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Broncos deliver victory in Dragosz’s debut
Updated: September 3, 2011 12:39AM
In his first varsity game, Barrington junior tailback Justin Dragosz carried the Broncos to victory, racking up 161 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner from two yards out with 12 seconds to play.
The thrilling 17-10 home-opening win against Elk Grove came despite losing star running back Chase Murdock to a pulled hamstring early in the first quarter. Barrington’s standout right tackle Dan Voltz didn’t finish the game either, as a cramping issue resurfaced in the fourth quarter.
It was three big second-half plays — a 34-yard scamper by Dragosz, and 41-and 31-yard connections between quarterback Mark Bennett and wide receiver Dylan Zyzda — that proved to be the difference, leading the Broncos move to 1-1 on the season.
Dragosz, who ran for 97 yards in the second half alone, only saw action a week ago in Barrington’s Saturday afternoon JV contest.
“Honestly it happened so fast, I didn’t have time to be nervous,” said Dragosz of his 26-carry night. “(The key) was our line really came together. We got the plays in right and we all did our jobs.
“We knew we needed to bear down and get it done.”
The biggest play — and decision — of the game came with 45 seconds to go. With the game tied at 10, Barrington faced a fourth down with less than a yard to go on Elk Grove’s 3-yard line. After calling a timeout, Broncos coach Joe Sanchez opted successfully to go for the first down on a quarterback sneak.
“I knew we could get it,” Sanchez said. “It was six inches. I have faith in our offensive line. I had faith in our quarterback when he came over, and he got it done. I don’t know exactly by how much he got it, but he got it.”
Dragosz finished the job from there, plunging in from the 2 to secure the 17-10 victory on Military Appreciation Night.
The theatrics, however, weren’t over yet. On a Hail Mary pass with no time remaining, Elk Grove wide receiver Fernando Lozano came down with the ball thrown by quarterback Dejan Basara, but the Grenadiers were stopped eight yards short of the goal line.
Sanchez admitted he was holding his breath.
“Scared. Fear. Oh my gosh. Just relief when we finally made the tackle and he wasn’t in the end zone.”
On the night, Bennett connected on five of his 10 pass attempts for 78 yards. Zyzda was on the receiving end of two for 72 yards. Even without Murdoch, however, the Broncos remained committed to the running game as the ball stayed on the ground by a 3-to-1 margin.
Basara, the Grenadiers quarterback, led his team in all aspects. He ran for 117 yards on 22 carries, completed eight passes on 17 attempts for 98 yards, and even kicked the Grenadiers’ extra point and field goal. He played linebacker all night, as well.
Elk Grove’s only touchdown tied the game at 10 with 3:19 left. Basara capped off a 50-yard drive with a quarterback draw for a touchdown from eight yards out.
“Certainly he’s a heck of a football player,” Sanchez said. “We had him, it appeared at times, pinned in, we had him, and he still found a way to get through. Give the kid a lot credit. He played both ways. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Both teams made their share of mistakes. Barrington committed 12 penalties costing the Broncos 107 yards and Elk Grove lost 86 yards on nine penalties.
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