New Trier pulled off a big result in Illinois, beating Notre Dame de la Salette in a midweek clash 22-7.
This was New Trier's opening league game and a strong showing for the school team. It was a wet day with steady rain, and ball retention was difficult, so both teams tried to keep the ball among the forwards to control it.
La Salette struggled to capitalize on early scoring chances in the first half, but New Trier was able to maul in two tries from lineouts inside the La Salette 22. LaSalette had a lot more possession the second half, spending significant time in the New Trier 22 and finally scored to make it 10-7.
But from there/ New Trier had the run of play. They used their exceptional kicking game to pin LaSalette back deep in their own territory before scoring twice more to close out the win.
New Trier were also held up in-goal twice.
New Trier's physical defense, especially on the outside stifled LaSalette's open field play and never allowed them to get much going. For the Winnetka, Ill.-based team, the addition of Chicago Hounds prop Paddy Ryan as Head Coach has sparked the team. With longtime coach Phil Olson working with him New Trier has improved their play significantly.
04.17.2024HS Boys
"Adding Paddy Ryan to the staff has increased our skill set tremendously," said Olson. "Our lineout used to be a struggle; now it’s got to be the best in the state, both on attack and defensive. Our driving maul off the lineout is well organized and boys are aware of when to execute it and when not to. We try to attack sideline-to-sideline and are getting better at it. I’d say our strength is in our defensive structure. The boys enjoy the tackle and are good on the blitz defense, decently organized at the base of the defensive ruck."
All of these aspects of play were on display against la Salette. All of the try’s came from pressure defensively that caused a turnover—a kick by EIRA player and flyhalf Christian Thorndyke chased and scored by wing Joe Meyers, two driving mauls scored by flankers Jayden Salazar #7 (a Midwest Thunderbird), and Erich Waldorf (EIRA), and the last try scored off a goalline dropout caught and returned by slippery scrumhalf Gavin Dickson, also a Midwest Thunderbird.
Man of the Match was Salazar. He had 18 solo tackles, 10 of them behind gainline, as well scoring that try. Captain and hooker Dylan Jeppe, along with No. 8 Charlie Gardella, were also outstanding.
