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Barrington outlasts Conant for Sanchez' 100th

Reaching 100 never felt so good.

Just ask Barrington coach Joe Sanchez.

He picked up his 100th career victory when his Broncos outlasted Conant 40-34 in a battle of unbeaten teams Saturday in Barrington.

"It was back and forth, and even when we were up, you never really felt comfortable," said Sanchez, whose 14-year career mark stands at 100-46. "When you look back, I think there are so many people to thank. My mom and dad. My wife and family. And this community has embraced me."

Barrington (6-0, 2-0) sits alone atop the Mid-Suburban West after two conference games.

And for the second week in a row, the Broncos needed a huge stop on defense in the final minute to remain unbeaten.

On Saturday, Conant (5-1,1-1) rallied from a 17-point deficit to put the game within reach and got as close as 37-34 with 8:27 to play.

Barrington, which had trouble running the ball most of the game, was then able to find its rushing game late in the fourth quarter.

Staying on the ground, the Broncos used just over five minutes and took a 40-34 lead on Damian Dembicki's second field goal of the game.

Conant put together the potential winning scoring drive.

The Cougars marched from their 33 to the Barrington 24 and faced a fourth-and-1 with 55 seconds left.

But Barrington's Robby Holland and Alec Hansen stuffed the Cougars on a running play for no gain to preserve the victory.

It was a wild finish to an epic battle that saw the teams combine for 932 years of offense and 153 yards of penalties.

"They had a chance there at the end," Sanchez said. "But as our defense has proved time after time, it's been able to step up and it did today. And that is a testament to our kids and our coaches."

Johnny Davidson was his usual spectacular self while leading the Broncos to their 16th win in his 18 starts.

Davidson was 19-for-25 for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 106 yards on 18 carries and 2 touchdowns.

"It was a phenomenal game," Davidson said. "We were able to score 40 points, so offensively we are doing a great job and it is a tribute to our coaches to get us in position to do that."

Jake Zyzda, who was on the receiving end of two of Davidson's touchdown passes for 27 and 11 yards said the offense continues to have great success under Davidson.

"We just have to stick to the scheme," said Zyzda, who had 7 catches for 96 yards. "The coaches put us in position to make big plays. And we all think we can score on big plays, which gives us confidence."

Conant wide receiver Palmer Graham and quarterback Kyle Bradley were both sensational in the loss.

Graham had 3 touchdowns with receptions of 53, 72 and one yard. He also had a diving 31-yard reception to set up another Conant touchdown and finished with 11 receptions for 224 yards.

"It was a real hard-fought game," Graham said. "We just had to battle back and that is what coach Mo told us to do."

Bradley was also up to the task, completing 21-of-31 passes for 339 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 71 yards on 12 carries.

"We don't feel like we played our best football," Conant coach Bill Modelski said. "We were down 17 at the start of the fourth quarter and we didn't think it would come down to a fourth down play coming in. So I give us credit."

Jake Jakubosky had touchdown runs of 3 and 2 yards for Conant while Logan Moews had a 21-yard touchdown reception from Davidson.

Images: Barrington over Conant, 40-34 in football

  Barrington's Logan Moews catches a pass in the end zone for a second-quarter touchdown against Conant Saturday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Conant's Jake Jakubosky, middle, celebrates his second-quarter touchdown against Barrington Saturday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Barrington's wide receiver Josh Babicz makes a catch in front of Conant defensive back Jack Lunkes during Saturday's game. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Barrington quarterback Johnny Davidson, right, celebrates his touchdown with teammate Mark Bach during the third quarter of Saturday's game against Conant. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Conant's Palmer Graham turns upfield and heads for the end zone after making a touchdown catch as Barrington's Jacob Barron closes in Saturday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Barrington's Logan Moews gets tackled by Conant's Syron Nelson Saturday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Barrington's Jake Zyzda gets past Conant's Matt Millis on a third-quarter touchdown run Saturday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Barrington's Jake Zyzda celebrates his third-quarter touchdown run against Conant on Saturday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Conant's Palmer Graham celebrates after scoring a third-quarter touchdown against Barrington on Saturday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Barrington quarterback Johnny Davidson runs the ball into the end zone as Conant's Palmer Graham gets blocked during Saturday's game. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Conant's Jake Jakubosky carries the ball for a second-quarter touchdown against Barrington on Saturday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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