on 67 totes, an average of 9.7 yards per carry, while registering nine touchdowns during the 2022 campaign.

The 5-9 and 185-pound senior also contributed two catches for 11 yards, an average of 5.5 yards per reception, to Almont’s cause.

This was his third season he has seen some playing time on Almont’s varsity.

“He put up good numbers despite being out with an injury (a broken foot) for two games,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Bryce was at his best against Yale when ran for 251 yards and scored three touchdowns,” he noted.

Ferman ended the 2022 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.

Zach Langmesser, Capac, running back.

Langmesser rushed the ball 70 times for 455 yards, leaving him with an average of 6.5 yards per tote, while collecting six touchdowns during this fall.

The 5-9 and 150-pound senior also registered 19 catches for 321 yards, an average of 16.9 yards per catch, with five touchdowns.

This was his third season on Capac’s varsity.

“He came back to be our most valuable player after suffering lung and rib injuries in an ORV accident,” Capac Coach Rob Novy said. “Zach scored four touchdowns in two separate games this season,” he noted.

Langmesser finished the 2022 campaign as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division honorable mention pick.

Wyatt Hurley, Capac, tight end.

Hurley hauled in 22 catches for 314 yards, an average of 14.3 yards per catch, during the 2022 campaign.

The 6-5 and 230-pound junior collected six touchdown receptions en route to those numbers.

This was his third year on Capac’s varsity.

“He was a tremendous matchup problem if split wide,” Capac Coach Rob Novy commented. “Wyatt made our sweeps go with his run blocking,” he noted.

Hurley wrapped up the 2022 campaign as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division second team selection on offense.

Connor Nascivera, Almont, end.

Nascivera had 12 receptions for 210 yards, an average of 17.5 yards per catch, this fall.

The 6-0 and 165-pound senior collected two touchdowns along the way.

This was his second season on Almont’s varsity.

“He has great hands and runs great routes,” Almont Coach James Leusby observed. “Connor repeatedly made big catch after big catch,” he noted.

“His run blocking was where he was at his best. Connor’s side of the field was where we were headed if we needed to run the ball.

Nascivera has committed to furthering his football playing days at Alma College next season.

James Meadows, Capac, center.

The presence of Meadows up front was key when his team needed needed to pick up yards in crucial situation, according to Capac Coach Rob Novy.

“He was the anchor of our offensive line,” Novy noted.

This was his third year on Capac’s varsity.

Meadows, a 5-9 and 215-pound junior center, wrapped up the 2022 campaign as an All-North Central Thumb League honorable mention selection.

Noah Campbell, Almont, center.

Campbell helped Almont fashion a 6-4 overall mark during the 2022 campaign.

This was the first year for Campbell, a 6-0 and 245-pound junior, on Almont’s varsity.

“He started all 10 games for us at center,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Noah did a great job setting our pass protection and making our run call adjustments,” he noted.

Isaiah Bankston, Almont, guard.

Bankston’s presence up front enabled Almont to gain 3,325 yards of total offense this fall.

It was his second season on Almont’s varsity for the 5-11 and 220-pound junior guard.

“He started all 10 games for us at left guard,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “This was his first season at the position after moving from right tackle in 2021,” he noted.

“We are excited to have him back for his senior year.”

William Kalmar, Almont, tackle.

Kalmar helped Almont’s offense run for 2,554 yards during the 2022 campaign.

This was the second season for Kalmar, a 6-2 and 235-pound senior, on Almont’s varsity.

“He was a key to our running game’s success,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “William was also responsible for protecting quarterback Trenton Kruse’s blind side when we decided to pass,” he noted.

Defense

Andrew Cezik, Imlay City, punter.

Cezik punted the ball 36 times for a 38 yard average this fall.

This was the first year for Cezik, a 5-10 and 165-pound sophomore, on Imlay City’s varsity.

“He definitely helped flip the field for us,” Imlay City Coach Dave Brown commented. “Andrew came through a few times with a great punt after a bad snap or with pressure in his face,” he noted.

Cezik concluded his initial season on Imlay City’s squad as his team’s Special Teams Player of the Year Award recipient.

Antonio Nedelkovski, Almont, defensive end.

Nedelkovski provided Almont with six solo and 30 assisted stops this fall. His numbers included seven tackles for a loss and four quarterback sacks.

The 5-10 and 185-pound senior also contributed three forced fumbles to Almont’s cause.

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

“He was one of our hardest working players this season,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Antonio was chosen by his peers to carry the flag and lead them onto the field each week,” he noted.

“That was an honor given to a senior that demonstrates a toughness that all players strive to play with.”

Nedelkovski completed the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team selection.

Latham Perry, Imlay City, defensive line.

Perry collected 41 tackles during the 2022 campaign. His numbers included 11 tackles for a loss and three quarterback sacks.

The 5-11 and 215-pound senior tackle also contributed three batted passes, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery to Imlay City’s cause.

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

“He was very disruptive up front and led us defensively,” Imlay City Coach Dave Brown said.

Perry concluded the 2022 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice.

In addition to that, Perry earned his team’s Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Blake Phillips, Capac, defensive end.

Phillips managed 38 solo and 10 assisted tackles this fall. His numbers included three tackles for a loss and two quarterback.

