Nick Endre’s kicking, punting help New Trier top Glenbrook South

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NORTHFIELD — Every week, New Trier names four captains, one from the offense, defense, special teams and scout team.

For Saturday’s Class 8A first-round playoff game, junior Nick Endre represented special teams. He did the unit proud in the team’s 24-14 win over Glenbrook South. The Trevians, who picked up the program’s first postseason win since 2008, host fifth-seeded Curie (9-1) next week.

Endre made all three extra points, kicked a season-long 35-yard field goal and all four of his punts pinned the Titans inside their own 20.

His first punt of the game was downed by junior Christian Miller on the 1-yard line. Endre later booted a 54-yard punt with less than six minutes to go in the fourth quarter that changed field position and helped the Trevians preserve their 10-point lead.

None of Glenbrook South’s 14 points came following his punts.

“Special teams can make or break a game,” said Endre, who also handles the kickoff duties. “This definitely was one of my better games, but it’s a team effort. I couldn’t do it without my teammates.”

Tied 0-0 through most of the first half, Endre’s field goal with 1 minute, 28 seconds remaining in the second quarter gave the fourth-seeded Trevians (9-1) a 3-0 lead at intermission. New Trier was ahead by at least three points the rest of the game.

“He really helps our defense out with his punting,” said senior lineman Matt Kaskey, who also serves as the team’s long snapper. “He fires up the team, like when he kicked it to the 1-yard line.”

Endre’s only missed PAT was in Week 9, and Kaskey said it was because of a bad snap.

“He’s been perfect,” Kaskey said. “That one was my fault. [Endre] has been a really important part of our team, and we are happy to recognize him.”

A first-year varsity player, Endre said he started kicking for football in fifth grade. He said his soccer background made the position a natural fit for him. As a freshman and sophomore at New Trier, the 6-2, 180-pound Endre also played offense and defense, but he decided to kick full time this season.

“It’s where I thought I could best help out the team,” he said. “I like the pressure of all the kicks.”

New Trier coach Brian Doll said Endre is doing everything the coaching staff has asked of him.

“He had some great punts [Saturday], and his kickoffs were solid,” Doll said. “I’m happy with how he’s grown up this year.”

New Trier

• Senior Kevin Mulhern was a workhorse Saturday, running 27 times for 154 yards and scoring two touchdowns, the second a 22-yarder that put New Trier up 24-7 with 4:41 to go in the game.

• Sophomore Francis Fay had one of the biggest plays on defense for the Trevians. His interception in the end zone at the 7:06 mark of the fourth quarter prevented Glenbrook South from cutting into New Trier’s 17-7 lead.

• Saturday was New Trier’s first home playoff game since 2006.

Glenbrook South

• The 13th-seeded Titans (6-4) got within 10-7 late in the third quarter on senior Peter Pappas’ 7-yard touchdown catch from senior Fitz Stadler, but the Titans couldn’t stop the Trevians on the other side the ball. New Trier answered with a scoring drive to return the lead to 10.

• Junior Ryan Janczak led the Titans with 19 carries for 100 yards and one touchdown. Doll said he is not looking forward to facing the 5-8, 196-pounder for another season.

• Stadler, who has verbally committed to play baseball at Arizona State, finished 10-for-23 for 119 yards. He threw one touchdown and two interceptions.

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