Oct. 04--Buried by its many mistakes Saturday, Barrington's offense remained composed and consistent where it mattered most: the red zone.
In a game filled with big plays and penalties, Barrington senior quarterback Johnny Davidson overcame his two interceptions by passing for 244 yards, running for 104 more and accounting for five touchdowns in a 40-34 triumph against Conant.
The No. 11 Broncos (6-0, 2-0 Mid-Suburban West) knocked off the conference's only other unbeaten team by converting all five trips inside the red zone into points. Davidson extended numerous drives with his running after contact and scored on runs of 4 and 17 yards.
Davidson helped the Broncos withstand 99 yards of penalties, including two touchdowns being called back, with an efficient passing effort. He completed 19 of 25 passes with scoring tosses of 20, 21 and 27 yards.
"Our offense did a great job moving the ball, but we left a few scores on the board and were able to handle that by executing when we needed to," Davidson said. "The offensive line did a great job."
Conant stayed within reach due to its big-play offense. The Cougars moved the ball at will for most of the game by scoring on quick touchdown drives. The Cougars (5-1, 1-1) amassed 475 yards of total offense, with quarterback Kyle Bradley passing for 323 yards and three touchdowns and adding 73 yards rushing. Conant senior wide receiver Palmer Graham hauled in 11 catches for 223 yards and three touchdowns (53, 2, 71 yards).
But the Broncos defense came up big when it counted, stopping Conant running back Jake Jakubosky (20 carries, 78 yards, 2 TDs) on a fourth-and-1 at their own 24-yard line with just under a minute left in regulation to secure Barrington coach Joe Sanchez's 100th career victory.
"It was a real hard-fought game, but we made a lot of mistakes in the first half that we regretted," Graham said. "Their execution in the red zone (was key), and they took advantage of every penalty we had. That's what hurt us in the end."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Johnny Davidson, Barrington, 19-for-25, 244 yards, 3 TDs; 18 carries, 104 yards, 2 TDs.
Key performers: Conant -- Palmer Graham, 11 catches, 223 yards, 3 TDs; Kyle Bradley, 20-for-34, 323 yards, 3 TDs; 12 carries, 73 yards. Barrington -- Jake Zyzda, 7 catches, 102 yards, 2 TDs; Eric Shealy, fumble recovery.
