Burlington Central makes quick work of Woodstock

The wrestlers didn't have to spend a whole lot of time on the mat for Burlington Central to claim victory in its conference opener.

The Rockets collected 4 forfeits on the way to a 42-18 victory against Woodstock in the Kishwaukee Valley Conference opener for both teams Thursday at Central.

Moreover, the 5 contested matches on the card all ended in quick pins, with the bouts lasting a combined 5:49. None reached the second period.

Erik Hansen (220), Austin Macias (126), and Sean McMillan (152) recorded the fast falls for the Rockets. Javier Villalobos (285), and Tanner Heidtke (170) accomplished the feat for Woodstock.

Not that Central coach Vince Govea was complaining about the lack of mat time.

"It is what it is," he said. "We just came to battle with each individual guy, whatever we've got, and take it match by match."

After Reilly Brennan got a forfeit at 182, Hansen really got things started for the Rockets, dropping Woodstock's Nathan Van Hoorn just 39 seconds into the match. Hansen moved up from 195 pounds to fill the spot.

"This is his fourth year wrestling and it's all starting to come together for him a little bit," Govea said. "He was a sectional qualifier last year and we're expecting big things from him."

Macias, who took third place at state last year, needed a relatively long 1:56 to finish off Matt Thompson. He came out quickly and took Thompson down. The latter held on, but could not be saved by the buzzer at the end of the first period.

McMillan completed the quick-pin trifecta, taking down Paxson Dechant in 1:26.

Govea had nothing but respect for the undermanned Blue Streaks.

They graduated 11 seniors last year. I've been there before," he said. "They're doing the best they can. I know they had a bunch of guys hurt and stuff like that."