Duke Olges was back playing both ways in the New Trier football team’s 27-17 win over Evanston after missing almost three games with an injury, and his performance served as a reminder of what the Trevians had been missing.
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound junior played tight end and was instrumental in the Trevians rushing for 302 yards on 46 carries in the Central Suburban South game on Sept. 28. New Trier coach Brian Doll said the team repeatedly ran behind Olges, and Doll estimated Olges had at least five pancake blocks.
Junior quarterback Carson Ochsenhirt (22 carries, 137 yards, one touchdown) and junior running back Brian Sitzer (15 carries, 101 yards, two touchdowns) both had big games for New Trier (4-2, 2-0).
“Basically, we’re just utilizing my blocking, my size and my speed, just moving people out of the way for Carson, Sitzer and (senior running back Peter) Murray to run,” Olges said.
Olges also caught one pass for 8 yards. It was the first offensive action he’d seen since Week 2. He missed games against Barrington and Conant and played limited minutes against Niles West because of a bruised knee.
On defense, Olges had five tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry playing a new position.
Listed as a linebacker, Olges said New Trier coaches felt the position could be too taxing after his injury, so he was converted to defensive end. He played just 11 snaps at defensive end in the Week 5 win over Niles West, but looked comfortable at the spot against Evanston.
“The coaches didn’t think it was smart to be running around in space, they didn’t want me backpedaling, they wanted to take extra precautions, so they just kind of took that away. Now, I’m going side-to-side and forward, so it’s a good adjustment,” said Olges, who lives in Winnetka.
He continued: “I’ve never played D-line, but I’m happy with all the coaches, they taught me how to play it, and I feel like I’ve been playing it my whole life.”
Olges said he worked closely with varsity assistants Pete Collins, Mike Harrison and Tom Hessling on various aspects of playing defensive end.
“On the pass rush, (we worked on) trying to utilize my speed — so, getting the edge, getting around (the tackle), keeping the quarterback in the pocket,” Olges said. “They also want me moving laterally, pressing the tackle, peaking outside and making sure nothing (no running plays) come outside. If anything comes outside, that’s my tackle.”
Olges said he has made unofficial visits to Western Michigan and Notre Dame, and said he’s also planning unofficial visits to Northwestern, Illinois and Michigan State. Olges said he is being recruited as both a tight end and defensive end.
“He’s a special player,” Doll said. “He’s an unbelievable kid. He’s only a junior and looks like a behemoth. We’re excited about him.”
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
More Top Picks Best Benchtop Band Saws For Woodworking