Perfectionist Nick Peipert leads Barrington to a perfect 5-0 start to the season

Successful high school quarterbacks have all sorts of different standout qualities. There are players with big arms, speedsters and tough guys who find ways to win without any exceptional physical traits.

Over the past season and a half Barrington quarterback Nick Peipert has posted some eye-popping passing numbers. He’s also led the Broncos to the upper tier of Class 8A in the entire state.

Barrington coach Joe Sanchez thinks a particular personality trait might have much to do with that.

“Nick is a perfectionist,” Sanchez said. “You can ask any of our offensive guys. He holds them to a very high standard. When your best players are that way that puts everybody else in the right form of mid to make sure they undertand there is a certain standard.”

The No. 7 Broncos beat visiting Conant 55-14 on Saturday. Peipert was 6-for-8 for 82 yards and one TD.

The offensive line did most of the damage against the Cougars, helping Aydan Weiszhar (nine carries, 85 yards, 2 TDs) and Calvin Jackson (11 carries, 130 yards, 2 TDs) post big numbers.

But Barrington’s hopes to make a major impact in the Class 8A playoffs will likely come down to Peipert’s leadership and decision-making over the next few months.

“His grasp of the offense has really improved,” Sanchez said. “Last year was a new system for us. Obviously he did well but every week he gets more confident. You can see that now.”

Peipert, a St. Thomas recruit, admits he’s a perfectionist.

“Yeah, of course,” Peipert said. “At times it can be difficult. But I think I’m very good at controlling what everyone else is doing and being able to bring it all together so that we can create a good result.

“We need everyone performing at a high level: the offensive line, the receivers, the running backs. Then it is my job to make sure that all runs smoothly.”

It ran smoothly on Saturday. The Broncos (5-0, 1-0 MSL West) led 41-7 at halftime and the running clock started after Weiszhar’s four-yard TD run early in the third quarter.

Barrington’s defensive highlight came from senior defensive back Finn Karam, who is off to a sensational start with six interceptions in the first five games. He picked off a Conant pass in the second quarter and returned it 23 yards for a TD.

“Facing some high-powered offenses early in the season definitely helped us improve quickly,” Karam said. “That should really have us ready for conference play.”

Barrington knocked off South Elgin, Hersey, Glenbrook South and Maine South to start the season. The Broncos still have some interesting tests remaining. Their next three opponents, Fremd, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates, are a combined 13-2 and they face Palatine in Week 9.

“The way the schedule has fallen is good,” Sanchez said. “Obviously there were some great challenges at the start of the season. But if you want to get ready to play playoff football you want to experience some of those environments on the way in.”

Conant’s highlight was an 80-yard TD run by senior Jalen Davis in the first quarter. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Marchese showed some flashes of promise for the Cougars (0-4, 0-1). He had 13 carries for 82 yards and was 5-for-12 for 16 yards.