New Trier’s Francis Fay is more than just a running back.
He’s also a receiver, a kick returner and a defensive back. He was also a major contributor for the Trevians in their season-opening 14-10 win against York on Friday.
“(Fay) is fearless,” New Trier coach Brian Doll said. “I can’t say enough about him and the contributions he made for us tonight. He really came up big.”
Doll was also effusive about Fay’s leadership this season.
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“I’m really proud of how he was out there talking to the guys and keeping them motivated and fired up, even when things were looking down,” he said.
Fay, who had a game-high 138 total yards, turned a standard slant route into what was the game-winning touchdown on a 35-yard reception. The play gave the Trevians a 14-10 lead late in the third quarter.
“We had some 1-on-1 coverage and when I got out there and I realized there was one man left in front of me, I was able to make the move,” Fay said.
For Doll, the play summed up his versatile leader.
“Every time (Fay) gets touches, there’s the chance for a special play,” Doll said. “And he’s always trying to grind it out. He never wants to leave the field.”
Fay added a 30-yard punt return in the second quarter, which helped set up New Trier’s first touchdown.
“They had me in a lot of different packages tonight and I was fortunate to get plenty of touches,” he said.
Fay’s defensive presence was felt just as much at cornerback, coupling jarring tackles with an interception late in the fourth quarter that was eventually ruled as pass interference. While he was disappointed with the call that would have ended the game, Fay wasn’t deterred.
“For me, it’s about playing as physical as possible,” Fay said. “I don’t know about the call, but I was happy regardless since we won the game.”
His multi-faceted abilities will be key as the Trevians look to make a deep playoff run. Last year, New Trier fell to Homewood-Flossmoor in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs.
“We have a lot of stuff to clean up on both sides of the ball,” Fay said. “We’ve got a strong core, though, so I’m excited about what we can do and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Chris Vavra is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @ChrisVavra1