Panthers deal Rosewood grapplers tough defeat

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on January 24, 2008 3:20 PM

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Despite surrendering forfeits at three weight classes, North Johnston escaped with a 39-37, non-conference triumph over wrestling rival Rosewood on Wednesday evening.

The Panthers recorded five falls and one decision, and avenged a loss to the Eagles in the Class 1-A Carolina/Albemarle Conference dual-team tournament.

"We have not had very productive practices and it shows," said Rosewood head coach Bill Edmundson. "We've been plagued with injuries and a 50-degree wrestling room this week, and those situations are not very conducive to positive results.

"I thought North Johnston did a great job of not giving up the pin tonight and that was the difference in the match."

The Eagles (20-11 overall) prevailed in just four of the 10 contested individual matches. Ariel Nacca (119 pounds) scored an 8-5 decision over Hayden Peedin, while J.D. Baker (125) posted an 11-2 major decision over Travis Braswell. Josh Holmes pinned Roger Willoughby late in the second period during their 145-pound bout, while Andrew Sass (160) also earned a second-period fall.

Fellow Eagles Tyler Dean (130), heavyweight Trevor Morris and 103-pounder Olivia Neal each received a forfeit.

Rosewood returns to action Saturday in the Thomas Cowles Memorial Firebird Duals at Southern Nash. First-round matches begin at 9 a.m.

North Johnston 39

Rosewood 37

112 -- Michael Webster (NJ) dec. Kelly Cosgrove, 18-14; 119 -- Ariel Nacca (R) dec. Hayden Peedin, 8-5; 125 -- J.D. Baker (R) maj. dec. Travis Braswell, 11-2; 130 -- Tyler Dean (R) by forfeit; 135 -- Dean Jones (NJ) wbf Sammy Ennis, 27 seconds; 140 -- Daniel Munoz (NJ) wbf Cameron Lowe, 3:42; 145 -- Josh Holmes (R) wbf Roger Willoughby, 3:46; 152 -- Brandon Oliver (NJ) wbf Jacob Roberts, 2:53; 160 -- Andrew Sass (R) wbf Jacob Yelverton, 3:15; 171 -- Colt Burns (NJ) wbf Jonathan Rudolph, 5:01; 189 -- Jacob Lewis (NJ) by forfeit; 215 -- Donald Johnson (NJ) wbf Brandon Dean, 1:23; Hwt -- Trevor Morris (R) by forfeit; 103 -- Olivia Neal (R) by forfeit.

Records: Rosewood 20-11.

Next match: Saturday, Rosewood at Firebird Duals hosted by Southern Nash.