New Trier football started out their season with a 28-14 win over York on Friday, Aug. 28.
Junior quarterback Clay Czyzynski led the way on offense, going 6 for 13 for 99 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
One of Czyzynski’s big throws was a 59-yard bomb to junior Eric Nicholas. It was Nicholas’ first varsity catch
The game was tied at 14 in the 2nd quarter, and York seemed to be gaining some momentum thanks to their senior leaders on offense, Lucas Alexander and Johnny DiCanio.
But junior running back Francis Fay broke off a 63-yard touchdown run that set the tone in the second quarter.
Senior linebacker Joe Lewis helped seal the game with a big tackle on 4th down at the Trevians’ 24 yard line late in the game.
“It was a true football stick. It was an old school, come up and smack you in the face and make the tackle,” said head coach Brian Doll, according to the Chicago Tribune
“The team’s expectations this year includes achieving all the goals that we didn’t last year, including getting further into the playoffs this year,” said junior Clay Czyzynski.
Czyzynski has now begun his second year as starting varsity quarterback. And is confident he will have more success this year.
“I didn’t really have a strong arm last year,” said Czyzynski. “But I have worked on it and my throwing has gotten better.”
The Trevians lost all five offensive line starters, but after a strong performance in their summer 7 on 7’s, are still confident they have play makers on both sides of the ball.
“We were very aggressive in the amount of summer 7 on 7’s we played. The new competitive format really helped prepare our kids,” said Doll.
“I think some big difference makers for us this year are juniors Francis Fay and Max Rosenthal,” said senior Michael Moran. “Both guys are freak athletes and hard workers, and they had a great summer as well.”
Returning rising seniors will also play big roles on this year’s team.
“Colin Casas and Joe Lewis will be leaders on the defense, and Devin Murphy will be a solid two way starter for us,” said Doll.
After Green Team exploded in popularity last year, it is expected to be as, if not more, popular this year.
The Green Team serves as an inspiration source for the football players, and seeing all of their classmates cheer them on helps keep them motivated throughout the school year.
“I think Green Team support will be off the charts this year. Where else are you going to be on a Friday night in the North Shore?” asked Doll.
“Wait until the community sees how dedicated a fan group we are going to have. Over 800 sweatshirts have already been sold. A few more surprises to come during the season also.”
“I expect Green Team to make the games more fun then they have been in the past. It will always really intimidate teams,” said Moran.
The Trevians open up with non-conference games against York, Warren, and Maine West. They will then play conference games against Highland Park, Evanston, Waukegan, Maine South, GBS, and Niles West.