Cardinal Gibbons edges past Somerset to win regional

FORT LAUDERDALE — It took but 47 seconds, but in those moments Chris Williams had no idea how important his pin would be in Cardinal Gibbons winning Saturday.

As it turned out it meant everything.

The 195-pounder pinned Jordan Moltimer in just shy of a minute to help Gibbons edge Somerset Academy 242-240 for the Region 4-1A wrestling title at Cardinal Gibbons High.

“I just wrestled smart,” said Williams, who with the victory also earned his first regional championship. “It makes me feel good that I helped the team win a regional title.”

Rounding out the top five, Key West placed third with 149 points, American Heritage-Delray took fourth (113) and Coral Springs Charter was fifth (91).

Mater Lakes was the top team from Miami-Dade, finishing sixth with 88.5 points.

Michael Lopouchanski gave Gibbons the boost the Chiefs needed heading in Williams’ match. The 182-pounder defeated senior Raul Gierbolini of Somerset 3-1.

One of the big surprises of the day came in the heavyweight final, when senior Adam Fox of Gibbons was pinned by Brandon Bodden of Miami Jackson in 2:54. Gibbons had already locked up the team title.

Overall, Somerset won four individual championships; Gibbons has won four as well.

The top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the state tournament.