Barrington upsets Elk Grove in OT

Updated: May 2, 2011 12:34PM

Barrington's big plays led to a stunning overtime upset at No. 9 Elk Grove Friday night.

The Broncos pulled out a 30-23 overtime victory against the Mid-Suburban League East favorites when safety Rob Wagner dove to intercept Elk Grove quarterback Nick Meyer's pass on the Grenadiers' second play of overtime.

Meyer threw his third interception of the game after a dazzling offensive show. The three-year starting quarterback completed 21 of 40 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for 142 yards on 28 carries and scored Elk Grove's second touchdown in the first quarter on a 12-yard run.

Meyer engineered a 99-yard scoring drive to end regulation when Matt Brandt made a 31-yard field goal with 2.2 seconds remaining to tie the game.

"It was my most exciting kick," Brandt said. "I thought the team would probably need me. It felt great."

Brandt missed two point-after kicks in the first quarter, but Elk Grove (1-1) held on to a 12-10 lead at halftime. Kyle Bromm closed the gap when he returned Meyer's first interception of the game for a 68-yard touchdown with 1:25 to go before the half.

"Nick Meyer is the real deal," Bromm said. "He'll hurt you either on the pass or the run."

Bromm's touchdown sparked the Broncos (2-0), who suffered a lackluster first half offensively with only three first downs and 56 total yards. Sam Handler's 66-yard touchdown run on a sweep gave Barrington it's first lead, 17-12, to end the first possession of the second half. Elk Grove answered with Meyer's nine-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Solorio on Elk Grove's first possession in the second half.

Barrington's offense came alive on an 84-yard drive to end the third quarter when running back Chase Murdock (26 carries, 109 yards) rushed for 64 yards on nine carries in the drive after the Broncos re-tooled its offensive line formation. Murdock gave Barrington a 23-20 lead on a two-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Ben LeCompte's point-after kick was blocked, which would become a factor as the Grens attempted to tie the game.

"In the second half, we were able to get things going," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "Unfortunately, we were unable to seal the deal at the end of the game."

Quarterback Matt LeMire ended Barrington's OT possession with a one-yard run after fumbling the snap. Wagner would save the game for Barrington on Elk Grove's possession.

"I had the slot," Wagner said. "I saw him try to set up a pick. I saw the guy leak out. Luckily, I had enough to get there in time."

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