BATTLE CREEK – The 2025 Battle Creek Enquirer All-City Football Team is made up of members of the five city football teams and voted on by the city coaches and the Enquirer sports staff:
MORE: Battle Creek Enquirer 2025 All-City Football Coach of the Year
Graham Askew
Battle Creek Central
A senior leader in the defensive backfield for an improved Battle Creek Central team that went 4-5 overall, Graham Askew was a two-year starter for the Bearcats. After leading the team in tackles a year ago, Askey had 41 stops this season and earned all-league consideration.
“A very versatile player for us. He is a great tackler from the defensive back position. He was a key senior leader,” Battle Creek Central coach Lorin Granger said.
Dre’shaun Bailey
Pennfield
One of the best athletes on the team overall, Dre’shaun Bailey ended up playing receiver, running back and defensive back for a Pennfield team that went 3-6 on the season. Starting the season at receiver, Bailey provided a threat on the outside. Due to injuries, the senior stepped in to play running back the last few games of the season and finished with 589 yards rushing on 70 carries, including 249 yards rushing in a single game.
“He was a do-it-all guy for us. We were down to our fourth running back due to injury and he said, ‘I’ll play’, and he went off running the ball for us,” Pennfield coach Robbie Hattan said.
Jaymere Boykins
Lakeview
A powerful two-way lineman for Lakeview, Jaymere Boykins has been a three-year starter for the Spartans. Boykins earned all-league honors and is a repeat selection on the all-city team, playing offensive tackle and defensive tackle. He finished with 34 tackles, nine quarterback hurries and three sacks for a Lakeview team that went 1-8.
“Jaymere was our best lineman. He was very physical up front and did a great job for us,” Lakeview coach Brett Vernon said.
Lee Campbell Jr.
Battle Creek Central
A sophomore sensation at quarterback for an improved Battle Creek Central team that went 4-5 overall, Lee Campbell Jr. was an offensive force for the Bearcats. Despite battling injuries, Campbell finished with 984 yards passing and 410 yards rushing as he earned all-conference honors.
“Our most productive player. He is super athletic and could play anywhere on the field. Very consistent and a great leader,” Granger said.
Cam Converse
Harper Creek
A returning all-city and all-league player, Cam Converse is one of the top linebackers in the area on one of the top teams as the senior helped Harper Creek to an 8-1 regular season record and a second-straight Interstate 8 Conference title. A two-way player, Converse led the Beavers with 99 tackles on defense and added 574 yards rushing, 166 yards receiving and a total of six touchdowns at running back.
“Cam was the heart and soul of our team. A key leader. He never came off the field,” Harper Creek coach Mason Converse said.
Cohen Deskins
Harper Creek
A two-way lineman, Cohen Deskins made a big jump as a first-year starter on the offensive line and at defensive tackle. Deskins earned all-league honors as he had 62 tackles on defense as he helped Harper Creek to an 8-1 regular season record and a second-straight Interstate 8 Conference title.
“On offense, he was a big reason we were able to have the running attack that we did. On defense, once it all clicked, he became an animal,” Converse said.
Dylan Eversole
Harper Creek
One of the best receivers in the area, Dylan Eversole led Harper Creek in catches and receiving yards the last two years. The senior helped the Beavers showcase a more diverse offense this season with an enhanced passing attack as he helped Harper Creek to an 8-1 regular season record and a second-straight Interstate 8 Conference title. Eversole earned all-league honors as he finished with 665 yards receiving and five touchdowns.
“Our top receiver the last two years. We knew if teams were going to give us one-on-one matchups, we could win those matchups with Dylan,” Converse said.
Randall Gray Jr.
Battle Creek Central
Playing all over the field, Randall Gray Jr. was the most versatile player for a Battle Creek Central team that went 4-5. The senior played five different positions, including receiver, running back on offense, safety and linebacker on defense and also stepped in at quarterback due to injuries. Gray had 34 tackles to earn all-league consideration.
“I call him our best overall football player. He literally played all over the field for us,” Granger said.
