Another fall football season ends for Glen Lake and Suttons Bay. Both the Lakers and the Norsemen left it all under the Friday night lights all season long.
The Dream Team is voted on by Glen Lake coach Jesse Smith, Suttons Bay coach Tony West, and Enterprise sports editor Brian Freiberger.
MVP DOMINIC STEIN
Glen Lake junior Dominic Stein takes this year’s Dream Team MVP for his offensive and defensive contributions to the Lakers’ success during the 2025 season.
“I definitely learned a lot this year. Trying to not make the same mistakes from this year and learn from it so we can do better next year,” Stein said.
Stein started on offense, defense, and special teams, leading the team with over 100 tackles on the season from the linebacker position.
Stein played on the offensive line, opening up rushing lanes for the Lakers.
The Lakers almost had 4,000 yards of offense, with the vast majority coming from the rushing game.
Stein also helped in pass protection as the Lakers had enough time to throw 14 passing touchdowns to go along with 35 rushing touchdowns.
Glen Lake fell to Bark River Harris in the regional final in mid-November.
Some of Steins’ favorite moments of the season included playing at Thirlby Field against Traverse City St. Francis.
“This was my first time ever playing there. I know we didn’t win, but it was still a memorable experience to play on a field like that. Another one was beating Grayling, since they are Div. 5 and we are a Div. 8 school,” Stein said. “(For next year) we are hitting the weights harder and focusing on putting on some speed.” Try to make it farther than we did this year, get a regional, and hopefully get the opportunity to play it forward.”
Stein had 10 tackles in a game against over Harbor Springs, while averaging over six tackles per game this season.
Stein earned all-region honors from the offensive line.
SAM DYKSTRA
Glen Lake senior Sam Dykstra was one half of the thunder and lightning rushing combination for the Lakers’ potent offense.
One of Dykstra’s most significant highlights of the season was running an 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to help spark the Lakers to win their first district championship since 2019, 28-14.
In a game earlier this season, Dykstra scored three touchdowns and ran for 178 yards against Johannesburg-Lewiston, before rushing for another 159 against Grayling with two touchdowns.
Dykstra earned all-region recognition for his offensive efforts this season at running back.
FLETCHER MIDDLETON
Middleton was the train on the track for the Lakers, who were asked to make big plays at all times throughout the season.
Middleton has been a twoway starter for three years throughout his Laker career.
He could be trusted when the Lakers needed a first down the most.
Middleton led Glen Lake’s offense in the first round of the playoffs with 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Middleton scored a gamewinning touchdown against Kalkaska at the beginning of October to win 16-12.
He earned all-region honors for his play at linebacker.
DAVID KISH
David Kish, a junior offensive lineman, was essential on the Lakers’ offensive line while gaining a bigger role on the defensive side of the ball as the season went on.
“(Kish) is a force on both sides of the ball for us,” Glen Lake coach Jesse Smith said.
Kish paved the way for the Laker running backs, who garnished nearly 4,000 yards of total offense.
Kish earned all-region honors from his offensive line position.
HUNTER COX
Glen Lake dual-sport athlete Hunter Cox earned a dreamteam nomination for his stellar kicking duties, as the Laker senior knocked in the 23-yard game- winner against Mancelona to win a conference championship. Cox was consistent, making extra points, and was named regional kicker of the year.
“(Cox) is showing he can be a great if he wanted to switch sports and be a great kicker for somebody at the next level,” Smith said.
Cox had never played football before, but came out this season and earned all-conference and all-regional awards as a specialist kicker.
Cox was also named to the soccer dream team this season.
KYLAN GALLAGHER
Glen Lake senior Kylan Gallagher stepped up in a big way for the Lakers this year.
The sizable defensive end stuffed opponents’ rushing attacks.
“He was just a force, it’s going be another one of those players we’re going to miss next year,” Glen Lake coach Jesse Smith said.
CADEN SHEEHAN
Glen Lake senior Caden Sheehan was always in the mix to make a big play.
“I’m talking about a guy who played quarterback, played receiver, started on defense, he’s one of those guys. You plug him in where you need him,” Glen Lake coach Jesse Smith said.
Sheehan made his most significant contributions on the defensive end as a cornerback.
He was also a switchblade offensively, playing running back and, at times early in the season, even a wildcat QB.
BRECKIN NERG
Another Glen Lake senior, Breckin Nerg, stepped up for the Lakers as a slot receiver and played defensive back.
Nerg could be counted on to make a big play in the passing game, while stopping the opponent’s air attack.
Nerg all regional honors for his effort as a defensive back.
URIJAH TWOCROW
Suttons Bay senior Urijah TwoCrow was an all-around player for the Norse this season, playing running back, quarterback, and even receiver to make plays for the Norsemen.
“(TwoCrow) has the best allaround effort. His athletic ability and knowledge of the game were needed. The leadership he took on couldn’t be replaced,” Suttons Bay coach Tony West said. “He is a great young man and a staple on the football field with his presence alone.”
ZACAHRIAH RAPHAEL
Suttons Bay senior Zachariah Raphael was selected to the Dream Team for his efforts this season, while also being named to the prestigious Native All-American Game in Minnesota Dec. 14.
“It means a lot to have this opportunity to represent our area and to represent Leelanau County,” Raphael said. “I’d like to get some offers out of it.”
The Native American Athletic Foundation invites the top 70 high school football players who maintain their grade point average and are seen as leaders of the next generation. The invite allows Raphael to improve his football skills in front of college recruiters and to learn leadership lessons from community leaders. Following the camp, the Native All-American Game will be played at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings.
Raphael played a key part in the Norse offense, bringing in a 48-yard touchdown reception against Baldwin in the Norse’s first win of the season. His favorite memory from the season is his final game, where Suttons Bay earned a 35-0 victory over Pellston.
GAVIN SCHICHTEL
Suttons Bay senior Gavin Schichtel was a top senior leader for the Norse this season.
“(Schichtel never gave up and was a natural leader on the football field. He had a great football career and is a special kid. His passion for the game is unmatched, and he has a neverquit attitude,” Suttons Bay coach Tony West said.
Schichtel played on the offensive and defensive lines for the Norse 8-player football team.
Smith named regional coach of the year
Glen Lake football coach Jesse Smith was named the 2025 Regional Coach of the Year for leading the Lakers to a 9-2 record.
“I am truly honored to receive the Coach of the Year award — but this recognition belongs to our entire Glen Lake Football coaching family.
None of this happens without the unbelievable commitment, passion, and loyalty of the men who stand beside me every single day. Thank you to: Travis Stein, Justin Palmer, Scott Robinson, Ryan Nickerson, Scott Sheehan, Matt Wetmore, Kyle Cook, Patrick Middleton, Gage Kreski, Evan Gattin, Matt Pawloski, Chris Gushurst, Wyatt Bruske, Sam Shimek, Soni Alsworth, Travis Kemp, and Dan Hobbins.” Smith said. “Each of you brings something unique to our program — energy, teaching, leadership, and a genuine love for our players. You pour countless hours into preparing our kids, building our culture, and pushing this team to be its very best.
This award has my name on it, but it represents our staff, our brotherhood, and the standard we’ve built together. I’m grateful every day to coach alongside you. One Team. One Mission. One Family.”
