Naperville Central’s Daniel Nussbaum is a fresh-faced sophomore, yet he plays like a grizzled veteran.
Nussbaum got the start Friday night at middle linebacker in place of injured senior Charlie Egan. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact.
On Metea Valley’s fifth offensive play, quarterback Noah Larson dropped back and fired a pass into the right flat. Nussbaum was waiting.
“I was in the right spot at the right time, and he threw the ball to me,” Nussbaum said. “When I picked it off, I tried to run to the end zone. Didn’t make it.”
No, but he came close. Nussbaum’s second interception in as many games and 23-yard return gave the visiting Redhawks a first down at Metea Valley’s 2-yard line.
Tyler Dodd proceeded to score on a 2-yard run, and Naperville Central cruised to a 28-0 DuPage Valley Conference victory in Aurora.
Senior cornerback Gavin Bohan, another important part of a Redhawks defense that has gone 13 consecutive quarters without allowing a point, said Nussbaum’s interception set the tone.
“It was a great momentum-starter for the team,” Bohan said. “I really felt super excited after he got it. It would have been great if he had taken it back all the way, but he was working it. Everyone was busting their chops to get all the way up the field and get a good block for him.”
Nussbaum was quick to credit his teammates for his individual success.
“Our front three are phenomenal, getting pressure on the quarterback and getting tackles,” he said. “Our scout team is giving us reps all week, giving us a chance to do the best we possibly can.”
That’s why the Redhawks (6-2, 4-1) were ready for whatever the Mustangs (1-7, 1-4) tried to throw at them, starting with the pass that led to Nussbaum’s interception.
“The offensive scout team ran that play all week,” he said. “That gave us a chance to know what we’re doing on the field.”
Nussbaum and his twin brother, Aaron, who played outside linebacker on Friday, certainly know what they’re doing. They are the sons of longtime assistant Andy Nussbaum. Older brothers Christian and Joe also played for the Redhawks.
“My first or second year coaching was when they were born,” Naperville Central coach Mike Ulreich said. “All they know how to do is play. Nothing has been too big for them.
“They’re competitive, they’re intense, they take it seriously, but the stage isn’t too big for them because they just love going out and playing and competing. It’s fun to watch.”
The Redhawks have been having a lot of fun during their three-game winning streak. Their defensive dominance has taken the pressure off the offense, which got to start five drives inside Metea Valley territory.
Dodd, who missed the win against DeKalb last week with a sore shoulder, rushed 19 times for 94 yards and two TDs, while Caleb Brown and quarterback Chris McCormack also had rushing touchdowns.
The Mustangs mustered only 84 yards of offense and didn’t get a first down until late in the third quarter as Maverick Ohle
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and Daniel Nussbaum had sacks.Nussbaum’s sack came on a play in which he was tackled to the ground, got up and took down Larson. The Redhawks declined the holding penalty, giving Nussbaum his first career sack, but he wasn’t satisfied.
“It feels great, of course,” said Nussbaum, who credits Egan for teaching him the ropes. “Still looking for the first real one.”
Bohan said Nussbaum is for real.
“I’m super impressed,” Bohan said. “I’m happy to say that he’s performing to the right standard.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.