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Football: Barrington's eager for another postseason chance

The start of the 2016 campaign will give Barrington's football team an opportunity to exorcize a demon that has been on their minds since last October.

That's when the Broncos gave up a last-minute touchdown to drop their second-round playoff game to Marist, ending the hope for a deep postseason run.

That setback has driven the Broncos in the off-season.

"We have a lot of guys with us that were part of that game," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "Either they were in the field or in the sideline. Certainly that is a motivation to get back that point and to push that envelope to go further."

The Broncos, who finished the season 9-2 last year, return four future Division I players. Josh Babicz has committed to North Dakota State, Jackson Perkins and Blake Holley will play at Navy and Nick Bart has yet to commit but has drawn plenty of interest.

"Just remember, none of this guarantees us one victory," Sanchez said. "We have ways to go. We have some great kids coming back."

Not coming back is quarterback is Johnny Davidson, who has graduated and is taking his skills to Washington University.

"I don't know that you ever replace a guy like Johnny," Sanchez said. "But we have been very fortunate that we have always had someone to play that position very well for us. But we like the guy we have coming back for this year."

Stepping in this season will be Ray Niro, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound junior who from all reports throws quite well.

"He has had a very nice summer," Sanchez said. "He is similar to Johnny when he came in his junior year. We have some nice skill kids around him and experience in the offensive line."

Logan Moews, who was a slot receiver and part-time running back last year, is moving full time to the backfield this season. Moews will be the featured back.

Babicz will be at tight end and also move outside a bit to open him up for Niro. He will be joined by Tim Adelizzi, Mac Molli, Jake Parsons, Griffin Gabbert and Alec Andrea.

"Just like last season when we had a group of receivers like Jake Zyzda, nobody really knows a lot about these guys," Sanchez said. "But now it is their turn."

The offensive line will have three starters retuning in Bart (6-3, 290), John Stefan (6-4, 295) and Mark Bach (6-0, 235), all of whom have great size and experience. Eric Padilla (5-11, 230), who saw some time last season as well, and a combination of Brad Warman (6-1, 245), Jack Moran (6-2, 190) and Alec Meister (6-1, 230) will fill out the line.

Defensively, the Broncos will be looking to Holley, who is a 5-11, 195-pound linebacker, and Perkins, a 6-6, 225 pound defensive end, to cause havoc for opponents.

Perkins will get help on the defensive line from Luke Coon, Michael Stodola and Will Lenihan. Tanner Lang, who just moved back to the Barrington area and is a senior, should also be in the mix.

Parker Goodwin, who is coming off of ACL surgery last season, will be at linebacker with Holley and David Lozzio, who saw action last year along with John O'Beirne.

Andrea started every game at corner for Barrington as a sophomore last year. He will be joined at corner by Grant Leichter and Louis Cossio. Drew Douglas and Victor Katis figure to be at the safety spot.

With the new crossover look for the Mid-Suburban League, Barrington will play its two games against CSL South opponents Maine South and Evanston following their season opener against Glenbrook South.

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