Banks carries Wolverines past Curie

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:10PM

The swirling and gusty winds, not to mention a hand injury to star junior quarterback Robert Gregory, played havoc with Simeon's passing game Thursday afternoon at Rockne Stadium.

It only underlined resourcefulness and versatility of the No. 5 Wolverines. They adjusted their attack and relied virtually entirely on their jet propelled running game. "It only takes one big play to get us going," senior running back Horactio Banks said.

Gregory and Banks combined for six rushing touchdowns as Simeon overcame their sluggish start to pummel the Condors 42-0.

The three-year starting tailback provided the momentum changing dash, a 55-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter that keyed his team's awakening. He gashed the Condors for 277 yards on 17 carries in scoring three touchdowns.

"I want to lead the state in rushing," said Banks, who scored on runs of 55, 64 and 39 yards. The Wolverines (5-0, 2-0 Illini Red Bird) seized control late in the second quarter by scoring two touchdowns in a 90-second stretch.

Two plays following Banks' 55-yard touchdown burst, Simeon defensive lineman Michael Clifton recovered a fumble. Gregory hurt his throwing hand and had trouble gripping the ball. Most of his passes sailed on him. He completed just 1 of 8 for 10 yards an interception.

His 10-yard dart set up his second rushing touchdown, a five-yard burst that pushed the Wolverines out to a 20-0 lead at the break.

"This was probably my worst game I ever played," he said. "I couldn't throw the ball. I was efficient, but not much else."

Gregory is perhaps struggling to live up to his own ridiculous standards. He rushed for 59 yards on 13 carries. He showed his usual flair for doing a bit of everything, adding two two-point conversions and a point-after kick.

Just his multidimensional game forced Curie to spread the field defensively, creating huge running lanes for Banks. The senior Banks responded by galloping 64-yards on the opening play from scrimmage of the third quarter for his second touchdown. His third explosive touchdown was a 39-yard cutback down the left sideline. His final carry, a 45-yard romp, set up Gregory's last touchdown, a 28-yard waltz across the grain that triggered the running clock with 10:06 remaining.

Eric Dickson recorded an interception and made five solo tackles for the Wolverines, who forced four Curie turnovers. Simeon also blocked a field goal attempt and limited Curie to just 74 yards total offense.

Curie junior quarterback Reese Fleming Jr. had 51 all-purpose yards for the Condors (2-3, 1-1).

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