DILLON - Lat Wipplinger wasn't about to let this opportunity pass him by.

One of the No. 2 Saints' toughest receivers, who's better known for his big downfield blocks than receptions in a game, nearly tripled his receiving total on the year with a five-catch, 46-yard performance during Saturday's 26-10 win over the University of Montana Western.

With top receivers Christian Prosperie and Corey Peterson absent with the flu, Wipplinger, senior Stevie Sloan and junior Pete Richter became big targets for junior quarterback Gary Wagner on an exceptionally windy day at Vigilante Field.

None more than Wipplinger, whose five catches equaled junior tight end Bubba Barlett for the most in the game and put the sophomore receiver to eight total on the season. He had three heading into the game.

"We all knew this was going to be a different game," Wipplinger said afterward. "With so much sickness on our team, I went out of my normal routes."

His usual routes often end in a collision. He's been marked by head coach Mike Van Diest and offensive coordinator Nick Howlett as one of the best players for opening up holes, sometimes on wide receiver screens and other times for the running backs.

"Lat, we ask him to block because he's a tough, tough kid," Wagner said. "When his number was called, he came through in the clutch."

Four out of five of Wipplinger's receptions resulted in a third-down conversion, each preserving a scoring drive for the Saints.

The most spectacular two came in the second half. On the first, Wipplinger made a diving grab just inside the boundary line to help the Saints hold on to a 68-yard scoring drive to start the third quarter. The second came on a 94-yard touchdown drive when he caught a 7-yard slant while heading out of bounds.

"He did what was asked of him to do today," Van Diest said.

When receivers began dropping like flies from the practice schedule, the head coach said he turned to Howlett and asked who would step up to replace his top receivers.

"We said 'Let's go with Lat,' " Van Diest said. "I loved that, it put a smile on my face because I have all the confidence in Lat Wipplinger. I would have him on my football team wherever I coached."

"It felt great," Wipplinger said. "I'm taking advantage of the best opportunity."

Jeff Windmueller: 447-4065 or jeff.windmueller@helenair.com