Defense leads Broncos past New Trier

All season long, Barrington’s defense has had to take a backseat to the high-powered Broncos offense. But this weekend, Barrington’s offense was buying the pizza.

Barrington intercepted five New Trier passes and limited the Trevians to 31 yards rushing as Barrington (9-2) edged host New Trier 7-2.

“We’ve been reading comments on us all year,” said Broncos linebacker Jason Bromm, who had two of the five interceptions. “They talk about how our offense is a great offense and they’ve been dissing on our defense. We took that as motivation.’’

New Trier (6-5) took a 2-0 lead with 5:32 remaining in the second quarter when Barrington quarterback Cody Seeger was sacked in the end zone. But after stopping New Trier on its ensuing possession, Barrington marched 65 yards on 14 plays, scoring on a one-yard run by Sam Ojuri (36 carries, 161 yards) with 14 seconds remaining in the first half.

‘‘Our offense struggled tonight,’’ Ojuri said. ‘‘But the defense was unbelievable. One of these days, we’re going to put together a complete game.’’

New Trier ran 19 plays inside the Barrington 35 in the second half, but came away empty-handed thanks to interceptions by Brad Gunderson, Cam Good and Anthony Gentile. Barrington threatened early in the fourth quarter following a 71-yard run by Ojuri, but a 15-yard penalty took the Broncos out of scoring range.

‘‘Right now we’re just shooting ourselves in the foot,’’ Barrington coach Joey Sanchez said. ‘‘But you have to compliment our defensive coaching staff. The playoffs are all about survival."

We lived to play another game.’’