Somebody once said a long time ago that, “It’s what’s up front that counts.”

In the case of Barrington High School’s football team, the Eagles' offensive and defensive front lines bear strict attention.

Today’s high school football player is a lot different than they were 20, 30, and 40 years ago. Kids are bigger, stronger, and seem more in tune with keeping themselves in great physical shape in an attempt to keep injuries to a minimum, while playing at a maximum level.

Over the years, Barrington High School football has produced some legendary figures, both offensively and defensively. Among them were Eagle Hall of Famers Frank Vollaro, Bill McCagney, and Tom Pine, just to name a few.

More often than not, those who gain all the glory and publicity are usually found carrying, passing, or receiving the football. Offense is what makes the fans stand up and cheer. However, let’s not forget the boys who anchor the offensive front line and play defense with the intensity that makes head coaches salivate.

This year, Barrington High’s football program has some top-notch personnel in those areas, and the word is they’re getting better with each and every game. Eagles’ coach Sandy Gorham couldn’t be happier.

“The offensive line has shown the biggest improvement of any group on the team,” he said. “That includes the group of Dylan Hunt (LT), Matteo Lopergoio (LG), Josh Nutter (C) Owen Hackett (RG), Nate Camera (RT) and Hayden Zimmerman (LT & RT).”

Coach Gorham likes what he sees on the offensive line. 

“The offense has been able to move the ball consistently this season, first in the scrimmages and in the non -league game against Cranston East,” he said. “They have particularly excelled at pass blocking, which enabled our quarterback, Brigham Dunphy, to throw for three touchdown passes to Cole Reed against Cranston East. Our biggest need right now is to cut down on silly penalties.”

“The defensive line showed improvement against Cranston East. Jack O'Connell (DE), Jack Kovolyan (DT), Josh Nutter (DT), Owen Hackett (DT), A.J. Prete (DE), all contributed to putting a lot of pressure on the opposing quarterback.”

That’s just the start. As time progresses, the Eagles figure to get even better with each snap of the football. And again, the line play will figure prominently in the final won-loss record, and a possible trip to the playoffs.