C.B. Aycock, Rosewood fare well at Firebird Duals
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on January 16, 2012 1:48 PM
BAILEY -- The tutoring paid off.
Zach Howard worked out during the week against Charles B. Aycock alum Ngu Tran, the program's lone state champion, and put that knowledge to good use Saturday during the Firebird Duals at Southern Nash.
Howard pinned all five opponents and emerged just one of three Golden Falcons to conclude the day unbeaten. Jorge Flores (220 pounds) logged a 5-0 worksheet, while 120-pounder Jordan Bailey ended up 4-0.
Aycock posted a 3-2 record in dual-team action. The Golden Falcons earned a "criteria" win over Northern Nash, 40-39, based on first points scored in individual matches. But Aycock lost to Rocky Mount, 34-33, on most matches won.
"We are extremely proud of the effort of our young men today," said Peck. "Giving away two weight classes, we were two tiebreaker criteria away from going 4-1 against the (east) regional's best."
Howard's pin over Matt Andrews in the final individual bout helped Aycock turn back Northern Nash. Rayshawn Elliott's escape against Daniel Romo with one second remaining in the fourth overtime aided Rocky Mount's cause.
Bailey's 8-0 whitewashing of Franklinton's Joseph Royster, the team's top grappler, set the tone for a 72-3 rout. The Golden Falcons recorded the initial takedown in all 11 contested matches and won 10.
"Jordan was key to our success, toughing through an ailing back muscle to hammer out four big victories," said Peck.
Ryan Morton (195 pounds) pinned Washington's Kyle Krajewski for his third consecutive win, and provided momentum in a 54-30 triumph over Washington.
C.B. Aycock (25-4 overall) returns home Wednesday for an Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference match against archrival Eastern Wayne. Match time is 7 p.m.
Rosewood goes 3-1
Senior captain Taylor McGill (220 pounds) and sophomore 106-pounder Jacob Holliday each posted a 4-0 record, and Rosewood picked up three dual-team victories during the Firebird Duals.
The Eagles defeated Rocky Mount, Southern Vance and Dinwiddie (Va.) High School. The lone loss was a 43-36 setback to perennial Class 3-A powerhouse Havelock.
Heavyweight Jacob Guthrie went 3-1 and was the first wrestler to pin Dinwiddie's Matthew Oakley. Angel Jaramillo finished the day 3-1 at 113 pounds with his lone defeat coming against Havelock's Jake Smith.
The Eagles play host to North Johnston on Wednesday and travel to Corinth-Holders on Saturday for the inaugural Jolly Roger Dual-Team tournament.