Golden Falcons, Eagles get mat time against quality opposition

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on January 14, 2013 1:47 PM

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BAILEY -- Charles B. Aycock had a solid day.

Rosewood wanted a little more.

The Golden Falcons logged a 3-1 worksheet, while the Eagles posted a 2-3 ledger during the annual Firebird Duals contested at Southern Nash on Saturday.

"The Firebird Duals is a good test of where your team is at the midseason point," Aycock head coach Marc Peck said. "We are an escape, reversal and a set of back points away from a 24-1 record ... not bad for the adversity we have faced this season.

"There is still a lot to accomplish."

Zack Howard, Jacob Dickenson, Jaquan Walker and Khaleil Owens each concluded the day 4-0. Landon Moore finished 3-0, while senior Daniel Romo ended up 3-1.

"It was good to see Jaquan have a great day and help his regional seeding," Peck said. "He has worked real hard this season to improve his chances at a state run."

Romo's victory over Kendall Hamilton swung momentum in the Golden Falcons' favor during a 45-30 victory over physical-minded Northern Nash. Owens handed Devonte Smith his first loss, a 7-5 overtime decision, during Aycock's 39-37 loss to perennial Class 4-A power Millbrook.

Broc Doyle's come-from-behind pin at 182 pounds helped seal the Golden Falcons' 48-27 triumph over Havelock. Jacob Dickenson pinned Bunn's Alston Smith at 113 pounds and the Golden Falcons rolled to a 60-24 win in their final dual match of the day.

"3-1 is a good day," Peck said.

The Golden Falcons (21-4 overall) return to action Wednesday at county archrival Eastern Wayne. The winner seizes the inside track to a berth in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A dual-team playoffs.

Rosewood experienced a strange day on the mats.

The Eagles came within 14 points of registering a 5-0 record, but dropped a six-point decision to Washington and an eight-point setback to Havelock. They battled to a 42-42 tie against Big East power Rocky Mount, but lost on criteria of first points scored.

Senior Nick Quillen had his school-record, 91-match win streak snapped during a 14-2 loss to Havelock's Ryan Davis. Quillen rebounded with three consecutive wins.

"That really put a damper on things for the boys, but I was extremely impressed with how Nick adjusted," Rosewood head coach Bill Edmundson said. "He said 'Coach, now the pressure of an undefeated season is off of me and I can concentrate on what's important.'"

Malique Boyd and Matt Cruz each went 5-0 on the day. Edmundson lauded the efforts of the Drew twins -- Sam and Josh; Evan Reiss and Rayquon Jones. Edmundson added that Jones has shown improvement in every match.

Rosewood (24-10) returns to action Jan. 24 for a home tri-meet against Princeton and Southern Nash.