DECEMBER 7, 2010 – OAKWOOD
The Covington High School wrestling team traveled down to Oakwood Tuesday to face a solid Lumberjack squad. Oakwood – coached by former Covington wrestler and graduate Gary Kesler – fielded a veteran team, boasting four state qualifiers, including one state placer. The experienced Lumberjacks matched up well with the Buccs and came away with a 41-17 victory – ending Covington’s school record 38-dual winning streak, dating back to the 2008-09 season.
The dual started at 215 lbs where Cody Burton fell to Oakwood’s Cameron Wedding. Oakwood would then pick up forfeits at 103 and 112 lbs to build an 18-0 lead. The Lumberjacks then extended their lead to 21-3 as Bryton Lear (119) dropped a 7-4 decision to Mason Kooser.
Covington’s Brock Smith (125) picked up a solid 11-2 major decision over Steven Harrell, before Kyler Deeter (130) was defeated, 10-5, by returning state qualifier Josh Nelson. Brandon Flora (135) then lost by major decision to Oakwood’s former state qualifier Brandon Lee. Covington’s Tyler Tebbe (140) earned a win for the Buccs with a quick first-period pin over Dylan Kooser, but Oakwood’s state-placer Alex Kooser answered with a 16-8 decision over Sam Angle at 145 lbs.
The most exciting bout of the dual occurred at 152 lbs, where Covington’s Jake Sowers squared off against Oakwood’s Peter McMillan. McMillan led 3-1 after two periods, but Sowers quickly earned a reversal in the third to knot the score at 3. McMillan then picked up a reversal, but surrendered a penalty point to Sowers as action went out of bounds. Trailing 5-4 with 5 seconds remaining, Sowers scored a quick reversal to steal a 6-5 victory for the Buccs. Oakwood’s Brian Huey then caught and pinned A.J. Ouellette (160) during a tight match.
In the marquee match of the evening, Covington’s returning state runner-up, Andrew DeHart (171), faced Oakwood’s returning state qualifier Will Leboeuf. DeHart came out of the gate strong, earning a takedown within seconds, and worked his way to an impressive 9-1 major decision to narrow the score to 38-17. Oakwood would then win the final bout as Dan Pohlman earned an 8-2 decision over Brian Olson (189).
In reserve action, Covington’s Zach Shilt (130) earned a first-period pin and D.J. Jennings earned a tight 8-6 victory. Also competing for the Buccs were Justin Daniel (189) and Cody Adams (189).
Covington’s Jr. High dropped their dual with Oakwood, but only suffered one individual loss on the day. Earning pins for the Buccs were Alex Schilling (116), Cole Smith (142) and Ian Fries (205). Picking up forfeits were Ben Miller (150), Brandon Magee (160) and Chase Hinnegan (172). Matt Carder (104), in his first year of wrestling, wrestled a good match, but fell in the third period.
The High School team travels to the Springfield Northeastern Invitational on Friday and Saturday, while the Jr. High travels to Graham for a dual with the Falcons.