This was his first year on Capac’s varsity.

“He got better every week,” Capac Coach Rob Novy commented. “Blake was able to develop into our best defensive player,” he noted.

Phillips, a 6-5 and 195-pound senior end, completed the season as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division second team pick.

He also earned his team’s Defensive Player of the Year Award at the Capac Football Awards Banquet.

Wyatt Hurley, Capac, defensive end.

This was his third year on Capac’s varsity.

He along with Blake Phillips gave us solid play at defensive end,” Capac Coach Rob Novy observed. “Wyatt, Carlos Uribe-Arce and James Meadows will be the heart of our team next year,” he noted.

Hurley concluded the 2022 campaign as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division second team selection for his prowess on defense.

Cody Koval, Almont, defensive end.

Koval provided Almont with eight solo and 33 assisted tackles this fall. His numbers included four tackles for a loss.

The 6-0 and 185-pound end also contributed one fumble recovery for a touchdown to Almont’s cause.

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

“He was one of our leading tacklers,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Cody wound up fourth on the team in the category,” he noted.

Josh Mroz, Almont, linebacker.

Mroz amassed 16 solo and 36 assisted stops during the 2022 campaign. His numbers included three tackles for a loss and one quarterback sack.

The 5-8 and 145-pound senior also contributed one forced fumble and one fumble recovery to Almont’s cause.

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

“What made him so valuable was his ability to play in the box versus run teams,” Almont Coach James Leusby observed. “Josh also was versatile enough to cover slot receivers,” he noted.

Bryce Ferman, Almont, linebacker.

Ferman collected seven solos and 31 assisted tackles this fall. His numbers included five tackles for a loss.

The 5-9 and 185-pound senior also contributed one interception and one forced fumble to Almont’s cause.

This was his third season he has seen playing time on Almont’s varsity.

“He was one of our top tacklers,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Bryce wound up fifth in that statistical category,” he noted.

Ferman finished the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team selection.

Tyler Filinger, Almont, linebacker.

Filinger supplied 29 solo and 67 assisted tackles during the 2022 campaign. His numbers included 14 tackles for a loss and five quarterback sacks.

The 5-10 and 190-pound senior also contributed one forced fumble returned for a touchdown to Almont’s cause.

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

“He was the leader of our defense,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Tyler was responsible for our defense alignments and play calls versus the opponent’s offense,” he noted.

Filinger completed the 2022 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team choice and an Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 6 All-State first team pick.

Ayden Ferqueron, Almont, linebacker.

Ferqueron managed 29 solos and 65 assisted tackles this fall. His numbers included 14 tackles for a loss and five quarterback sacks.

The 6-1 and 195-pound junior linebacker also contributed one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery to Almont’s cause.

This was his second season he has seen playing time on Almont’s varsity.

“We are excited to to have Ayden take over as the defensive leader next fall,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “It will be great having him back for us again,” he noted.

Ferqueron ended the season as an All-Blue Water Area Conference first team pick.

Caydon Nascivera, Almont, cornerback

Nascivera provided eight solo and 14 assisted tackles during the 2022 campaign.

The 5-9 and 145-pound senior cornerback also contributed one interception and one fumble recovery to Almont’s cause.

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

“He missed two games this season with a pulled hamstring,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Caydon had great cover skills and was extremely competitive in one on one situations.”

Carson Wood, Almont, defensive back.

Wood furnished 11 solos and 12 assisted tackles this fall. His numbers included one tackle for a loss.

The 6-0 and 170-pound senior defensive back also contributed one fumble recovery to Almont’s cause.

This was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

“He had great cover skills,” Almont Coach James Leusby said. “Carson was not shy about coming up to make a tackle,” he noted.

Matthew Measel, Almont, cornerback/safety.

Measel supplied nine solos and 15 assisted tackles during the 2022 campaign.

The 5-9 and 155-pound senior cornerback/safety also contributed 2 two interceptions to Almont’s cause.

It was his second year on Almont’s varsity.

“This year he played both safety and corner depending on what team we played,” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Wherever we asked him to play he came through for us,” he noted.

Carlos Uribe-Arce, Capac, defensive back.

Uribe-Arce wound up with 24 solos and six assisted tackles this fall. His numbers included three tackles for a loss.

The 5-8 and 164-pound junior defensive back also provided Capac with three interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown.

This was his third year on Capac’s varsity.”

“Carlos ended the year as one of our top tacklers,” Capac Coach Rob Novy commented. “We could play him anywhere on defense,” he noted.

Uribe-Arce wrapped up the season as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division second team selection on defense.

Second team– Carlos Uribe-Arce, Capac, quarterback; Max Klein, Capac, lineman; Aden Uribe-Arce, Capac, fullback/linebacker; Brian Canelo, Capac, offensive guard/defensive line; Kade Vanderploeg, tight end, Imlay City; Travis Dupont, wide receiver, Imlay City; Brady Redd, running back/linebacker, Imlay City; Brady Vanderploeg, linebacker, Imlay City; and Derek Mason, defense, Capac.

Coach of the Year– For directing his team to a 6-4 overall mark and a Division 6 state playoff appearance, Almont Coach James Leusby earns Tri-City Times All-Area Coach of the Year accolades.