Blackman was in position to make a run at #4 ranked Wilson Central last night but the Wildcats managed to keep things out of reach for the visiting Blaze.
The dual was held at Independence High School and is always a circled date for both teams. Central was down two or three starters and it would have been the perfect time for Blackman to catch them at a disadvantage. In the end, bonus points would make all the difference in the match. Wilson Central won 7 bouts and Blackman won 7 bouts, but the Blaze came out on the wrong side of a 35-40 Wildcat victory.
The dual started off at 152 with Blackman’s Jalen Brown 2nd period pin of Central’s Matthew Hester. At 160, Central forfeited to Blackman’s Greg Jenkins. (160 pound WC starter Sinjin Noga was not dressed out) At 170, Central sent state medalist, Damon Smith to the table to check in. Coach Bray sent Sophomore Landon Fowler for the Blaze who is normally the starting 160. Fowler had a strong match against Smith and won the bout 7-1. At 182, Blackman checked in state champ Matthew Sells but he was denied an opportunity to wrestle as Central forfeited the weight class. At this point the dual is 21-0 Blackman.
At 195, Niko Noga of Wilson Central pinned Blackman’s Ryan Heath. Blackman forfeited 220 and at heavyweight, Michael Kramer pinned Blackman’s Dylan Heath after a perfect throw. At the halfway point it was Blackman 21 – Central 18.
Central has a strong lightweight group and they rattled of 4 straight wins at 106, 113, 120, and 126. (Score Blackman 21 – Central 40) At 132, Daniel Bradford made the most of his opportunity and defeated Alex Pergande by major decision. At 138, Blackman freshman Brooks Sacharczyk impressed once again with a 10-2 major over Central’s Belcher. The last bout was also a forfeit from Central at 145 but the damage had been done. Final Score Blackman 35 – Wilson Central 40.
After the Central match, Blackman and Indy coaches decided to wrestle exhibition matches only due to the scheduled dual between Blackman and Indy this coming weekend at Tullahoma. Lots of our guys got much needed mat time and gave our coaching staff a good look at what needs to be worked on.
Detailed Results can be found on our results page HERE.
Pictures from the night can be round on our PHOTOS page.
Blackman is back in action at Tullahoma this weekend. (Expected match-ups with MBA, Centennial, Bearden & Independence) GO BLAZE!!