Warriors grapple with Panthers, Bulldogs

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 27, 2013 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

A day of basic training proved beneficial for Eastern Wayne's wrestling team Tuesday evening.

The aggressive-minded Warriors continued to fine-tune the fundamentals during a 61-6 romp over North Johnston and a come-from-behind, 41-24 triumph over Princeton.

All three teams wrestled short-handed. Eastern Wayne (3-8 overall) has some football players still in action, which doesn't bother assistant coach Bruce Gates in the least.

"I'm anxious to get them back," Gates grinned. "Football and wrestling are two different sports and there will be a lot of work (involved) to get them in the right shape because different muscles are being used. We're definitely looking forward to getting them back however long the football season goes."

The Warriors emerged victorious in seven of eight contested matches against North Johnston. They scored the initial takedown in four of those bouts and six resulted in pins overall, including a 63-second fall by 170-pounder Delyn Coley -- the lone female on Eastern Wayne's squad.

Returning starter Julian Bruton needed the full six minutes to claim an 18-8 major decision over the Panthers' Daniel Reyes at 160 pounds.

"There was a lot of improvement from last weekend. We went back to basics this week and I think it paid off," Gates said. "We had a couple of kids who had to sit out for injuries and had a couple of less holes (in the lineup) than we had last weekend."

Princeton (1-4) and North Johnston (0-4) were deadlocked at 18-all through seven bouts. The Bulldogs captured the final four individual bouts and earned a forfeit to snap a season-opening, three-match skid.

Heavyweight Matt Peedin, Michael Daughtry (126 pounds), Martin Bayles (130) and Cameron Cook (138) each pinned their respective opponent. First-year varsity starter Haley Melville drew a forfeit at 106 pounds.

The Bulldogs held a seven-point lead on two occasions against the Warriors. Mario Harper's 13-second fall over Melville pulled Eastern Wayne to within 18-17 and consecutive forfeits to Cole Steiner (113) and Cameron Martin (120) turned the tide in the Warriors' favor.

Eastern Wayne won the final four matches -- Cainen Miller's decision, Brice Heller's major decision and consecutive pins from Ryshon Rodwell and Kevon Tune.

"Considering we got all of the team together for the first time yesterday (Monday), including football (players), I was real proud of their efforts," PHS head coach Terry Braswell said. "We're a little rusty right on, but once we get in wrestling shape, we'll be all right. We know we've got to work on the basics."