Saints nearly break long skid against Golden Falcons

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 26, 2014 1:48 PM

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PRINCETON -- Would the streak finally end?

Almost.

Southern Wayne held a 39-30 advantage over county wrestling rival Charles B. Aycock heading into the final two individual bouts -- and seemed poised to claim its first win in the series since 2001.

But the Golden Falcons had two of its best grapplers warming up.

Jacob Dickenson posted a 14-3 major decision over the Saints' Robert Bartelucci at 132 pounds. Aycock trailed 39-34 in the overall team score.

That left the outcome resting on the capable of shoulders of two-time state qualifier Zach Howard, who has yet to taste defeat this season. Howard quickly scored the initial takedown and pinned Willie Leonard in 24 seconds in the 138 weight class.

Aycock escaped, 40-39.

"I think we came out against Southern Wayne a little lucky," said second-year CBA head coach Ronnie Allen, whose team extended its win streak to 14 over the Saints.

"Southern Wayne not having a team last year (and) coming out and being as strong as they were, I was very impressed. But we gave up too many matches (four forfeits) against them and we're looking forward to seeing them again."

The Golden Falcons (7-2 overall) wrestled short-handed during the four-team dual contested at Princeton High School. Aycock easily handled Neuse Charter 60-18, but slipped by Princeton 42-39.

"We're really blessed to come out of here tonight with wins against all three teams. I'm actually surprised," Allen said. "We have some strong wrestlers who were able to come in and make the pin. That's how we were able to win."

Southern Wayne (3-2) started the night with a 60-6 conquest of Neuse, a second-year program that competes in the Carolina/Coastal 10/Two Rivers 1-A Conference. The Saints, however, concluded the night with a 48-36 loss against the host Bulldogs.

Princeton trailed 18-12 after the Saints' Tyquan Collie drew a forfeit at 195 pounds. But the Bulldogs (2-1) answered with 24 consecutive points -- RJ Heller (220 pounds) and Luke Brush (106) each received a forfeit.

Heavyweight Skylar Shields earned a third-period pin, while 113-pounder Fernando Ferreyra scored a 32-second pin. Michael Daughtry pinned David Gomez with six seconds left in the opening period at 132 pounds to seal the outcome.

"So excited with our first multiple-team meet where some of the guys had to roll two or three times (on the mat)," first-year SW head coach Kelvin Gurley said. "We're not the most technical team in the world, but the guys are very tenacious, they're in shape and they're working hard.

"The technical aspect will develop over time."

The Bulldogs handed Neuse a 60-6 defeat in their season-opening dual. Head coach Terry Braswell put a short-handed a team on the mat and anticipates several football players will join the group once they complete their playoff run.

"I saw a lot of positives," Braswell said. "We've got a lot of young guys and as long as I've had them (for practice), I thought they did well. It's still early, so they're still learning techniques and how aggressive they need to be on the mat.

"Some of them are coming (along)."