Wheeling 34, Conant 7

Wheeling's defense was simply spectacular Friday night in a 34-7 Mid-Suburban League crossover victory over visiting Conant.

The Wildcats picked off 2 passes, recovered 2 fumbles and scored 2 defensive touchdowns. The tone was set on only the Cougars' second play from scrimmage.

That's when Wheeling junior Michael Zimmer read the play call and burst into the Cougars' backfield to intercept an attempted lateral and race 40 yards into the end zone for the game's opening score.

"We game-planned the entire week against their sweep," Zimmer said. "I didn't think he (Conant quarterback Tom Houle) was going to pitch it -- but he did.

"I wanted to put a score on the board early."

Zimmer's secondary mate Michael Barton had the other Wildcats' defensive score. Barton intercepted a Houle pass on the Wheeling 20 and raced 80 yards for a touchdown.

"I picked up who I was supposed to (cover)," said Barton of the long return. "I put myself in good position and broke well on the ball. I had two or three great blocks on the runback."

James Kurtz caught 4 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown, Abel Rangel rushed for 71 yards and a TD on only 4 carries, Pat Splon carried for 59 yards, and quarterback Tim Powell scored from 1 yard to help Wheeling (2-1) erase the memory of last week's disappointing 27-0 loss to Palatine.

"We were embarrassed," said Zimmer, "at losing as badly as we did. We had something to prove."

Barton had a fumble recovery to along with his interception, and linebacker Justin Arvidson also recorded an interception.

Conant running back Sean Smith rushed for 53 yards on 12 carries while Houle scampered 4 yards late in the fourth quarter for the Cougars' only touchdown.

"I took personal blame for the fact that we did not play well against Palatine," said Wheeling coach Dave Dunbar. "I passed it down that we had to play better win or lose, and today they rose to the challenge."

"We played well on both sides of the ball. Tim (Powell) ran the option the way it's supposed to be run, and Pat (Splon) and Abel (Rangel) are getting better and better."