Jacobs uses strong finish to top Cary-Grove
Jacobs broke open a close match with a late 16-0 surge to defeat visiting Cary-Grove 38-30 in a FVC dual Thursday night in Algonquin.
The Golden Eagles (12-7, 5-2) found themselves in a hard-fought contest that went back-and-forth for most of the night - much to the delight of a big weekday crowd - before using consecutive pins from Tanner Ward (103, 22-8) and Tyler Braet (113) to take the lead for good at 34-24.
"We were just terrible at the start of the night," said Jacobs coach Gary Conrad. "I don't know what the deal was with us. (We) kind of let our emotions get the better of us. But the back end of our lineup really came through for us to help lead us to victory."
The flip of the coin gave fans what they had hoped would be a terrific opening bout between Jacobs' Jake Harrier (31-1) and Cary-Grove star Charlie Gruen (28-6), but the anticipated marquee match never materialized.
"Charlie really wanted to go up against (Harrier) but three guys out of the lineup with the flu, and three freshmen taking their place, we had to bump him up in order to give us a better chance to get some points early on," said Cary-Grove coach Will Petersen.
Harrier's six points earned from a forfeit at 132 was erased by a fall from Gruen at 138 to get this night underway.
Both sides traded a pair of wins - John Ridle (27-6) and Dominic Tenauca at 145 and 152, respectively - followed by a decision by Brad Peters (160, 22-13) and pin from freshman Robbie Gross at 170.
"Robbie, Darnelle Gross and Michael Sullivan all came to me earlier in the day and asked to be in the varsity lineup for the first time to help us out, so I am really proud of those guys for coming forward and their effort out there tonight," said Petersen.
Gabe Roll (182) and Ryan Golnick (195, 26-6), who's enjoying a magnificent sophomore season thus far, pulled the home side back in front (22-15) after a major decision and pin only to watch the Trojans duo Joey Swanson (220) and heavyweight Ryan McNeal grab the lead one more time at 24-22.
"We're so much better than we were earlier in the year," said Ridle, a state qualifier a year ago, who this season has risen up the ranks in the state polls, currently sitting firmly at No. 4 following his 10-3 victory over No. 5 John Smith (35-5) of Wheeling last weekend.
"For me this season, it's all about working hard, and getting to my offense more than I did last season, and going after a state medal next month."
After Ward and Braet combined for 12 points, teammate Justin Peters (25-9) insured the Jacobs victory with a major decision triumph (9-0) at 120.
Jacobs is on the road this Saturday at Plainfield North, while Cary-Grove (3-3-0) will finish up its regular season schedule at Prairie Ridge next Thursday.
"It was a gritty effort the guys gave tonight. Jacobs was better and deserved the result, but for us, we'll look to get healthy in time for regionals in two weeks," said Petersen.