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

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

In the last 1 1/2 seasons, Barrington quarterback Nick Peipert has posted some eye-popping passing numbers. He also has led the Broncos to the upper tier of Class 8A in the 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, it puts everybody else in the right form of mind to make sure they understand 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 a touchdown.

Barrington’s offensive line did most of the damage against the Cougars, helping Aydan Weiszhar (nine carries, 85 yards, two touchdowns) and Calvin Jackson (11 carries, 130 yards, two touchdowns) post big numbers.

But the Broncos’ hopes of making a big impact in the Class 8A playoffs likely will come down to Peipert’s leadership and decision-making in the next couple of months.

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

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

‘‘Yeah, of course,’’ he 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 against Conant. Barrington (5-0, 1-0 MSL West) led 41-7 at halftime, and the running clock started after Weiszhar’s four-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter.

The Broncos’ defensive highlight came from senior defensive back Finn Karam, who has six interceptions in the first five games. He picked off a pass in the second quarter and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown.

‘‘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 defeated South Elgin, Hersey, Glenbrook South and Maine South to start the season and still has some interesting tests remaining. The Broncos’ 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 touchdown run by senior Jalen Davis in the first quarter. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Marchese showed some flashes of promise for the Cougars (0-5, 0-1) with 13 carries for 82 yards.