Wagner, Barrington pick off Elk Grove
Defensive backs are sometimes overlooked in the scheme of things. Friday night in Elk Grove, Barrington's secondary came up with the big plays in a heart-stopping 30-23 Mid-Suburban League football crossover overtime victory.
Senior Rob Wagner sealed the Grenadiers (1-1) fate by intercepting quarterback Nick Meyer's pass at the 5 on second down.
"I was supposed to cover the slot back," said Wagner. "Then it looked like they were going to pick me, but I got away from it. I got to the ball just in time. It was just a great game."
Quarterback Matt LeMire put the Broncos ahead in overtime on a 1-yard run. They looked like they would hold on to a 23-20 lead with 2:37 left in regulation when punter-kicker Ben LeCompte booted a 61-yard punt to the Elk Grove 1.
Meyer (20-for-39, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, 234 yards) worked the Grenadiers down the field in 17 plays to set up Matt Brandt's 31-yard field goal with 2.2 seconds left.
"That was such a big kick for Matt," said Elk Grove coach Brian Doll. "He had missed 2 extra points earlier. I'm glad he made it."
The Grens were in control early when Meyer connected with Mike Wary (7 catches, 73 yards) for a 15-yard touchdown pass. A 41-yard field goal by LeCompte closed the gap to 6-3.
Meyer, who rushed 28 times for 134 yards, scampered in from the 12 for a 12-3 lead.
Barrington got the momenteum shift it needed when Kyle Bromm he returned a interception 68 yards with 1:25 left in the half to make it 12-10.
"We had to fight hard to get back in the game," said Bromm. "We had a motto for tonight not 'to get beat or cheap.' I'll tell you, Nick (Meyer) is the real deal."
Sam Handler gave Barrington its first lead at 17-12 early in the third quarter on a 66-yard run. Handler looked to be trapped along the Broncos' sideline but found a opening.
Meyer countered with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Solorio (3 catches, 30 yards) with 4:38 left in the third. Wary caught a 2-point conversion pass from Meyer for a 20-17 lead.
Barrington went 84 yards in 11 plays to score on Chase Murdock's (24 carries, 107 yards) run of 3 yards with 11:54 left in the game to take a 23-20 lead.
"We were able to do just enough to win this one," said Barrington coach Joe Sanchez. "Our defensive backs just did a great job all night. The interception and return by Bromm changed the game. And Wagner came up with just a great play. Defense wins championships."
Dylan Zyzda also had a interception for Barrington and helped break up some key passes when Elk Grove threatened midway in the fourth quarter.
"We made alot of mistakes that hurt us," said Doll. "This is a good bunch. They'll bounce back."