Bluejays roll seven on all-conference team

Members of the Three Lakes-Phelps varsity football team are well represented, with seven players listed on the 2025 all-conference team, according to an announcement last week by the commissioner of the 8-player Northeast Conference.

Sawyer Szews and Owen Liebscher topped the list by earning first-team honors, and each was selected in three different categories. Zach Weavers and Bentley Bills earned two spots each on the second team, while Jack Westfall, Sam Koshuta and Jack Bauknecht rounded out the list with honorable mention status.

This is the second straight year for Szews to earn a first-team award, and a repeat overall selection for Liebscher and Weavers. Selections are made based on each player’s game performance, and votes are tabulated by coaches within the conference. For Szews, the first-team selection was a double pick because he was honored in both his offensive and defensive positions, and it was all topped off with one of the major awards as defensive co-player of the year.

Liebscher was recognized for his excellence as a kick return specialist on the first team and for his wide receiver role on the second team. He also received honorable mention for his defensive back performance. Bluejays quarterback Sam Koshuta earned his honorable mention status for his first-year efforts behind center, while Weavers and Bills earned spots on both sides of the ball as second-team honorees. Bauknecht received an honorable mention award for his linebacker work on defense.

In total, the Jays picked up 13 awards, just behind Wabeno-Laona with 16, following their undefeated regular season and deep postseason run. The Rebels were also honored with several additional awards, such as offensive player of the year and coach of the year.

Bluejays Head Coach Justin Szews said after the announcements that he was pleased with how well the team was represented.

“The coaching staff is happy with the number of players that were recognized for their efforts by our competitor conference coaches. Coaches cannot vote for their own players and it is a great honor to make the cut. Any time a player receives a post season award, it means that opposing coaches voted for them as first or second team candidates.”

Statistically, (Sawyer) Szews was very dominating with 132 total team tackles, which topped the conference and was the second best in 8-player football.

Offensively, Szews gained 1,000 yards this season through 26 receptions for 530 yards plus 470 yards on the ground. He also had four receiving touchdowns and found the end zone five times running the ball.

Liebscher and Koshuta joined Szews with 1,000-yard seasons. For Liebscher, however, his kick-returning performances went beyond statistics, even though he led the state with 579 return yards. Coaches recognized his on-field presence and fast running that lit up crowds throughout the season. Liebscher also had 55 total tackles, 24 solo tackles, and 11 pass deflections on defense, while leading the conference with 30 pass receptions and with his 1,149 all-purpose yards.

Weavers and Bills earned second-team all-conference honors in their offense and defense positions. According to Szews, Weavers was often a dominant force blocking defenders with his presence and athleticism, and by “flipping the field” with his long punts, which averaged 37.4 yards, ranking him second in the conference. Bills did most of his work in the trenches for the Bluejays as a lineman and played a dominant defensive role with 72 total tackles and 19 solo tackles this season.

First-year quarterback Koshuta contributed most of his yardage with his arm as he threw for 964 yards, which ranked second in the conference. He threw eight touchdown passes and added two additional scores through 127 rushing yards. Westfall was selected for his tough running, where he gained 298 yards with a touchdown, and where his head coach said he is “pound for pound” one of the strongest kids on the team. Defensively, Westfall had 42 total tackles with five interceptions, which ranked fourth in the state.

Bauknecht had 78 total tackles, 25 solo tackles, and two interceptions on defense. Coach Szews summed up Bauknecht’s performance with a short comment about his toughness, stating that “Jack would run through a brick wall for any of his teammates.”