Barrington’s raring to go
Barrington is looking for a bounce.
The Broncos, who were 3-6 last year, are hoping to reverse things and return to the playoffs.
“We are like everyone when you have a setback,” Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. “Last year was not a year we are accustomed to, but it certainly was not from lack of effort. We just didn’t make enough plays and we learned from that. Fortunately many of those guys are back this year.”
Despite the tough season, Sanchez, who returns six starters on both offense and defense, thinks his players grew from the experience.
“We were really young last year,” Sanchez said. “We had 10 sophomores up at the end. We are a year older. And they kids have taken the lessons learned and worked even harder.”
One of those who has grown in his game is quarterback Daniel Kubiuk, who led the Broncos last season.
“He has shown great improvement,” Sanchez said. “There is nothing you can do that can take the place of experience. It makes a huge difference. He is just more comfortable there.”
Kubiuk will throw to returning wide receiver Matt Moran, along with Jace Goetsch and Ryan Cowdrey. Michael Carbonara, who missed the last 6 games with an injury last fall, is healed and ready to return to the slot position. Dylan Abel will play tailback.
Sanchez says an area of concern may be his team’s line play.
“We graduated most of the guys on both sides of the ball,” Sanchez said. “We lost three of them on the d-line and two of those are playing in college and the third could be. But we have guys stepping up for us now.”
Center Vito Anzalone (5-foot-11, 230 pounds) is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. He will be joined by Anthony Meads (6-4, 285), Alex Serrano (6-2, 250), Brett Morrison (6-3, 270), Jack Bornhofen (6-1, 220), Zach Ingram (6-1, 220) and Nitin Singh (6-1, 235).
“If they can perform at the level I think they can, then we will have a chance,” Sanchez said. “They all have been working very hard.”
On the defensive line side, David Danhauer and Jacob Bulandr along with Kyle Meckert and Ryan Blair will make up the front of Sanchez’s 3-4 defense.
But the power of that defense comes from the defensive backfield.
Three-year starters Colin Castagna, who will play outside linebacker, and safety JP Brooks will be key factors. Dan Hanley, who also started last year along with Jake Coon, round out the linebacking corps.
The rest of the secondary includes Evan Struck, Nick Coy and Scott Miller, who is also one of the fastest runners in the state. Miller is also a huge threat to return kicks.
Sanchez and his players can’t wait to get on the game field to erase the memories from last year’s disappointments.
“I have been really happy with kids focus,” Sanchez said. “And we are excited to get things started.”