Butler scores 3 timely pins, defeats Seneca Valley, 39-19
JACKSON TWP — In a match full of decisions, pins can carry you a long way.
The Butler wrestling team used consecutive pins by Ryan
Hannon, Zach Weaver and Nick Gibson to turn a three-point deficit into a
15-point lead and went on to post a 39-19 victory over host Seneca Valley
Wednesday.
“To a point, we pride ourselves on not giving up the bonus
points,” Seneca Valley coach Kevin Wildrick said. “Pins are hard to come back
from.”
With the match starting at 132, Butler coach Scott Stoner
knew the Golden Tornado (9-2) would have to watch a stretch ahead and not lose
any momentum.
Cody Houston started with a pin over Zain Skalos in 2:20,
then Xavier Bennett picked up a 7-3 decision to stake Butler to a 9-0 lead.
The Raiders (12-4) responded with three consecutive wins in
the bouts Stoner had mentioned, starting with an Austin Leon 6-2 decision at
145, then a Tyler Schillero pin and a Steven Rudolph decision over Zach Raible,
7-2, for a 12-9 Seneca Valley lead.
That's when the Tornado seized control.
Hannon (170) needed 3:49 to pin Brad Hensler, Weaver 56
seconds over Jake Eaton and Nick Gibson 4:33 over Ryan Muma to open a 27-12
advantage.
“It was important for Hannon to get that pin,” Stoner said.
“He's only a junior, but he's a leader. He saw us lose those three matches.
“It makes him want to go out and execute as he's been
coached. He's mature enough to show the kids that this is how you do it,”
Stoner added.
The Raiders received a 4-3 decision by Tyler Miller (220)
when he worked an escape against Alex White with two seconds remaining.
The Tornado returned the favor when, at heavyweight, Damian
Wheeler worked a takedown with 15 seconds remaining to pull out a 5-4 decision.
“That was the most exciting match of the night for us,”
Stoner noted. “That would have been a nice run for Seneca Valley late.”
The Raiders picked up their last win of the night when Ben
Lynch (106) scored a 13-2 major decision over Max Stalnaker, but the Tornado
closed with decisions by Conner Foust, Blake Caudill and Korey Caudill, each
blanking their opponents.
“We knew we could have a chance going to the Caudills'
matches,” Wildrick said. “They are both great wrestlers though.”
Stoner admits he likes the matches beginning at 106, then
down to the heavyweight division, but in this instance, it was a nice feeling
knowing the Caudills were waiting at the end.
“Blake and Korey, we were looking for pins, but it was solid
knowing they were there,” Stoner said.
Notes: The Raiders return to action Friday and Saturday at
the Burgettstown Tournament while Butler will take part in next Wednesday's
team section championship along with Hampton, Central Catholic and North
Allegheny.
Butler 39, Seneca Valley 19
(Match started at 132 pounds)
106-Ben Lynch (SV) major dec. over Max Stalnaker, 13-2;
113-Conner Foust (B) dec. Alex Lynch, 4-0; 120-Blake Caudill (B) dec. Nick
Zoria, 6-0; 126-Korey Caudill (B) dec. Anthony Latess, 5-0; 132-Cody Houston
(B) pinned Zain Skalos, 2:20; 138-Xavier Bennett (B) dec. Brennan O'Shea, 7-3;
145-Austin Leon (SV) dec. Jeremiah Bortmas, 6-2; 152-Tyler Schillero (SV)
pinned David Slomers, :56; 160-Steven Rudolph dec. Zach Raible, 7-2; 170-Ryan
Hannon (B) pinned Brad Hensler, 3:49; 182-Zach Weaver (B) pinned Jake Eaton,
:56; 195-Nick Gibson (B) pinned Ryan Muma, 4:33; 220-Tyler Miller (SV) dec.
Alex White, 4-3; Hwt.-Damian Wheeler (B) dec. Brady Moore, 5-4