Bluejays football team racks up 13 all-conference honors

Officials in the Northwoods-East Conference released their annual all-conference selections for the 2026 season last week, and six members of the Three Lakes-Phelps varsity football team walked away with a truckload of awards. The Bluejays were honored with five first-team, five second-team and three honorable mention selections by coaches within the eight-team conference.

Topping the list of all-conference players are seniors Owen Liebscher and Zach Weavers. Both have been high-impact performers and overall team leaders throughout the season. They were the only members of the Jays to receive unanimous first-team votes from opposing coaches, with Liebscher earning his awards for wide receiver and return specialist. Weavers earned the top spot for his placekicking role. In addition, Liebscher was also recognized as a first-team defensive back, and Weavers was recognized for his punting, while adding two additional second-team awards as an offensive and defensive lineman.

Joining the duo in the all-conference voting was quarterback Sam Koshuta, who snagged a second-team spot as a junior, along with fellow juniors Jack Westfall at the running back position and Bentley Bill as a defensive lineman. Koshuta also received honorable mention for his linebacker role on defense, and senior Garrett Mandli received honorable mention recognition for his efforts on the defensive line. Bills picked up a second selection with an honorable mention spot as an offensive lineman.

Pat George, the head coach for the Bluejays, said he is happy with the recognition that the coaches in the conference gave to his team.

“The players did the work,” he said, “and it’s good to see the recognition given by coaches in our conference. It speaks volumes about what these boys did on the field this year, and how they stand apart from a long list of good players.”

As an all-conference pick in his younger days with the Eagles of Northland Pines High School, George understands what it means to make the cut.

“Football is a tough sport, and it is a good feeling to know that all of the hard work, training, sweat and dirt meant something for the team. It’s nice to get acknowledgement, and it helps motivate people to give their best efforts in other areas. But it is even better as a head coach to be able to watch great things up-close from the sideline. Stats don’t lie,” he added, “and I would take my six all-conference players anytime to go head-to-head with just about any other players at any time. I am proud of what the boys did, and I am happy to see them honored.”

On the statistical front, Liebscher stood out with more than 1,300 yards of production, with 17 touchdowns and two 2-point scores. His speed and running style caught the attention of every coach in the conference, and there was always a buzz in Three Lakes bleachers whenever he touched the ball. Liebscher was also a force on defense with 63 tackles, 25 pass deflections, and six interceptions. According to George, “If you want to beat us, you have to find a way to stop Owen. He is that good.”

Weavers was also a dominating player with long booming punts and hard-hitting football in the trenches. He had 84 total tackles and a knack for getting his teammates fired up in difficult game situations. His 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage led the team, and his punting average of 35 yards led the conference. On the offensive line, his work allowed time for passing and opened holes for runners.

Koshuta had a great year at quarterback, with 1,088 yards in the air and 16 touchdown passes to five different receivers against just four interceptions. He had an outstanding 160.8 QB rating and was a leader on the field and during practice sessions. Running was also very successful with 99 carries for 740 yards on the ground, giving Koshuta more than 1,800 yards of offensive production. Defensively, he made 83 tackles with 11 for a loss of yardage, plus he had a team-leading five sacks.

Westfall’s all-conference selection was a result of his fine running. He was the primary choice for Koshuta handoffs and carried the ball 64 times for 404 yards and two touchdowns. When the Bluejays needed important third-down yardage, Westfall was the primary handoff target. He also scored on six 2-point conversions this season.

Defense was the all-conference key for both Bills and Mandli. Bills led the team with 59 solo tackles and 110 total tackles. He was almost always paired against the best offensive linemen and still broke through for eight tackles behind the line of scrimmage and had two sacks. Meanwhile, Mandli had 45 solo tackles and 66 total tackles of his own. He was second on the team, behind Weavers, with 12 tackles behind the line, and always seemed to be in the same place as the ball on any given play.