When Barrington quarterback Johnny Davidson was scrambling around at Palatine on Friday, Oct. 9, two defenders began to close in. Broncos right tackle Alex Serrano took care of it, sending both Palatine players to the ground with a hard block. Although Barrington (6-1, 2-1 Mid-Suburban West) suffered its first loss of the year, 26-24, on a Pirates 41-yard field goal with 1:23 left, Serrano had several jarring blocks.
The 6-foot-3, 285-pound senior captain has helped the Barrington offense amass nearly 40 points per contest.
“I’m right next to him,” junior right guard Nick Bart said. “He’s a real leader on the field. I always know he has my back if I slip up at all.”
Highlight blocks for Serrano are a common thing according to his neighbor on the right side of the line.
“He’s really a force. Alex can move people off the ball,” Bart said. “It’s fun in the film room getting to watch it, because everyone loves it. It’s cool to see on film how he’s able to root people out and move them off the ball. We get a giggle out of it. Really enjoy it.”
“I always try to be as physical as I can,” Serrano said. “As an O-lineman, you don’t get these highlight plays scoring touchdowns. So, little things you can get like making the key block for the running back to get the touchdown, a pancake block, are the things you really enjoy.”
It’s not all about just being physical for Serrano.
“I’m also working on the skills. Getting my hands inside. Running my feet more. Staying on blocks. Stuff that makes you a better O-lineman. More than just being physical.”
Barrington coach Joe Sanchez raves about his three-year starter.
“Every year he’s gotten better. Every year he’s gotten stronger,” Sanchez said. “More than anything this year, he’s done a tremendous job of becoming more of a leader for us. There’s a reason he was elected as a captain, because the guys look to him as a leader.”
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Serrano has a strong interest in continuing his play in college, with schools such as Indiana and Northern Illinois taking notice in his abilities.
“He’ll play in college,” Sanchez said. “At what level I have no idea. Do I think he’s Division I? Certainly I think he’s got the potential to be.”
“I have more confidence now,” Serrano said. “Becoming more of a leader on the O-line. Call what needs to be done.
Soft spoken off the field, Serrano changes character once the whistle blows on Friday nights.
“He flips the switch when he gets on the field,” Sanchez said. “He knows there’s a different side that has to come out.”
Junior wide receiver Josh Babicz had five receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns against Palatine (5-2, 2-1). Senior wideout Jake Zyzda hauled in a 30-yard scoring pass. Barrington kicker Damian Dembicki nailed a 31-yard field goal.
Mark Perlman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter: @markdavidperlma