Gameday Film a Key to Broncos Success

Normally, averaging more than a hundred yards per game in football is something to build around. 

However, when you are talking about the average penalty yards per game, that should bring about concern or perhaps personal changes. But as for the Broncos, they just took some time to watch some films.

“We looked at (game) film to address some of these issues,” Barrington’s coach Joe Sanchez said.  “There are some technical issues, so we focused on footwork and special team in practice.”

But Sanchez, who wasn’t overly concerned, felt that in some respects the team was young and that most of the penalties will work their way out as the season progresses.

Barrington will continue their stretch of MSL-E conference crossover games at Hersey's home opener (and new stadium) on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and hope that penalties aren't as much of an issue as their previous two games.

For the second straight year, Hersey brings their 2-0 record into their clash against the Broncos (1-1).  Last year Barrington won 35-14 continuing a successful trend against the Huskies where the Broncos have won by an average of 21 points in each of their last three contests. 

In fact, since 2006 Hersey has only four wins in 16 chances against the Mid Suburban League West, however, second year coach Dragen Toenic has three of those wins.

“(Toenic) has done a nice job and brought some excitement to that program,” said Sanchez.

After ending last year on a five game losing streak, and their difficulties against the MSL-W, Hersey is trying to not let history repeat itself this year by utilizing a balanced attack on both sides of the ball.  The Huskies defense has been very opportunistic and shut down Hoffman Estates in the first quarter of last week’s game on their way to a 49-0 victory.  In the Huskies’ two wins they have averaged three takeaways.

Barrington’s dose of strong runs behind the talented offensive line, by whichever player lines-up in the back field, senior Chase Murdock or junior Justin Dragosz, will keep Hersey players focused on the run.  Eliminating turnovers and efficient movement down field will continue to put points on the scoreboard.  This plan should help set-up the play action for Mark Bennett (21 of 39 for 235 yards, 1 TD and an interception on the season) to hit his big play receivers Dylan Zyzda (7 receptions 117 yards and one touchdown on the year) and senior Sam Handler.

Handler (interception last week) and Zyzda will also be some of the key players needed on Barrington’s defense because for a second straight week they will have their hands full with one of the areas better quarterbacks.  A different style of quarterback then Elk Grove’s running Dejan Basara, Hersey’s Brad Zaucha basis his success off passing efficiency.  Zaucha has thrown for 366 yards and 5 touchdowns (no interceptions) and has connected with multiple receivers in his two games this season. 

Hersey’s running back, David Jackowski, is one of those threats and is a dual purpose back with multiple touchdowns.  Barrington’s defensive line should be able to disrupt the offensive flow, Jackowski runs and keep Zaucha busy, hopefully producing turnovers.

With four interceptions, Barrington ended last year’s game against Hersey with a plus three turnover margin.  Repeating a performance of that caliber will be difficult against Zaucha so Barrington will have to eliminate the hidden yardage that they have been allowing due to penalties to help off set what could be a limited number of turnover opportunities.

With another emotionally charged game, Barrington’s third home opener they are playing in, Sanchez feels the team is able to maintain their intensity on the field because of the hard work and the team’s frame of mind.

“A new stadium with field turf, (Hersey) is 2-0 and getting some recognition, there is some excitment,” Sanchez said of this week’s contest and why he knows his team is ready.  “You would always rather play in a game like this than games that are not so important.”