CBA's Howard seizes 120-pound title at Jolly Roger Invitational

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on January 20, 2014 1:47 PM

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WENDELL -- Charles B. Aycock junior Zack Howard emerged as the 120-pound champion during the multi-team Jolly Roger Invitational contested at Corinth-Holders High School on Saturday.

Howard entered the day-long tournament as the No. 1 seed. The three-year starter pinned his first-round opponent, Pine Forest's Allen Callier, in 48 seconds. He logged consecutive shutout decisions over Cary's Lucas Fryer (4-0) and Cleveland's Adam Collins (9-0) to reach the championship match.

In the final, Howard received a "walkover" when Terry Sanford's Tyler Paul, the No. 2 seed, couldn't compete due to an injury.

It was Howard's second individual title of the season.

"Zack continues to perform at exceptional levels week in and week out," first-year Golden Falcons head coach RJ Allen said.

Overall, Aycock's wrestlers combined to post an 8-15 record on the day. Jaret Paynter (160 pounds), Jacob Dickenson (126), Ryan Morton (182), Chris Barbour (195) and Randy Floars (220) each picked up an individual win on the day.

Aycock and Wilson Fike shared 15th place with 57 points.

"The tournament was not bad for the team considering we have a few wrestlers out because of injuries," Allen said. "This left some gaps in our lineup which caused us to lose valuable points as a team. However, we were able to get some wrestlers that do not get much mat time into the tournament.

"We gained some valuable experience as a team."

Perennial powerhouse Cary claimed the tournament title with 213 points. Wilmington Laney (197 points), Southern Nash (118.5), West Johnston (114) and James Madison (Va.) rounded out the top five.

The Golden Falcons return to action Wednesday at county archrival Eastern Wayne. The winner captures the lone automatic dual-team 3-A playoff bid available in Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A Conference.