Week 8 Games to Watch: Palatine (5-2) at Barrington (7-0)
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This Mid Suburban League matchup is high stakes, with the winner potentially securing a MSL West Conference Championship. Both teams are undefeated in conference play and surely heading for the playoffs. Palatine’s two losses came at the hands of some…
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Continue ReadingThis Mid Suburban League matchup is high stakes, with the winner potentially securing a MSL West Conference Championship. Both teams are undefeated in conference play and surely heading for the playoffs. Palatine’s two losses came at the hands of some of the states top programs in St. Charles North and Maine South. Meanwhile, Barrington has remained perfect, with stand out wins over Warren and Prospect early on in the season. Barrington is also coming off a big win over conference foe Hoffman Estates, as Palatine defeated Conant at home a week ago. The following prospects are 3 players from each team who will need to have big performances for their team to secure a victory.
PALATINE PIRATES
The senior tailback is off to Tulane following this season. Before he begins his journey at the next level, Ball is ready to make one last run in his final campaign with the Pirates. Ball may be one of the fastest players in the state, as he can accelerate faster than most. He ran a 4.4 40 in the offseason, and that speed translates to games. Ball also runs with tremendous power and low pad level that allows him to bounce off tacklers both on the perimeter and in between the tackles. Come Friday night, Ball won’t be hard to miss with that speed.
Highlights
Williams is a highly rated junior recruit who has seen his fair share of Division I offers roll in. The 6’6, 260 lbs defensive end is a tremendous athlete for his size. He has a quick first step and long arms that allows him to get extension on opposing offensive linemen. He plays with great physicality and is as polished as it gets when working pass rush moves. He also excels at offensive line. Williams is a game wrecker who will surely make an impact against the Broncos.
Brault is starting to develop into one of the top offensive linemen in the state. As a sophomore last year, Brault showed off his athleticism and physicality in the run game. He can move people with ease and runs through anything in his path when pulling. This season, Brault has taken his game to a whole other level. The 6’3, 280 lbs guard is wreaking havoc. He’ll be an integral piece up front for the Pirates against a strong Barrington defensive front. Look out for this rising prospect to clear running games for Dominik Ball Dominik Ball 5’9″ | 185 lbs | RB Palatine | 2024 State IL all night.
BARRINGTON BRONCOS
Marusich is a senior two-way player who is putting together his best season yet. He is committed to University of Minnesota – Duluth and has excelled at both wide receiver and defensive back. The 6’2, 190 lbs athlete has been a matchup nightmare for opponents. He has tremendous size, route running ability, and soft hands that allow him to pull in contested catches. Defensively, Marusich is a physical defensive back who tackles well in the open field and can cover. He’ll be making plays on both sides of the ball in Friday’s matchup.
Highlights
Fitzpatrick is a senior running back who has followed up his impressive junior campaign with an even better senior season. He is a tough and physical runner who can gain the hard yards. Fitzpatrick also has tremendous speed, as he can outrun defenders to the edge and break off long runs both at tailback and in the return game. With his downhill and physical style, he can beat you in a variety of ways. Fitzpatrick has been a workhorse for the Broncos this year and is ready to carry the load again against a stout Palatine defensive front.
Jack Burzynski Jack Burzynski 6'4" | 220 lbs | DL Barrington | 2025 IL
Jack Burzynski Jack Burzynski 6'4" | 220 lbs | DL Barrington | 2025 IL
The 6’4, 215 lbs junior defensive lineman for the Broncos is ready to disrupt the passer. Burzynski has a tremendous frame and fantastic length that allows him to win with leverage and skill. He is a polished pass rusher and plays with low pad that level that allows him to play physical against the run. He uses his long arms to throw blockers off of him and is a solid tackler in the box. Burzynski plays with a high motor that is sure to be on display all game against the Pirates.