Camari Hampton
Harper Creek
After being a role player a year ago, Camari Hampton became Harper Creek’s top running back this season as the senior helped Harper Creek to an 8-1 regular season record and a second-straight Interstate 8 Conference title. Hampton earned all-league honors as he finished with 818 yards rushing and six touchdowns.
“We gave him the ball a ton. As our fullback, he was the centerpiece of what we did on offense,” Converse said.
Brock Hibbs
Harper Creek
A first-year starter, Brock Hibbs took aim at the school’s single-season interception record and nearly grabbed it. Hibbs finished second all-time for a single season with five interceptions as the defense back added 40 tackles as he helped Harper Creek win a league title in the Interstate 8 Conference and qualify for the playoffs.
“Brock might be one of the smartest players on our defense, which allowed him to do a good job of reading the quarterback and understanding our coverage,” Converse said.
Isaiah Jackson
Lakeview
A junior, Isaiah Jackson played all over the field for a Lakeview team that went 1-8 on the year. A force on defense at defensive back, Jackson also made an impact on offense as a running back, quarterback and receiver. Jackson finished with 606 yards rushing, had six receptions for 80 yards and passed for 100 yards and a touchdown. He also had 34 tackles on defense.
“Isaiah was Mr. Everything for us. He did whatever we needed. He was explosive every time he carried the ball,” Vernon said.
Johnny Lake
Pennfield
With a great size advantage at his position, the 6-foot-6 Johnny Lake had a standout season at tight end as a difference maker on the offensive side of the ball. Lake had a big senior season with 27 catches, 489 yards and five touchdowns, earning all-league honors for a Pennfield team that went 3-6 on the season.
“It was a breakout year for Johnny. He was a threat offensively as teams needed to key on him and that opened up other things for us when needed. A great football player,” Hattan said.
Brogan Lightfoot
St. Philip
A do-everything team captain for a young St. Philp team, Brogan Lightfoot was the leading offensive and defensive player as a junior for the Tigers, who went 0-8 in 8-player division football. Lightfoot had 807 yards rushing and five touchdowns as a running back. At linebacker, Lightfoot had 54 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks and earned all-league honors.
“Brogan had an extraordinary season as St Phil’s key contributor in all three phases of the game. His work ethic, athleticism and positive attitude made him exciting to coach and watch this season,” St. Philip coach Kevin Bennett said.
Gavin May
Pennfield
One of the most highly-recruited players in the area, Gavin May finished up a standout career for Pennfield as a three-year all-league selection and a returning member of the all-city team. Starting both ways at offensive line and linebacker, Mays shined on defense with a team-high 92 tackles and 16 tackles for loss. He finished his career with 240 tackles, 40 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He has verbally committed to play at Saginaw Valley State University.
“He is leaving Pennfield has one of the best defensive players we’ve ever had. Our best football player overall this year. A great kid to have in our program,” Hattan said.
Maddox McCarty
Harper Creek
A first-year starter as a senior quarterback, Maddox McCarty didn’t allow Harper Creek to miss a beat as the Beavers won their second straight league title with an undefeated Interstate 8 Conference record while going 8-1 overall and qualifying for the playoffs. McCarty finished with 1,179 yards passing and 14 touchdowns while adding 355 yards rushing and eight more scores, earning all-league honors.
“He waited his turn and he stepped up big for us this year. He had a tremendous season for us,” Converse said.
Braylen McCoy
Battle Creek Central
Already catching the eye of college recruiters as a freshman, Braylen McCoy had an impressive varsity debut as a safety for a young Battle Creek Central team that went 4-5 on the season. McCoy, who has already received Division I offers, led BCC in tackles with 55 and earned all-league honors.
“Overall, our most versatile defensive back and also our youngest. Has a D-1 offer already and there are probably more coming. He is pretty good,” Granger said.
Calvin Paesens
Pennfield
Highly productive at the quarterback position, Calvin Paesens had an impactful senior season as he grew comfortable in his duties in the Panther offense. An honorable mention all-league pick in the Interstate 8 Conference for a Pennfield team that went 3-6, Paesens threw for 1,416 yards and 12 touchdowns.
