Wheeling upsets BG

The big fireworks show at halftime of Wheeling's Homecoming game against Buffalo Grove on Friday night thrilled the Wildcats' cheering section.

The football team also dazzled the large turnout on the home side of the field.

Many of those fans rushed the field to celebrate when Luke Smith's second interception on the final play of the game from the Wildcats' 38 gave them a dramatic 14-7 triumph over the Bison in the Mid-Suburban East.

With 9:59 left in the final quarter, Wildcats junior quarterback Tyler Brady faked a handoff up the middle, then made a nifty 11-yard run off left end for what proved to be the decisive score.

Jeremy Fredericks then crashed his way into the end zone for the 2-point conversion and 14-7 margin.

“We just knew it was Homecoming, said Wildcats senior captain and middle linebacker Chris Johnson, who had 7 tackles, a few for sacks. “We knew what Buffalo Grove had at stake (playoff berth) and that was something we did not have. We just went out and showed what kind of football team we are.

The Wildcats showed stingy defense most of the night.

BG's best offense came at the start of the second half.

Brian Akialis returned the kickoff to the Bison 43 and the offense then ran more than eight minutes off the clock before Richie Zirngibl threw a 7-yard TD pass to Dan Recht for a 7-6 lead with 3:55 left in the third quarter.

Four plays later, Akialis recovered a fumble at the Wheeling 45.

The Wildcats' defense rose to the occasion again and on fourth down and six from the Wildcats 42, BG (4-4, 2-2) tried a fake punt.

But cornerback Jon Powell came up from the left side to make the big stop and turn the ball over to Wheeling, setting up the Wildcats' 60-yard game winning drive. The big play was a 41-yard pass from Brady to Billy Jaime.

“That play by Powell (thwarting the fake punt) was the big one in the game, said Wheeling coach Dave Dunbar. “It really motivated our offense.

“The first time they punted I noticed their punter kind of angle out, said Powell, who made 6 tackles. “I got to thinking he could easily have run. So I knew that would be a big first down for them and we would need a stop if he tried to run this time. I kept my eye on him and just zoned in on him.

Strong safety Leo Giordano zoned in on ball carriers all night, making a team-high 8 tackles for Wheeling (2-6, 1-3).

“He's quick, Dunbar said. “We were sending him. That's what I like about both our safeties (sophomore Chad Mikosz is the other).

Weakside linebackers Sam Rosengarden and Peter Kim were also instrumental in the Wildcats' defense that surrendered 150 yards.

“All three sides of the ball offense, defense and specials team did a great job, Dunbar said.

Buffalo Grove coach Jim Farrell felt some penalties at key times and opportunities to catch key passes hurt.

“You can't do those things against any team in the MSL, he said. “We did not execute when needed to.

“Wheeling just came out more ready than us. We were flat in the first half. Credit goes to Dave's kids. Their defense played real hard and put us in position to convert third-down and medium (yardage).

After being sidelined for four games with a concussion, quarterback Mike Garrity returned to the field as the Bison running back and also threw three passes.

“He didn't practice a lot during that time away so we were just trying to get him back at it, Farrell said. “Now we've got to get back to work and try and get our fifth win.

Brady rushed for 56 yards while Fredericks finished with 42. Brady also threw for 97 yards, finding four different receivers.

“Our offense came out and moved the ball when it needed to, Dunbar said. “Coach (Brian) Hauck did a great job keeping them organized and keeping their wits about them.

In addition to Akialis' fumble recovery, the Bison also had an interception from Jeff Zabrin.

“This just shows you can not look past any MSL team, Farrell said. “Wheeling has played a lot of close games and we knew they'd be tough.