Anderson, Barrington power past Palatine
Barrington has been known for its solid quarterback play and toughness up front. Both were on huge display Friday night in Barrington's home opener as the Broncos rolled over Palatine 37-14 in the Mid-Suburban West.
Barrington quarterback Peter Anderson threw for 242 yards and 4 touchdowns while running for another.
"We got that all done together," said Anderson, whose scrambling enabled him to find some open receivers. "My boys up front did a great job for me again. And the defense helped out a lot by getting us the ball back."
Meanwhile the Broncos' offense piled up 463 yards behind the play of Logan Ambroz, Matt Blasius, Mark Gorbatenko, Cooper Slater and Adam Krieps. With them blocking up front Bryan Smith was able to rush for 105 yards on 9 carries and Jack Kapcheck had 82 yards on 13 carries.
"We knew it was going to be a physical week," Ambroz said. "They have a tough front. They are big, fast and strong. But our scout team gave us a good look all week and that helped."
"We gave up a big play early but our guys responded well after that," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "I was proud of the way our offense executed the plan. "
Anderson had a huge first half for the Broncos. The senior threw for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns as Barrington took a 21-8 lead.
Palatine took an early 8-0 lead thanks to the Pecson brothers.
Tyler Pecson picked off a pass and returned it 31-yards to the Barrington 22. On the next play, Eric Pecson connected with Alex Clue for a 22-yard touchdown. Eric Pecson then tossed to Mitch Larkin after a bad snap on the conversion for the early lead.
Anderson and Barrington (2-0, 2-0) took over from there.
Anderson hooked up with Tommy Sweeney on a 25-yard touchdown pass. Anderson followed with a pair of touchdown passes of 30 and 8 yards to Jack Serrano to give the Broncos the lead at the break.
Anderson added a third-quarter 14-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Smith (7 catches, 91 yards) and then busted off a 30-yard scoring run as the Broncos pulled away. Ramiro Vences kicked a 19-yard field goal to make it 37-8.
Barrington's defense, led by Matt Kolder, Owen Powell, Justice Cromwell and Evan Roper, kept Palatine (1-1, 1-1) in check after the Pirates' first touchdown.
"On defense, our number one concern was (Jake) Bostick and all their skilled kids," Sanchez said. "To be able to limit them tonight after the explosion they had last week was real good."
Palatine added a late touchdown on a 6-yard pass from Eric Pecson to Bostick.
"We have some good boys and good players," Palatine coach Corey Olson said. "Some of them are playing both ways and it takes some time to get into that shape. They are fighting hard."