PLAYER OF THE WEEK : Jeff Barrett Sets Passing Record at Burroughs

Jeff Barrett of Burroughs High spent his Pop Warner football days in the trenches as a lineman. So, as the Indians’ quarterback, Barrett doesn’t mind taking a hit.

“I hated playing the line, but I still like the contact,” Barrett said. “I don’t like quarterbacks that fall down to avoid a hit.”

Barrett (6-0, 185) stayed in the pocket long enough last week against Notre Dame to complete 21 of 25 passes for 351 yards and a touchdown in a 28-14 victory. His performance broke the school’s single-game passing record of 299 yards, set by Bob Pastora in 1975.

Last season, the Indians were 2-8 with Barrett as the starting quarterback. He often appeared unsure of himself. This season he already has passed for 583 yards, and the Indians have equaled last season’s victory total.

“Jeff has made tremendous improvement,” Burroughs Coach Bob Dunivant said. “He’s very mature and coachable.”

Barrett attributes some of his success to his offensive line; he has only been sacked twice. He gives the rest of the credit to Dunivant, who has returned to coach the Indians after retiring in 1979.

“Coach Dunivant has taught me how to relax, he said. “I used to throw the ball too hard. I can still do that when I have to, but I can also throw the ball with finesse.”