Barrington's Sanchez honored by Bears

Barrington's turnaround has resulted in honors for head football coach Joe Sanchez.

The Broncos are the only undefeated team in the Mid-Suburban League at 6-0 after a 3-6 finish last year. On Thursday, Sanchez was named the Chicago Bears high school coach of the week.

A 34-32 win over Schaumburg on Saturday clinched the Broncos' seventh playoff appearance in nine years under Sanchez.

“The beauty of our group right now is we know every week it's going to be somebody different, Sanchez said. “That's really been fun to be around a group that's really unselfish and doesn't really care (who gets credit).

Barrington also responded to plenty of adversity last week. The father of defensive back Dylan Zyzda and the grandfather of wide receiver Zach Dulla died, and standout running back Chase Murdock couldn't play because of a foot injury.

“At the end of the game I was very emotional, it was very emotional for all of us, Sanchez said. “The way they responded was what I was most proud of with our kids.

The Bears will donate $1,500 to Barrington's football program. Sanchez will be recognized in an on-field ceremony at the Bears-Patriots game Dec. 12, will receive a framed certificate and will have the chance to attend a Bears practice and chalk talk with coach Lovie Smith.