After the way he played against Niles West, Tom Trieb isn’t likely to remain a secret much longer.
A former offensive lineman, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Trieb is still learning how to play running back. But the junior showcased his potential in the 40-7 season-opening victory over the Wolves on Friday in Buffalo Grove.
Trieb amassed 118 all-purpose yards, averaged 8.2 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns.
“People don’t know him yet, but they are going to know him,” Buffalo Grove coach Jeff Vlk said. “He is a great kid and a hardworking kid. He is a well-kept secret now, but I don’t think he will be in a few weeks.”
The Bison return three starters on the offensive line, and Trieb credited the line for his success.
“Last year we weren’t able to run the ball, this year the offensive line is opening up holes,” Trieb said. “I just found them, and we dominated them on that.”
Trieb also plays on the defensive line. Last year as a sophomore, he started every game and recorded 69 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and two interceptions, according to his Twitter bio.
With eight starters back on offense and seven returning on defense from last year’s team, which went 3-6 in Vlk’s first year at the helm, the bar has been raised.
“I think everyone knows the expectation,” Vlk said. “After that first year, especially when you were an assistant coach before, there were guys that looked at you as the assistant coach in charge. Now, the expectation has been set for the coaching staff and for the kids. Everything is easier in Year 2, because we have already been through it.”
The cohesion within the team also has improved since last year.
“We are a lot closer,’ junior quarterback Connor Adams said. “We have better chemistry. We are thinking what each other are thinking.”
Hunter Tickel is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
