Confident John Bargen embracing role as Dunlap quarterback

DUNLAP, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — If John Bargen looks a little different at quarterback this year, there’s a good reason.

He went through a summer throwing program which increased his arm strength. He’s ado added about 15 pounds of muscle and some facial hair.

“I went to my uncle’s retirement party form the military,” Bargen said. “I saw a lot of guys with mustaches and said, ‘man, those look cool.’ I love it.”

When he first started playing sports as a kid, Bargen never imagined he’d be the star in football.

His father Mike is a Bradley basketball assistant coach and Bargen figured basketball would his choice of sport.

“I really thought basketball would be my future but I love football. I want to go far in football, it’s my passion,” said Bargen.

He moved to Peoria when his father was hired at Bradley in 2015.

“I actually played flag football until I moved here. Then got here and they didn’t have a flag football program. So they told me I had to play tackle,” said Bargen. “My first year of football, they tried to turn me into a defensive end and tight end. That didn’t work out so well.”

He landed at quarterback. He’s glad he did and so is Dunlap.

He split time with Mack Sutter at quarterback his first two seasons with the Eagles but now the job is his. Sutter is catching his passes at tight end.

In his third year as a varsity player, Bargen has developed into one of the area’s top quarterbacks.

“This year it feels like we are taking the training wheels off,” Bargen said. “I’m a leader on this team. Getting my guys ready to go.”

Bargen and the Eagles (3-1) have a big Mid-Illini Conference game Friday when the host unbeaten East Peoria.

“He has a great work ethic. He’s a very intelligent guy,” said Dunlap coach Brett Cazalet. “When you work hard and your smart, no matter what the position in life, you’re usually pretty good at it.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.