Broncos defense sets tone early

Updated: September 17, 2011 12:12AM

Barrington wasted very little time getting on the scoreboard Friday night against Wheeling, as the Broncos scored nine points in the first 29 seconds of the contest.

Cody Adelizzi sacked Tiger’s quarterback Tyler Brady in the end zone on the game’s first play for a safety, and then Mark Bennett hit Sam Handler for a 59-yard scoring strike on the initial offensive play of the night for Barrington.

The Broncos never looked back, scoring three more times in the first-half while cruising to a 37-15 Mid-Suburban crossover victory in Wheeling.

Barrington (3-1) was extremely efficient on offense, scoring on the first play of three different series, including two rushing scores (4 and 39 yards) by running back Chase Murdock. The senior also added a 14-yard TD run to cap a five-play drive in the second quarter while collecting 120 yards on 14 carries in just over two quarters of action.

“We take what the defense gives us,” explained Broncos coach Joe Sanchez. “Our guys made some big plays and we had some great efforts and some great runs. Our offensive line did a great job tonight. So we are just trying to keep building ­— that is all we are trying to do.”

Leading 30-0 at the half, Barrington pushed the lead to 37-0 at the end of the third quarter when Justin Dragosz capped a seven-play drive with a 25-yard scoring run and kicker Daniel Kubiuk booted the PAT.

The Broncos defense forced four turnovers, including fumble recoveries by Handler and Aaron Foley. Joe Asher and Eric Dowdy each picked off Wildcat pass attempts.

Wheeling (1-3) managed just 14 passing yards in the first-half, but Brady managed to break loose on a 70-yard scoring run midway through the fourth quarter. He also engineered another scoring drive in the game’s final minute, tossing a 39-yard TD pass with 15 seconds left.

Ed Scanlon was the Wildcats’ leading rusher, gaining 137 yards on 20 carries.

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