St. Charles East's Ruffino, West Aurora's Jacquez lead Fox Valley area winners
CHAMPAIGN - In a deep and talented 106-pound state tournament weight class sits St. Charles East's Joe Ruffino, while the same holds true for West Aurora senior Isaac Jacquez.
Surrounded by all of the best of the best here, these two stars would pass their first test - key in their pursuit of that much-desired state wrestling silverware come Saturday at State Farm Center.
No. 6 Ruffino (39-1) edged Sammy Spencer (39-11) of Huntley, 3-1, and will now face No. 1 Dylan Ragusin (Montini, 41-3) when the Class 3A quarterfinals begin Friday.
A victory means a place in the semifinals for the Saints' senior, who two years ago won just 17, then doubled that number a year ago when he earned his first visit to Champaign.
"It was a good win, but Joe will have to open things up a little bit more, and not lay off his attack in the latter stages of his match with Ragusin," said St. Charles East head coach Jason Potter, who a few minutes later would celebrate a mild upset of sorts by No. 9 Justin Benjamin (120, 36-5) who held off a late charge by No. 5 Josh Stenger (38-8) from Huntley.
"We had a real good idea of what (Stenger) would do beforehand so it was important that I stay with our game plan in order to beat a returning state medal winner," said Benjamin, who meets No. 1, Michael McGee (Plainfield East, 40-0) Friday.
No. 3 Jacquez is a rarity in that the Blackhawk star is a four-time state qualifier, and a 2015 state medalist (5th), along with countless postseason achievements, including four regional crowns, and a stunning 165 career victories, plus a dazzling 184 takedowns on the season thus far.
"Isaac definitely has moments when he can increase the intensity in the room, and it has forced some of our less experienced guys to step up to the challenge, both mentally and physically, which has been a benefit to everyone," said his head coach, Andrew Plata.
Jacquez had to do just that in order to squeeze out a 6-5 win over James Pierandozzi (Lockport, 35-15) to book his place against the freshman phenom from DeKalb, Fabian Lopez, now, 42-5.
"I may have taken my opponent today a little too lightly, but it won't happen tomorrow, that's for sure," said Jacquez.
Burlington Central went 3-for-3 in the first round, while Kaneland impressed as well, sending four of its five men into the quarterfinals.
Nos. 1 and 4, Austin Macias (126, 34-2) and Nick Termini (132, 40-2) dominated, while teammate, Erik Hansen (30-11) was a success in his first appearance after a 6-3 win at 195 pounds for the Rockets.
Nathan Orosco (106, 30-14), Austin Kedzie (120, 31-3), Hayden Patterson (170, 33-10) and No. 2 Riley Vanik (182, 37-3) stood out among their peers, and have now moved onto the quarterfinals for Kaneland.
"Even though I've been here two times before, I still was a little nervous before my first match - that's why I'm glad I got it over," said Vanik.
Regional champion, Huntley, here with a program record five state qualifiers, will have two in the quarters, beginning with Zach Spencer (126, 39-11) followed by No. 5 David Ferrante (152, 27-2), who recorded an 8-0 shutout in his first state match.
"It felt good to get that one out of the way," said the freshman, who faces Zach Reese of Lockport next.
Marmion Academy enjoyed mixed results on Day advancing five of the eight who qualified, including two-time state medalist and the No. 3 rated Anthony Cheloni (44-5), who will face No. 1 Austin Gomez (Glenbard North, 43-1) in the top quarterfinal of this session.
Trevor Chumbley's (37-10) workmanlike effort at 126 pounds booked the sophomore into the quarters against No. 1 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park-River Forest, 36-2).
Brad Gross (152, 35-6) and Peter Ferraro (170, 34-11) cruised into the quarterfinals as well.
At 1A, Aurora Christian saw all three of its first-timers stay in the championship bracket after overwhelming their opponents:
Cameron Johnson (106, 32-0), Nate Marshall (113, 29-2) and No. 1 Noah Villarreal (120, 31-3) went through with ease, much to the delight of head coach, Justin Pearch.
"We wanted our three guys to advance, but also to get some good work in, while easing the nerves each of them had. Mission accomplished, now we go after medals tomorrow," said Pearch.