‘He’s pretty good, isn’t he’

Barbosa rushes for 259 yards, picks off two passes for Whiting

Whiting’s Nino Barbosa has had so many good games he can’t give a definite answer about which one was the best.

His performance Friday against North Newton in a 34-7 victory for the Oilers in the first round of Class 2A Sectional 33 has to rank right up there.

Barbosa, a 5-foot-8, 145pound senior, rushed for 259 yards on 20 carries. He had touchdown runs of 87 and 58 yards. Barbosa also finished with a 40-yard interception return for a TD. That was one of two interceptions.

Throw in his four extra points for Whiting (10-0), and it was night to remember against North Newton (6-4)

Barbosa said the 87-yard TD was his longest run from scrimmage. He also returns kicks and punts. He was dialed in.

“I was just laying it all on the field,” he said. “It was win or go home. I’m a senior. You gotta do what you gotta do.”

Said Whiting coach Jeff Cain: “He’s pretty good, isn’t he?”

Cain said he has tried to limit Barbosa’s touches on offense to keep him fresh this season.

Sometimes, Cain confirmed, that makes it tough for a good player because he wants the ball.

“He’s not always real happy when he doesn’t get the rock,” Cain said of Barbosa. “That can help on the defensive side.”

Barbosa, who has seven interceptions, said teams had been throwing away from him.

“I just had to step up and