Barrington planning October playoff run

For the first time in six years Barrington was turning in its gear in late October.

It was a turn the Broncos don't want to take again after they finished 5-4 but missed the postseason because of a lack of playoff points.

"Not too many of us were happy," said Barrington coach Joe Sanchez, who led teams to the playoffs his first five years in charge. "At the same time, what I hope for us coaches, is we understand it's one of those things that nothing is a given and you can't take anything for granted.

"This senior group and the team in general has done a nice job of trying to embrace the opportunity there in front of them to get back in the playoffs and get back in competing for a conference championship."

The Broncos have the weapons to do both with Cody Seeger looking more confident in his second year as the starting quarterback. Sam Ojuri nearly rushed for 1,000 yards last year and Terrance Terry takes his speed to receiver with third-year varsity player Kevin Crowley and Daniel Evers.

Senior Eric Zetner moves in at center after starting at an Atlanta high school last year with Gus Handler and Trevor Laue anchoring the line at tackles.

"They're going to be the key to our success," Sanchez said. "How well those guys do the job in protecting and run-blocking - to allow those skill guys to do what they do best."

Inside linebackers Jason Bromm, Cam Good and Alex Smith all saw significant starting time before they were hit by injuries. Outside linebacker Tim Oakley is a stabilizing influence and junior cornerback Brett Seeger is back.

And one of the unsung keys could be senior kicker-punter Ryan Murach, who came up to the varsity midway through his freshman year.

"He is going to be a weapon for us with field position and scoring points," Sanchez said. "We are relying heavily on him."

Because it could be what keeps Barrington playing into November.