Taylor, Todd lead Rosewood at Pierce-Davis Memorial

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on December 7, 2015 1:48 PM

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BETHEL -- Defending state 1-A heavyweight champion Kaleb Taylor claimed the Davis Division Most Outstanding Wrestler award, and Rosewood placed seventh overall as a team during the 24th annual Pierce-Davis Memorial contested at North Pitt High School.

In the tournament's most-competitive weight class loaded with returning state qualifiers and placers, Taylor pinned two opponents in early-round action. He handed North Pitt's Tyrik Council his first loss of the season, 7-4, in the semifinals.

RHS head coach RHS head coach Bill Edmundson described it as a "WWE battle" that included the referee getting stunned when the wrestlers fell on top of him during a reversal move.

Taylor (8-0 overall) scored an 8-1 decision over Washington's Neill Jennings in the championship match.

"That was one of the most stacked brackets I've seen in a while," Edmundson said.

Freshman Jordan Todd emerged as the individual champion in the 126-pound weight class. Todd logged back-to-back decisions during the first two rounds. He defeated South Lenoir's Ricardo Crespo, 3-1, in sudden victory.

Todd easily handled Fike's Linton Holmes, 14-2, in the final.

"Jordan breezed through his bracket," Edmundson said.

Freshman Timothy Decatur-Luker shared third place at 106 pounds with Eastern Wayne's Mario Harper. Dylan Melgar worked his way back through the consolation bracket to claim third at 170 pounds.

Louis Tortual, Seth Finney and Chris Hill came up just short of reaching the medal rounds. Edmundson said that several wrestlers posted 2-2 records, which helped the team gather much-needed points.

"The coaching staff was extremely pleased with our efforts this weekend," Edmundson said. "To finish in the top 10 was a goal and we made it."

Rosewood (10-0 overall) travels to South Johnston for a tri-match on Thursday and returns home Saturday for the 20th annual USAF-Eagle Invitational.