FOOTBALL: Nykaza, New Trier Run Past Niles West in Second Half

Breaking it Down: As quarterback Jack Nykaza goes, so does . After two sub-par outings against Maine South and Glenbrook South, Nykaza had a hand in three touchdowns, leading the Trevians to a 35-7 victory over Niles West on Thursday night.

Earlier:

Without starting running back Danny Olaniyan, who did not dress due to a hyperextended knee, Nykaza and Michael Thomas took the bulk of New Trier’s carries. The Trevians combined for more than 200 rushing yards on the night and wore down Niles West’s defensive line in the second half.

Yet it was New Trier’s defense that set the tone early. New Trier allowed one first down in the first half as Niles West ran 13 offensive plays before halftime. New Trier ran 14 plays from scrimmage on its second possession of the game. Niles West scored its only touchdown on a kickoff return by Jeremiah Jordan near the end of the first half.

The Trevians capitalized on three Niles West turnovers in the second half as Niles West QB Mike McGivern was under pressure throughout the night. New Trier’s Grant Amick and Will Caffery each made interceptions while Brian Ball had a fumble recovery for a touchdown to put the Trevians up 28-7 in the fourth quarter.

With its fifth loss of the season, Niles West was knocked out of playoff contention. New Trier will likely get into the playoffs with one victory in its final two games, but two straight wins would guarantee them a spot in the postseason.

Patch’s MVP: Jack Nykaza, New Trier. Nykaza was outstanding in his decision-making and efficient in the passing game. He relied heavily on Christian Carr, who made eight catches on the night, but showed patience in the pocket when his offensive line gave him time. Nykaza ran the two-minute drill at the end of the first half to perfection. With New Trier leading 7-0, Nykaza went 7-for-7 passing on the drive and his 20-yard strike to Carr with 24 seconds left put the Trevians up by 14.

New Trier Stat Pack: Nykaza finished the game 12-for-19 passing for 157 yards and two touchdowns. The senior quarterback also ran for 99 yards a touchdown. Thomas ran for 88 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown in place of the injured Olaniyan while Christian Carr caught both of Nykaza’s touchdown throws and had 135 yards receiving on eight catches.  

Niles West Stat Pack: McGivern had a rough night, going 2-for-13 passing for 90 yards and two interceptions. The junior quarterback also had a fumble. Nick Johnson ran the ball 10 times for 25 yards while Jeremiah Jordan had 19 yards on two carries and 42 receiving yards on one reception. Jordan also had a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at the end of the first half.

Quotable I: “We have to limit our penalties, our penalties killed us; they held us out of [Glenbrook South’s] red zone multiple times last week and we shoot ourselves in the foot every game; we need to work on that,” Nykaza said.  

Quotable II: “We made way too many mistakes offensively and it kills us,” Niles West coach Scott Baum said. “We go backwards and make some poor decisions…we are not gifted enough to do that.”

Team Records: New Trier improves to 4-3 (1-2 Central Suburban South) while Niles West falls to 2-5 (0-3 CSL South) on the season.  

What’s Next: Niles West goes on the road to Glenbrook South while New Trier travels to Evanston on Oct. 14. 

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