Offense and Defense Contribute in Bronco Win

For the second straight week, Barrington scored through the air on their first offensive play from scrimmage, then relied on senior running back Chase Murdock, and the defense, to make quick work of Hoffman Estates in a convincing homecoming victory.

“We did an awesome job (on offense), the defense did a good job as well, and the scout team gave us a real good look to get ready for this game,” Murdock said following his 162 yard (7 carries) and three-touchdown performance that led the Broncos to a 44-6 win.

The game started with Dylan Zyzda’s 35 yard kickoff return that gave the Broncos excellent field position.  The senior wide receiver finished what he started on the very next play with a 25-yard reception from quarterback Mark Bennett to give Barrington the early 7-0 lead.  Zyzda ended the game with 3 receptions for 49 yards.

After the Bronco defense forced a quick three-and-out by the Hawks (0-5, 0-1), Barrington’s offense went back to work on the next series and took just four plays to reach the end zone capped by a Murdock 49-yard touchdown run.

“The offensive line did a good job opening seams for me,” Murdock said of his blockers that featured Dan Voltz, Jackson Keeler, Lee Conforti, Josh Watkins, Justin Cooper, Daniel Davidson and Akeel Abdelhaldi. 

The offensive line and Barrington’s backfield produced 282 yards of rushing.

“(All the running backs) just go up to coach (Joe Sanchez) and we are like, ‘let’s just run power and grind it out,'” Murdock went on to say of the run game. 

Barrington (4-1, 1-0), thanks to the Murdock run, was staked to a 13-0 lead but Hoffman Estates looked to build some steam.  The Hawks navigated a ten play drive into Bronco territory but Barrington’s defense responded with pressure on senior quarterback Jordan Hudak who threw an interception to Aaron Foley.  Hudak ended the game 12 of 22 for 124 yards, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions with the other interception landing in the hands of Barrington senior James Pajich.

“(Hoffman Estates) had a little momentum going towards our red zone,” Foley said.  “I had that interception and ran it back; that just stole their momentum and was just what we needed.”   

Barrington’s defense only gave up 60 yards in the first quarter and only 270 yards total while forcing three turnovers and blocking an extra point (Zyzda).  The team also minimized their penalties (6), something that has plagued them the first four games.  

“The more the offense pounds, pounds and pounds, it keeps the defense off the field,” Foley said.  “When (the defense) does have to get back out on the field, we are refreshed and ready to go; maybe we get a three and out and then the offense can get back out there and do their thing.”

The offense continued to pound it and converted the Foley turnover into points.  Murdock ended another productive drive with a 34 yard run up the middle right before the first quarter ended that gave the Broncos a comfortable 20-0 lead.

The Broncos’ defense forced another quick offensive series for the Hawks to start the second frame and that allowed Mark Bennett to orchestrate another quality drive the resulted in a touchdown.  This time it was senior Sam Handler catching a wide open pass near the front pylon that gave Barrington a 27-0 lead heading into halftime.  Bennett completed his first six passes and finished the first half and game with a very efficient 6 of 8 for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

“Our goal was to pound the ball to draw everyone up,” Murdock said.  “Then go with the play action and Mark (Bennett) threw right behind the Hawk defenders.”

Barrington would start the second half with another one play score, Murdock’s third touchdown of the day.  This time it was his longest run from scrimmage, a 48 yarder.

Barrington’s defense would put an exclamation point on their performance moments later when senior linebacker Andrew Merkle took the botched snap on a punt in for a defensive score that gave the Broncos a 41-0 lead.

The Hawks would manage to put some points on the board once the game was completely out of hand.  Hoffman, who had missed a field goal near the end of the first half during their only other really successful drive, marched to the end zone with a thirteen play drive that had Hudak rushing for a one yard touchdown.  Hudak would rush for a team high 77 yards on 19 carries and the Hawks as a team would only rush for 141 yards.

Barrington would score one last time during the fourth, a field goal by sophomore Daniel Kubiuk.  The 22-yarder made up for an earlier missed extra point and would give Barrington a 44-6 MSL West opening week win.      

The Broncos will have a short week to prepare for an away game at conference heavyweight Palatine (4-1, 1-0) next Friday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.  The importance of this big game and it's conference potential is not lost on the Broncos.  

“Right after today we are looking to Palatine and we are excited to continue in the West (division) as we try for a conference championship,” Murdock said.