Football Recap: Cash Micciche and David Diaz Pace Wheeler Defense

It was a proper cat-fight when Wheeler challenged Gary West Side on Friday. The Bearcats enjoyed a cozy 42-26 victory over the Cougars. The Bearcats haven't had any issues with the Cougars recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.

Levi Murray

Rushing Yards

09/05/25 vs River Forest	84
09/12/25 @ Hammond Bishop Noll	115
08/22/25 @ South Central	136
08/29/25 @ Kankakee Valley	161
09/26/25 @ Gary West Side	248

Wheeler found their leader in sophomore Levi Murray, who rushed for 248 yards and four scores while picking up 7.3 yards per carry. Those 248 rushing yards set a new season-high mark for Murray. David Diaz made the highlight reel by snagging an interception and taking it all the way to the house.

Wheeler was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 319 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 169 rushing yards every time they've taken the field this season.

Wheeler didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Cash Micciche and Diaz. Diaz got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

Gary West Side lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Marcell Dixon, who threw for 145 yards and a pair of TDs, and also punched in two touchdowns on the ground.

Wheeler's record now sits at 5-0. As for Gary West Side, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-3.

We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Wheeler will take on rival Calumet New Tech at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. That matchup will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Murray and Bryce Brandon. Meanwhile, Gary West Side is set to face off against their familiar foe Griffith at 8:00 p.m. on Friday.