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Kentgen, Maine West grab a win at Wheeling

Maine West and homecoming host Wheeling met in a matchup of nearby nonconference foes Friday as part of the Central Suburban/Mid-Suburban series.

It is likely Wheeling would have preferred it if Matt Kentgen stayed home.

The senior tight end had 109 yards receiving and was the difference-maker in the affair, as he scored both touchdowns for Maine West in a 14-6 victory.

"It was a big game for us," Kentgen said. "This is a big step for us and we can build off it. The guys are really happy about the win, and at the end of the day, we were the better team."

It wasn't always smooth sailing for the Warriors. Wheeling defensive back Jamiel Eggleston returned a kickoff 87 yards on the very first play. He also nabbed an interception later in the game.

The Wildcats (1-3) led 6-0 - but they had trouble capitalizing in key situations throughout.

In the first half alone, the Wildcats fumbled four times, losing two possessions and accruing 70 yards in penalties. Two of the Wildcats fumbles were picked up by Maine West junior free safety Ely Grimmer, and another Wheeling fumble was snatched by Warriors senior lineman Eric Dankowski.

Maine West benefitted by scoring off of two of those Wheeling turnovers.

Following a Wheeling turnover midway through the second quarter, Maine West senior quarterback George Markakis drifted out of the pocket to find Kentgen for his first touchdown just short of the goal line. Kentgen bumbled and stiff-armed his way into the end zone as Maine West grabbed a 7-6 lead.

Kentgen said he and Markakis had a good week of practice leading up to Friday's game.

"(Wheeling) was playing a lot of man-to-man defense on us," said Kentgen, "so we were trying to take advantage of it. I pretty much told (Markakis) to throw it up to me - and the times he did, we scored."

Maine West took the 1-point lead into the locker room as the Wheeling homecoming festivities commenced, which included fireworks for the enthusiastic fans.

In the third quarter, Maine West and Wheeling exchanged two three-and-outs, and a turnover on downs. The longest play from scrimmage was recorded in the third quarter by Wheeling junior quarterback Michael Best (93 rushing yards), who dashed for a 57-yard scramble.

Penalty yards were an issue for both teams as Maine West was called for 80 penalty yards and Wheeling got flagged for 100.

Early in the fourth quarter Maine West had another short field to work with after a Wheeling fumble on an option play. Maine West started just outside of the red zone.

With Maine West facing a second-and 26, Wheeling nearly came up with an interception. But on the ensuing play, Markakis (11-for-17, 136 yards, 2 touchdowns) again found Kentgen for a 26-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.

"I trust my teammates and (the Maine West players) trust me," Markakis said. "I wanted to see our run game handle their own because last week it wasn't very strong. I think we've gotten back on our feet with the run. (Glenbrook North) is next, that's all."

Both teams move into division play next week as Glenbrook North hosts Maine West and Wheeling travels to Rolling Meadows.

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