Olson Follows In Brother's Footsteps
The score was 14-7 in favor of Phoebus and the Phantoms were driving once again toward the end zone. Quarterback Tajh Boyd rolled out from behind center and looked down field for an open receiver. Boyd began to throw forward, but had his arm unexpectedly knocked by Stone Bridge defensive lineman Doug Simms. Junior outside linebacker Mike Olson jumped out and intercepted the pass and returned the ball 41 yards for a bulldog touchdown.
"It really boosted our team's moral after Phoebus had scored that last touchdown, but the key player on the play was Doug Simms," said Olson. "He hit the quarterback's arm and it turned into a great team effort."
The Bulldogs went on to win the game 38-24 and advanced to the state final against Potomac this Saturday. This victory can be contributed to in large part Olson's stellar play on defense all game long. On the game, Olson led the defense with eight tackles, three assists, one pass knocked down, one forced fumble, a forced fumble recovery, a sack, and an interception returned 41 yards for a touchdown. When the bulldogs needed a playmaker to step up Olson was there. Defensively, Olson has been a threat all season long with 67 tackles, 27 assists, 4 sacks, and an interception. He has significantly stepped up his play after playing his first season on varsity last year as a sophomore.
"Last season was my first year on Varsity. I played freshmen football my freshmen year and I was lucky enough to be straight Varsity last year," Olson said. "I played special teams last year, but I got a lot bigger in the off season. I also have had good coaching both last year and this year."
One season after playing special teams, Olson is starting at outside linebacker for the Bulldogs and has emerged as a young leader in the Bulldog locker room. In the off-season, Olson hit the weight room and went to speed camp, and put on muscle weight to better himself for the team. Backed by Olson and many other dedicated leaders, Stone Bridge is allowing just 14.57 points per game.
"We have great coaches and we have great team chemistry, said Olson. "We all get along really well inside and outside of school, and not to mention the security that my fellow linebacker Travis Hannam and I have when we see Gouveia has our back and the D line up front, it really makes us all the more confident."
Olson's drive can be credited to the hard work he has seen in his teammates.
"I really looked up to the playmakers on our team like Jeron (Gouveia) , Kareem (Alexander) , David Wang, (Ryan) Moody, the D line, and Patrick Thompson, hearing about their college experiences made me really want to do the same so; I have to keep working hard. Everything pays off in the weight room," Olson said.
He also credits inspiration to his older brother Tom Olson who started at outside linebacker as a senior on Stone Bridge's 2005 state runner up team.
"He was a great football player and team leader," said Olson. "He just didn't have the size to play in college. So I think seeing me play well and the size that I have just really excites him to see his little brother do well. Seeing him lose the state championship in '05 really motivated my teammates and I to finish what he and his teammates started. He's just a really good influence in all aspects. Seeing the fact that he's proud of what I've accomplished just makes me want to work all the harder. But that goes without saying that he can still beat me up."
Stone Bridge will get another shot at the state championship this Saturday against Potomac High School. Potomac has a dangerous offense, much like Phoebus, but Olson and the rest of the defense appears to be up to the challenge.
"They have a really good running back, they seem sound passing, they have good receivers, so we just need to keep doing what were doing, stay at home, and make sure we don't get too intimidated," said Olson. "We need to stop their running game first. From a linebackers standpoint that's what we're looking for first, and we trust our defensive backs to get the job done."
As a team the Bulldogs have the playmakers to make a big splash and come away with their first state title in school history. They will need to be effective on both sides of the ball and Olson has proven that he can lead the charge defensively if the game is put into his hands.
"We just have to listen to our coaches," said Olson. "They put together a great scheme and they really know what they're doing. So, as long as we trust them, trust our teammates, and trust ourselves then we can take down a good opponent like Potomac."
