When Evanston football coach Mike Burzawa describes his senior center, Sawyer Brown, there’s nothing but admiration.
“He’s tough and nasty and a bit undersized (at 5-foot-9, 230 pounds), but he’s all heart,” Burzawa said. “He epitomizes what it’s like to be an Evanston Wildkit.”
Brown is the captain of the offensive line. He calls all the signals.
“I love playing center. I love the physical and mental challenge,” Brown said. “You have to out-think the defensive line, know their tendencies.”
With Sawyer and the offensive line blocking effectively all night, the Wildkits remained unbeaten with an impressive 32-13 road victory at Barrington on Friday.
“This was a big win for us,” Burzawa said. “We knew this was a hostile environment, but our kids kept coming. I’m so proud of them.”
Barrington, which had averaged more than 31 points a game, was held in check for most of the contest. Leading the way was senior defensive end Danny White, who recorded three sacks. Senior defensive back Trenton Bertrand made an interception, while senior safety Michael Axelrood had a fumble recovery.
On offense, senior Malik Ross scored three touchdowns on runs of 1 and 3 yards and a 26-yard scoring pass from senior quarterback Ben Tarpey. Tarpey also threw a 25-yard scoring strike to senior wideout Gerrad Lamour, while senior Cion Miller-Smith found the end zone on a 4-yard run.
Tarpey was 16-for-23 passing for 268 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Tarpey was quick to credit his offensive line for its protection.
“They did an unbelievable job tonight, and the effort starts with Sawyer,” Tarpey said.
“He is on top of his game,” Evanston offensive line coach Michael Partipilo added about Brown. “He knows how to keep everyone in check, knows all the blitzes. Always vocal.”
Brown said he especially enjoys his job when Tarpey hands off the ball.
“Definitely run blocking,” Brown said of his favorite duty. “You get your hand in the dirt and try to be tough, to see who can be more physical.”
Tarpey was all smiles after the game. Perhaps that had to do something with family bragging rights.
“My father and uncle grew up in Barrington and played for them in high school,” he said. “They’ve told me a lot of stories.
“Sure, they wanted me to win. We’re all going to celebrate.”
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