Barrington lines up more success
Offensive linemen are accustomed to working in anonymity.
But it’s different at Barrington where there is usually a player on his way to much bigger things at the Division I level. This year is no exception as senior right tackle Jackson Keeler has verbally committed to Wisconsin.
The plan for the 6-foot-7, 290-pound Keeler and his linemates to turn some other Barrington unknowns into household names at a program that has made the playoffs eight times in Joe Sanchez’s 10-year tenure.
“I’m excited because I think this is a group some people may not think much of because of what we lost,” Sanchez said. “But if we stick together and continue to improve it’s going to be fun to see where we’re at at the end of it all.”
The biggest losses for the Broncos were offensive lineman Dan Voltz (Wisconsin), running back-linebacker Chase Murdock (Toledo), receiver-secondary standouts Sam Handler (UCLA) and Dylan Zyzda and quarterback Mark Bennett.
But that gives opportunities to players such as running back Justin Dragosz (364 yards, 3 TDs), junior quarterback Dan Kubiuk and athletic receivers Andrew Matella and Mike Carbonara in the Broncos’ new no-huddle attack.
“It’s going to give our offense the ability to get the ball to the kids who are playmakers and do things,” Sanchez said. “Before it’s all said and done, when we get everybody back our offensive line has a chance to be pretty special.”
Sanchez anticipates the return of Justin Cooper (6-3, 260) in a week or two from a hamstring injury and Mason Darrow (6-5, 290) at midseason after he tweaked a foot injury from last season.
The defense will also have a lot of new faces relying on veterans up front in third-year starting nose tackle Chris Van Kampen, second-year starting end Ben Calamari and senior tackle August Anderson.
Outside linebacker Colin Castagna and cornerback Eric Dowdy saw some time last year.
“The key is the three seniors up front … they have to do the job and create havoc and they have the potential to do that with guys behind them who run to the ball,” Sanchez said. “It will be a fun group.”
Probable starters
Broncos at a glance
Coach: Joe Sanchez (11th year, 71-36)
Last year: 7-3, 4-1 (2nd West, 8A first round)
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Dan Kubiuk 6-0/170 Jr.
TB Justin Dragosz 6-1/185 Sr.
LT Vito Anzalone 5-11/200 Jr.
or Anthony Espinoza 6-1/200 Sr.
LG Jack Bornhofen 6-1/225 Jr.
C Brock Workman 5-11/205 Sr.
RG Akeel Abdelhaldi 6-1/300 Sr.
RT Jackson Keeler 6-7/290 Sr.
WR Andrew Matella 6-4/190 Sr.
WR Mike Carbonara 5-10/155 Jr.
WR Barrett O’Farrell 6-2/190 Sr.
WR Mitchell Pfeiffer 5-10/170 So.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Ben Calamari 6-4/245 Sr.
NT Chris Van Kampen 6-3/270 Sr.
DT August Anderson 5-7/195 Sr.
OLB Colin Castagna 6-4/210 Jr.
ILB John Larsen 6-2/185 Sr.
ILB Jake Coon 5-11/185 So.
OLB Dan Hanley 6-0/180 Jr.
CB Eric Dowdy 6-0/160 Sr.
CB Tommy Lessing 5-9/170 Jr.
or Nick Coy 5-9/170 Sr.
S J.P. Brooks 5-11/175 Jr.
S Scott Miller 5-9/145 So.