Barrington blows by Hoffman Estates

Updated: September 25, 2011 2:28PM

Just before kickoff, Hoffman Estates coach Bill Helzer said his team must impede Barrington’s big-play ability, but that is exactly what Broncos stars Chase Murdock, Mark Bennett, Dylan Zyzda and Sam Handler would accomplish anyway.

Barrington’s Homecoming celebration got off to a fast start as the Broncos ran up 27 points within the first 20 minutes of play. After all 48 minutes ran off the clock, the Broncos celebrated a 44-6 win in its MSL West opener.

Murdock broke off touchdown runs of 49 and 34 yards in the first quarter, Bennett found Zyzda on a corner route for a 25-yard score, and Handler added a 27-yarder in the south end zone.

Barrington’s defense, which posted a first half shutout, even got into the big play action as linebacker Aaron Foley picked off a Hawks pass in his own red zone and took it the other way for what appeared to be a touchdown. A penalty wiped the points off the board but the Broncos kept the ball, setting up Murdock’s first of three long scores.

“That interception certainly helped to change the momentum for us,” coach Joe Sanchez said after the game. “They were doing some good things early. Our kids bend but don’t break on that and that kind of helped set the tone.

“We always talk about wanting to send a message right away,” Sanchez added. “The last few weeks we’ve been able to do that, and certainly we did that today.”

Barrington (4-1, 1-0) racked up 190 yards in the first quarter, led by Mudock’s 112 on the ground. Bennett competed six of eight passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns, all in the first half. Zyzda and Handler were on

the receiving end of the first half air show.

The Broncos momentum resurfaced after halftime as Murdock took the Broncos’ first play from scrimmage 48 yards for another touchdown. He finished the game with 162 yards on seven carries.

“We did an awesome job. The offensive line did a good job opening seams for me,” Murdock said. “We always go up to (coach Sanchez) and say ‘lets run power’ and grind it out, grind it out.”

On the Hoffman Estates’ first, second half possession, Broncos linebacker Andrew Merkle picked up a fumble and ran it back for more Barrington points.

The score ballooned to 41-0 before five minutes could tick off the third quarter clock.

“It was a great team victory,” Sanchez said. “I’m really happy for our kids. We just want to keep it going. It was an important MSL West opener. It was important we came out strong.”

Hoffman Estates quarterback Jordan Hudak led the Hawks (0-5, 0-1) with 97 yards running and 123 more in the air. He scored the Hawks lone touchdown on a sneak from the one-yard line late in the third quarter. The Broncos blocked the extra point.

Barrington won the turnover battle 3-0, capped off by an interception from defensive back James Pajich in the fourth quarter.

The Broncos travel to Palatine next week to take on its MSL West rival with first place up for grabs.

“Right after today we’re looking into Palatine,” Murdock said. “We’re real excited to get into that west conference of play and really start seeing if we can get a conference championship here.”

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