Warriors, Eagles each go 3-1 at South Central

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on January 9, 2006 2:21 PM

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WINTERVILLE -- Another matchup of county rivals and a strong effort by Rosewood High sophomore Olivia Neal highlighted Friday evening's five-team dual meet contested at South Central.

Rosewood and Eastern Wayne dueled for the second time this season and the Warriors -- again -- escaped the Eagles' clutches. The Warriors used a decisive match-ending 39-6 run to rally past Rosewood 44-36.

"I really liked the idea of getting four matches in on a Friday night as opposed to spending 12 hours at a Saturday (individual) tournament," said Rosewood coach Bill Edmundson.

A victory over Eastern Wayne (16-6) would have been icing on the cake for an otherwise productive day for the Eagles, who are 11-4 overall.

J.D. Baker (119 pounds) started the ball rolling against the Warriors with a 52-second fall over Romondo McEachern. Chris Hare (125) and senior captain Matt Davis (130) followed with consecutive pins to give the youthful Eagles an 18-0 advantage.

Anthony Gibson boosted the advantage to 24-0 with a 48-second fall against A.J. Washington. After a major decision by the Warriors' Detori Mitchell, the Eagles' Andrew Sass pinned T.J. Highsmith with half a minute left in the first period.

Rosewood led 30-4.

But like their previous meeting, the Warriors' experience at the upper weights proved the difference. The Eagles forfeited at 152 and Eastern Wayne dominated the next five individual bouts.

Brian Lincoln (160), Travis Turner (171), Foy Coley (189), Charles Boyd (215) and heavyweight Brandon Johnson each earned a fall. The Warriors led 41-30.

The Eagles pulled within 41-36 when Gabe Castro drew a forfeit at 103 pounds.

That left a tantalizing matchup -- the fourth this season -- between 2004 state qualifiers Chris Tesar and Jim Bish.

Tesar (38-0) dealt Bish a 3-2 setback and secured the Warriors' victory.

"Jim had four long matches," said Edmundson. "Jim lost to (South Central's Timmy) Cowan before and in the double-overtime match just couldn't get an escape for the win.

"Jim is a true team player and could have easily took the win at 112 pounds. I admire him for what he did and I think it will pay off for him in February."

Davis and Anthony Gibson each posted 4-0 records, while Neal ended the day 3-0 -- all pins. Neal is unbeaten with eight falls and one decision in nine outings.

"Matt was flawless at 130 and 135," said Edmundson. "He just says 'coach, put me wherever you need me. I'll get the job done.' And he did.

"Andrew Sass is wrestling very well for us. He had a couple of tough matches, but he learns something from each of those tough matches."

David Smeltzer picked up two pins and J.D. Baker earned a pair of falls as w

Eastern Wayne collected a 3-1 record overall that included victories against North Pitt (66-9) and East Carteret (72-12). South Central handed the Warriors' their lone loss.

Tesar, Lincoln, Detori Mitchell, Travis Turner and Brandon Johnson each went 4-0 on the night. Senior Joey Burridge wrestled against North Pitt, but couldn't continue due to a 24-hour stomach bug. Burridge has 99 career victories and will look to hit the century mark tonight at Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference foe Beddingfield.

Meanwhile, Rosewood is the guest of Princeton for a Carolina/Tar-Roanoke 1-A Conference match Tuesday evening. The Eagles have won five consecutive C/T-RC regular-season and tournament titles.

The teams will break for first-semester exams in midweek and return to the mats Saturday for the inaugural Battle at Little Big Horn on the Eastern Wayne campus. First-round matches are scheduled for 9 a.m.

Also participating in the day-long individual tournament are Southern Wayne, South Central, Jacksonville, Athens Drive, Triton, Roanoke Rapids, Hertford County, New Bern and J.H. Rose.