Aug. 20--Barrington football is back.
Well, technically, the Broncos' program never left, but in the eyes of former players and the current coaching staff, Barrington's back-to-back 10-win seasons represented a return to the good old days after posting 3-6 records twice in a four-year span (2009 and 2012).
The Broncos defeated Oak Park-River Forest and Maine South in the Class 8A playoffs last season before losing to Glenbard West in a quarterfinal.
Barrington coach Joe Sanchez, entering his 14th year leading the program and 20th overall, labeled last season a key building point.
"Certainly last year was special," Sanchez said. "There was no doubt we took great pride in proving to people that we play good football in the Mid-Suburban League and good ball at Barrington.
"I think that's something this year's team would like to continue. They want to pick up the torch and baton and continue the tradition and keep proving our program and to ourselves that we deserve opportunities and will continue to be successful. The teams of the last few years and last year's group did set a standard."
The Broncos' quest for a third straight 10-win season will include nearly an entire new cast of playmakers on offense, aside from quarterback Johnny Davidson, and a rebuilt defense.
Speed was the main cause of the Broncos' success over the past two seasons, headlined by departed two-way starter Scotty Miller, as well as a stout defense filled with experienced players.
This year's Broncos return four key players on offense and very few experienced players on defense.
Barrington senior defensive end Grant Elliott is one of the few returning players with significant experience, a group that also includes defensive lineman Cooper Van Kampen, safety Zack Rizzio and linebacker Blake Holley.
"Last year we had a lot of proven talent, but this year we have a lot of unproven talent," Elliott said. "We're still talented, but just unproven. We're starting to mesh together and become close. We have a high standard and are trying to get to that high standard."
Sanchez anticipates some early growing pains, especially with the first two games against Glenbrook South and Hersey, a pair of playoff teams from last season.
But Sanchez is encouraged by the development of Davidson and his offensive line.
"Any good coach on any level knows it starts at the quarterback," Sanchez said. "We're excited to have Johnny at the helm and several guys back at offensive line. It's hard to replace the skill and speed we had last year at wide receiver, but we have some pretty high-quality kids out there and we might surprise some people by the end of it. With our offensive line and quarterback, we'll be able to have some fun this year."
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Davidson, is being recruited by Olivet Nazarene, expects the offense to lean on his experience and the developing offensive line until some playmakers emerge.
"We lost a lot of seniors, probably the biggest class our school has ever had, but we were up at halftime in a lot of games last year and a lot of younger guys got to play," he said. "Our skill players on offense are all new, but we have a couple of offensive linemen returning and we're looking to having another great season."
One of the Broncos' two losses last season came to MSL West rival Palatine in Week 8, handing the divisional crown to the Pirates. Aside from continuing the program's winning ways, the Broncos also have an Oct. 9 date with Palatine circled on their calendar.
"The standard at our program is so high, but I love that," Elliott said. "It's not just playing for yourselves but playing for your football family. That's been the best 10 years. I'm excited to get going and see what we can do. It's unproven talent. I'm confident in this group. We're close."
Narang is a freelance reporter.
No. 17 Barrington Broncos
2014: 10-2 (4-1, 2nd in Mid-Suburban West), lost to Glenbard West 28-21 in 8A quarterfinal.
Coach: Joe Sanchez (94-46 in 14th year at Barrington).
Playoff history: 20 appearances, 0 state titles.
He's back: Johnny Davidson, Sr., 5-10, 185, QB; OT Alex Serrano, Sr., 6-3, 285, OL; Grant Elliott, Sr., 6-1, 220, DE; Nick Bart, Jr., 6-3, 287, OL; Cooper Van Kampen, Sr., 6-2, 280, DL; Zach Rizzio, Sr., 5-10, 175, S.
He's new: Josh Babicz, Jr., 6-5, 210, WR; Logan Moews, Jr., 5-10, 185, WR/CB.
Big name: Davidson is a second-year starter, with a lone offer from Olivet Nazarene, but he's received interest from Ivy League schools.
Big game: Oct. 9 at Palatine. The Pirates defeated the Broncos last season to win the MSL West title.
Big question: Can the Broncos overcome heavy graduation losses to keep the momentum going from consecutive 10-win seasons?
Breakdown: Besides Davidson, the Broncos lack proven playmakers on offense, though the returnees are talented, just lacking experience. The defense played a big part in Barrington's 10-2 season in 2014, but is very thin after losing most of the starters. Several newcomers have to learn their roles quickly with a tough first two games.
Fast fact: Coach Joe Sanchez is six wins shy of winning his 100th game at Barrington.
