Barrington quarterback Dan Kubiuk prepared to spread passes around
Dan Kubiuk lifted Barrington to a 29-28 horn-beating win over Conant last year with his leg, but this year the incoming junior will be asked to guide the Broncos’ football team with his arm.
Taking the majority of snaps in summer camp at quarterback, Kubiuk is slated to be the guy to lead Barrington’s new spread offense.
“We have great chemistry,” Kubiuk reported after the team’s five, 7-on-7 scrimmages. “Everything is looking very good. We still have to get used to some of the nuances, but we have a great offensive coordinator and coaches. We will be able to tighten up the loose ends.”
Barrington’s calling card over the years has been its power running game. Last year, the Broncos averaged 216 yards rushing per game, led by standout running back Chase Murdock’s 1,536 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Offensive coordinator Pat Wire now has Kubiuk in the shotgun with Broncos receivers spread out sideline to sideline.
“I like throwing the ball,” Kubiuk said. “It helps running the ball, too, but this is just a different approach.”
Kubiuk, who was the Broncos place kicker as a sophomore last year, admitted he doesn’t have much experience directing the spread offense. He only took a handful of snaps behind center last year when quarterback Mark Bennett went down with an injury.
He started at quarterback in four JV games, but his most recent full season at the helm was his freshman year.
But Kubiuk isn’t concerned.
“If I make a mistake, I am able to bounce right back and make the next play,” said Kubiuk. “I’m pretty confident that I can help this team get where we want to go. Our goal is to make it to state and make a move in the playoffs. I think we can do that.”
One Broncos’ strength looks to be its offensive line, which is led by University of Wisconsin-bound Jack Keeler alongside fellow linemen Akeel Abdelhadi and Mason Darrow.
Seniors Andrew Matella and Barrett O’Farrel will head the receiving corps.
At running back, Justin Dragosz looks to carry the load. He ran for 372 yards and three touchdowns on 75 carries last year as Murdock’s backup. He also stepped up with key performances in the two games Murdock missed.
“I learned that I can match up at the varsity level as a junior,” Dragosz said. “It made me more confident going into senior year. I know if I can hang with the guys older than me, I can hang with the guys my age.”
Dragosz also said the biggest key this summer is ironing out all the new plays and formations.
Dragosz is excited to be a bigger threat in the Broncos passing game, thanks to the spread offense philosophy.
“We have a great line, great young players and some key senior players,” Dragosz said. “I think it will come together well.”
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