Roaming the Sidelines: New Trier

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

New Trier’s Anthony Nicholas takes off the ball in a game against Glenbrook South last fall. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

It’s the post-Clay Czyzynski/Max Rosenthal/Francis Fay era at New Trier.

It was long.

It was successful.

That trio had quite the three-year run. All three will play at the next level (Czyzynski at Army, Rosenthal at Michigan State, Fay at Denison).

So what now?

No worries.

Doll, who has never coached a varsity game at NT without that terrific trio, can hardly wait for the 2017 season to begin.

The new era starts Friday night.

Season Opener:

New Trier hosts Elmhurst York on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.

Showdown Games:

Week 3: Barrington at New Trier

Week 6: New Trier at Evanston

Week 8: Maine South at New Trier

Last Year:

8-3 record

1-1 in Class 8A state playoffs

Head Coach:

Brian Doll (3 seasons, 27-7)

Blue Chippers:

Chamberlain Coffee (Jr., OL/LB) — talk about having a name for the game. Chamberlain Coffee … does it get any better than that? Or, should we just call him “Mike”. At 6-2, 220 pounds, he was made for the “Mike” linebacker position. He also will be rotated in at offensive guard.

Brian Kaiser (Sr., WR) — following an eye-catching junior season (20 receptions, 432 yards, six TDs), the 6-7 wideout verbally committed to play Big Ten football at Northwestern.
Duke Olges (Jr., TE/LB) — he’ll enter the season with very little fanfare. But that will change in a hurry for this 6-5, 240-pound junior tight end. “He’s a major Division I player,” says Doll. “Big Ten teams. He’s getting recruited by just about everybody.”

Breakout Players:

Reed Bianucci (Sr., QB)
Konner Klassen (Sr., OL) — an injury cost him a ton of time last year so you can bet Klassen (6-3, 298) is looking to make up for lost time. He’s already received one offer — with more on the way, especially when schools get film on him.
Anthony Nicholas (Sr., WR) — turned in a productive junior season with 17 catches for 339 yards. Bigger and better things await him.
Terry Zapf (Jr., OL/DL) — at 6-6, 260 pounds, he figures to have a monster season. “If it wasn’t for an injury, he would’ve been moved up varsity last year,” says Doll. “He’s a pretty special football player.”

Players on the Rise:

Joey Artinian (Sr., OL)
Nick Artinian (Sr., OL)
Max Kaufman (Sr., TE/DE)
Matt Mosher (Sr., DB)
Peter Murray (Sr., RB/LB)
Brian Sitzer (Jr., RB/LB)

The QB:

Reed Bianucci (Sr.)

Blocked by Czyzynski last fall, the 6-3, 200-pound Bianucci is ready to make some (loud) noise.

“He brings a deep understanding of the game,” says Doll. “He does a good job of adjusting to situations.

“And he’s well-liked,” the coach adds. “He’s got guys rooting for him in the huddle.”

Most Intriguing Player:

Cameron Rosin (Sr., RB)

He stands 5-7 and weighs 150 pounds (well, that’s what the roster says). But don’t let those numbers fool you. This kid is a dynamo.

“He’s a hybrid,” says Doll. “He’s great in space. Good on the fly sweep. Good as a slot receiver.

“You’ll see him on the field,” Doll adds.

Last year, Rosin touched the ball 17 times and gained 136 yards. Averaging 8.0 yards per carry makes him dangerous.

Notable: Sam Rutherford will be the placekicker for the Trevians. The same Sam Rutherford who plays goalkeeper for the NT soccer team. … NT will feature the top long snapper in the area in senior Michael Vinson.

Sound Bite:

“We’re faster at every position.” — Doll.