Barrington powers past Glenbrook South
Slick. Strong. Swift.
That only begins to describe Barrington's potential and its performance Friday night in an impressive 41-15 season-opening varsity football win over visiting Glenbrook South.
Barrington unleashed its furious running game (221 yards on 24 carries), an efficient passing game and a dominant defense that didn't surrender a point until the fourth quarter with the game well in hand.
And for all the impressive running by tailback Logan Moews (11 carries, 91 yards) and quarterback Ray Niro (5 carries, 93 yards) which helped build an early lead, it was the defense that made sure it stayed that way.
After Niro's only mistake, a diving pick by Glenbrook South's Hunter Haffner which set up the Titans in scoring position with a chance to cut a 13-0 Barrington lead in half, the defense struck.
Linebacker David Lozzio stepped in front of a pass in the right flat and zipped untouched down the sideline for a 20-0 lead when the game could've turned close instead.
"That was a game-changer," said Barrington coach Joe Sanchez, whose team picked up right where it left off from a 9-2 season in 2015. "We talk about mindset. It totally changed the momentum back to us."
"The defense is doing amazing," said Niro, appreciative for not only the momentum-grabbing play that erased his pick but the field position that unit afforded him and the offense all night.
"The defense set the tone tonight," said Sanchez after Jackson Perkins, Blake Holley, Alec Andrea and Lozzio, of course, smothered the Titans for three quarters. "We've got a lot of experience," on the defensive side, Sanchez noted.
The offense, meanwhile, played Barrington's signature power game to set up its big plays. Moews and Niro had first-half 61-yard and 83-yard scoring runs, respectively, virtually untouched bursting through holes opened all night by Mark Bach, Nick Bart and John Stefan and Co.
"They're so big and super smart," said Niro. "They signal me where they want me to run. Mark Bach is a great leader."
And there are weapons galore, including Josh Babicz, who took in a 33-yard play-action score, and Andrea, who made a sharp double move to get open for a 62-yard scoring pass play. Niro only threw 9 passes, completing 6 for - count 'em - 138 yards.
The Broncos know, however, they'll be tested in their next few games, an MSL crossover against Prospect and CSL crossovers versus traditional powers Maine South and Evanston.
"We'll continue to work on our fundamentals," Sanchez said. "We know what's out there," in the way of solid opposition.