New Trier has no problem with Maine West

Updated: December 28, 2011 7:35PM

New Trier scored early and often as they blew out Maine West 62-0 in Winnetka Friday night.

The Trevians scored on all nine offensive possessions with eight different players scoring.

“We just executed tonight,” said New Trier quarterback Jack Nykaza. “We had a great week of practice and were excited. It’s great to see everyone get in and get a chance to score because they work so hard in practice.”

Christian Carr gave New Trier (3-1) great field position to start the game, returning the opening kickoff 67 yards to the Warriors 25-yard line.

Four plays later Carr was on the receiving end of a 10-yard touchdown pass from Nykaza (8-for-8, 74 yards passing, four carries, 32 yards) with 9:53 remaining in the first.

A three-and-out by Maine West (0-4) led to a short field and an eventual 2-yard touchdown run by Nykaza with 5:57 left in the first and the rout was on.

Another three-and-out by the Warriors would lead to a six play 56-yard drive punctuated by a 1-yard touchdown run from Michael Thomas (nine carries, 44 yards) with 1:22 to play in the first to push the Trevians’ advantage to 21-0.

“We were running on all cylinders,” Thomas said. “The O-line had a great push and the running backs were finding the holes. Nykaza had a great game passing and the defense came out strong once again.”

New Trier kept rolling, scoring on its six first half possessions to take a 41-0 lead at halftime.

Nykaza scored on a three-yard run, Daniel Olaniyan (five carries, 70 yards) scored on a 30-yard run and backup quarterback Nathan Rice found pay dirt on a 7-yard run.

The Trevians outgained Maine West 253-30 in first-half yardage.

The second half saw backups Grant Forsyth (41-yard run), Will Hirsch (11-yard run) and George Seaberry (5-yard run) score touchdowns for New Trier, who will get a big test next week when they host three-time defending Class 8A state champion Maine South to open Central Suburban League South play.

“We’re really pumped up to get a chance to knock Maine South out,” Nykaza said. “It won’t be a matter of skill. It will be about mental preparation.”

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