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Wheeling can't keep pace with Glenbrook North

Wheeling ended last season with a four-game winning streak.

The Wildcats were hoping to ride that momentum into their season opener this year.

Unfortunately, Glenbrook North's defense rose to the occasion in slowing down the Wildcats' offense.

Glenbrook North jumped out to a 21-0 second quarter lead and managed to protect it the rest of the way in a 45-29 season-opening victory at Wheeling.

Wheeling ended last season on high note, averaging 37 points in last five games. But a Glenbrook North defense that returned seven starters on defense held the Wildcats to 7 points in the opening three quarters in taking a commanding 38-7 lead entering the final quarter.

"It was just a struggle all-around," said Wheeling quarterback Jalen Dennis, who scored 2 touchdowns in the final quarter. "On offense we were shooting ourselves in the foot, and defensively we weren't disciplined and it hurt us big-time."

Glenbrook North scored on it opening three possessions to take control early.

Senior quarterback Kevin Burnside ran for 56 yards on the Spartans opening possession leading to an 8-yard scoring run by junior running back Jimmy Karfis (18 carries, 131 yards).

Burnside (15-for-20, 237 yards) then found senior Tommy Gertner for an 8 yard score, and the senior quarterback then scampered 5 yards for the first of his 3 touchdowns, putting the Spartans in command 21-0 with 8:10 remaining in the second quarter.

The Spartans defense harassed Dennis and the Wildcat offense on its first three possessions, including two fourth-down stops.

"We did a great job on the defensive line," said Spartans defensive lineman Matt Pawlowski. "We were definitely keying on Dennis, he's their best player."

Wheeling finally dented the scored on a 4-yard run by senior Jason Shannon, which was set up by a 50-yard kickoff return by senior TJ Best.

Burnside scored on 3-yard and 2-yard run in the third quarter, with Karfis adding a 15 yard scoring run early in the fourth quarter to push the Spartans' lead to 45-7 with 8:39 remaining in the game.

Wheeling scored 22 unanswered points in the final eight minutes, aided by a pair of onside kick recoveries.

Best scored on a 1-yard run, with Dennis adding a 1-yard scoring run and a 44-yard scoring run.

"This team has had a lot adversity leading into this game," said Wheeling coach Brent Pearlman. "We have to regroup; we still have 8 games remaining. We have some guys, but we definitely have to address some things if we plan on having a season we consider successful."

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