“Calvin had a remarkable turnaround for us. Last year, we turned the ball over way too much. This year, we put it on him to not turn the ball over and he did a great job with that. He was calm and consistent,” Hattan said.
Jordan Roe
Battle Creek Central
After missing his freshman season due to injury, Jordan Roe had a breakout sophomore season as a force at the defensive end position. With impressive strength and good size, Roe was part of a young roster that helped Battle Creek Central go 4-5 on the season. Roe finished with 40 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks.
“He was a great defensive end for us. We are really looking for big things from him the next two years,” Granger said.
Kowen Slucter
Harper Creek
Bringing good energy to both sides of the ball, Kowen Slucter earned all-league honors as he helped Harper Creek to an 8-1 regular season record and a second-straight Interstate 8 Conference title. Slucter had 55 tackles as a defensive lineman. He also earned important yards at running back with almost 700 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns.
“Kowen is a high-motor kid and did whatever the team needed him to do,” Converse said.
Carlos Suarez
Lakeview
A three-year starter for Lakeview, Carlos Suarez has been a consistent part of the offensive and defensive line throughout his high school career, providing good size at the position. The senior started both ways for a Lakeview team that went 1-8 on the year.
“He was very consistent for us. There every day. Did what we needed,” Vernon said.
Teegan Turnbull
Harper Creek
A three-year starter at safety, Teegan Turnbull had a standout senior year as he helped Harper Creek to an 8-1 regular season record and a second-straight Interstate 8 Conference title. One of the leaders on the defense in tackles with 92, Turnbull also earned all-league honors.
“Teegan was a key defensive player for us. He could play anywhere in the defensive backfield for us,” Converse said.
Cory Wells
Battle Creek Central
A senior leader on the line for an improved Battle Creek Central team that went 4-5 overall, Cory Wells was a consistent force for the Bearcats on both sides of the ball as a two-way lineman. A three-year varsity player, Wells earned all-league honors as he was the most dominant offensive lineman on the team with 48 pancake blocks and a 69% blocking percentage.
“I call him the ‘pancake king’ because he led our team in pancake blocks. For as long as we have kept that stat, he had by far the most pancake blocks we’ve ever had in a season,” Granger said.
Antione Westry
Harper Creek
An all-league player, Antione Westry was a key two-way player on one of the top teams as the senior helped Harper Creek to an 8-1 regular season record and a second-straight Interstate 8 Conference title. Playing as a blocking tight end, he was a key to the Beavers rushing attack and added 171 yards receiving and three touchdowns. On defense, he had 81 tackles.
“He was a big reason our running game was so good with his blocking at tight end,” Converse said.
Austin Wildermuth
Lakeview
The go-to running back for Lakeview, Austin Wildermuth had a big senior season as the leading rusher on the team with 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns. In his final game of his career, Wildermuth broke a school record for yards in a game (388 yards) and touchdowns in a game (6). He also earned all-league honors as Lakeview went 1-8 overall.
“Austin did a great job carrying the ball for us. He was our workhorse all season,” Vernon said.
DJ Wood
Harper Creek
One of the fastest players in the city and an all-league player, DJ Wood helped Harper Creek to an 8-1 regular season record and a second-straight Interstate 8 Conference title. A two-time state champ in the hurdles, Wood used his speed to dominate in the defensive backfield and finished with 47 tackles and two interceptions.
“His speed on the back end allowed us to cover the other team’s best receiver and take them out of the game,” Converse said.
HONORABLE MENTION
Gavin Deal (Lakeview), Memphis Wirtz, Duane Arrowood (Lakeview), Jackson Wirtz (Lakeview), Mike Miller (St. Philip), Will Rapelje (St. Philip), Tommy Wright (Pennfield), Peyton Merlington (Pennfield), Isaiah Eakins-Gray (Pennfield), Yoshua McDonald (BCC), Camari Williams (BCC), Carter Jeffries (BCC), Montrese Motley (BCC), Josh Boddy (Harper Creek), Logan Converse (Harper Creek), Sean Johnson (Harper Creek), Tanner Alderson (Harper Creek).
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @billbroderick
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Here’s the Battle Creek Enquirer 2025 All-City Football Team. Who made the squad?
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
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