CURWENSVILLE – The Brookville Raiders just might be the most-improved high school wrestling team in the state.
Count Curwensville as one of the opponents sure to vouch for Off The Mat’s No. 5-ranked Class AA squad that features five matmen rated in the top 14 of their weight classes.
Thursday night, the Golden Tide learned first-hand what the return of two lettermen who were missing from the lineup last season and the infusion of three very talented freshmen can do for a squad.
Brookville, now 9-1 on the heels of a 1-15 campaign, invaded Patton Hall and avenged last year’s home loss in convincing fashion, 63-9, winning all but one of the 11 bouts that were contested.
“We knew it was going to be a tough match,” coach Duane Wriglesworth stated matter-of-factly after the Golden Tide’s 10th loss in 16 meets. “Our kids just had a tough go of it. Quickness and speed is what killed us, on our feet especially. They’re very good on their feet.”
The Blue Raiders amassed 23 takedowns.
They ended six matches early and also had one technical fall and one major decision.
Undefeated Jake Keller was Curwensville’s lone winner, blanking freshman Brock Zacherl 4-0 in a duel of two of the state’s top 130-pounders.
Keller, No. 7 in this week’s OTM individual rankings, rode the second period, reversed the Raider early in the third period and finally turned him with a split scissors with 19 seconds left for his 20th victory. Zacherl, ranked No. 14, is 23-6.
Tyler Mays received a forfeit at 112 for the Golden Tide’s other points.
In the only other close scrap, Hunter McCracken registered Curwensville’s lone takedown but was reversed to his back twice and lost 10-6. Dylan Buffington, subbing for ailing Ronald Clark, was behind both times he hit the five-point moves.
Kyle Kyler earned Wriglesworth’s praise for going the distance against 2010 District 9 champ and state qualifier Jacob Shields, whose 24 wins in 26 bouts included 20 pins, a tech fall, two forfeits and a major decision. The No. 6-ranked 189-pounder took down Kyler five times but never could turn him and lost a major decision when the Golden Tide senior reversed with 27 seconds remaining.
“Kyler worked hard out there,” Wriglesworth said. “I was impressed.”
Logan Stout did earn a major decision at 215, shutting out Chad Desmett 8-0 with a takedown and near fall in the first period and reversals in the last two periods.
Brookville’s tech fall resulted from Brock Zacherl’s takedown clinic against Greg Koptchak in the opening bout. The standout freshman, ranked second to two-time state champion Jimmy Guilibon of Derry, worked a variety of moves from neutral for seven takedowns and added four near falls, a cradle ending it after 3:20 with the score 20-4.
A 5-0 loss to reigning state champ Mason Beckman of Reynolds is the lone blemish on Zacherl’s record after 25 bouts.
Five Raider falls came in the first period.
No. 11-ranked Dustin Dombrowski (125) cradled Trey McKenzie in 1:17, No. 13-ranked Brett Smith (27-3 at 130) pressed Alex Holt’s shoulders to the mat at 1:34, Dylan Zimmerman (24-3 at 145) turned Austin Pollick with a half to end his bout in 1:34, Mitch Minich (160) took down Lewis Rhine right to his back at the 1:44 mark and Brady Minesweaser (103) cradled rookie Aaron Kline in 30 seconds.
Tyler Dombrowski (171) and Mike Crane (285) were awarded forfeits.
The Golden Tide is back in action Friday evening at Grove City in the 28th annual Fred Bell Memorial Tournament, a two-day event with more than two dozen teams.
Curwensville’s next dual meet is Tuesday at arch-rival Clearfield.
Brandon Sass of Curwensville posted a fall at 130 pounds in the lone junior varsity bout,
Brookville 63, Curwensville 9
119 – Brock Zacherl, B, tech fall over Greg Koptchak, 20-4 (3:20). (0-5)
125 – Dustin Dombrowski, B, pinned Trey McKenzie, 1:17. (0-11)
130 – Jake Keller, C, dec. Brody Zacherl, 4-0. (3-11)
135 – Brett Smith, B, pinned Alex Holt, 1:02. (3-17)
140 – Zach Vroman, B, pinned Nate Wriglesworth, 3:45. (3-23)
145 – Dylan Zimmerman, B, pinned Austin Pollick, 1:34. (3-29)
152 – Dylan Buffington, B, dec. Hunter McCracken, 10-6. (3-32)
160 – Mitch Minich, B, pinned Lewis Rhine, 1:44. (3-38)
171 – Tyler Dombrowski, B, won by forfeit. (3-44)
189 – Jacob Shields, B, dec. Kyle Kyler, 11-4. (3-47)
215 – Logan Stout, B, major dec. Chad Desmett, 8-0. (3-51)
285 – Mike Crane, B, won by forfeit. (3-57)
103 – Brady Mineweaser, B, pinned Aaron Kline, :30. (3-63)
112 – Tyler Mays, C, won by forfeit. (9-63)
Referee – Roy Curley.