Big finish sends Cary-Grove past Dundee-Crown
When Cary-Grove needed that little extra something, it was big men - Isaac Rands (182), Joe Swanson (220) and heavyweight Ryan Beeksman - that provided the knockout punch Friday night in Carpentersville.
The Trojans trio provided their club 15 points down the stretch to close out host Dundee-Crown for good in its 42-30 victory in FVC action.
"We received some terrific efforts all throughout our lineup tonight, but our guys at the upper weights came through when we really needed them," said Cary-Grove coach Will Peterson.
"Jacob Beeman (138) and Nolan Vincent (145) both first year varsity wrestlers gave us big wins in the middle of our lineup to help the team. Charlie (Gruen, 2019 state qualifier) did what we needed him to do (with) his pin to help set up a great finish for us."
Rands, second overall recently at the prestigious Moore-Prettyman Thanksgiving tournament, faced the Chargers' top man, Wyatt Griggel, and after a slow first period start went up 6-1 after two periods en route to an impressive 9-2 decision.
"I thought Isaac was a little hesitant in the early going but he was strong on his feet, and you could see his confidence growing as the match went on," said Petersen.
"I was working hard to get takedowns against Wyatt. But to be honest, I didn't think there was anything special that I did that made the difference in that match," said Rands, who had surgery on his right shoulder last season to end his campaign on an abrupt note.
Despite the quality performances from the aforementioned Trojans, the home side stayed right with its guests until the final two bouts.
Matt Impastato (120), Amaire Jones (126) and Joahan Cruz, with a pin at 152, drew the Chargers (4-4, 2-2) even at 21-21.
Dominick Bremba pushed the Chargers ahead 24-21 for the last time after his hard fought 4-2 decision over Nick Gurenetz.
"That 4-2 win from Dominick wasn't pretty, but he worked and fought hard to get it for us, and Matt and Amaire deserve plenty of props for their efforts as well," said D-C coach Tim Hayes.
Wade Adams (170) sent the Trojans' final push in motion with a pin at 3:42 in advance of Rands' victory. A Swanson pin, followed by Beeksma, who, in trouble all match against Adrian Esparza, turned things around with a dramatic throw and pin at 4:55.
"This is our eighth dual of the season, and in each one we've used a different starting lineup, but it's a long season, and we're getting better each time out," said Hayes.
The Chargers will host three others on Saturday, while Cary-Grove competes in the Mickey Marchese Invite at Hoffman Estates.