Piedmont closes strong in comefrom-behind victory
SHAWNEE – Piedmont coach Eric Ford wasn't worried with the doubledigit deficit.
The Class 5A Dual State Tournament matchup between the Wildcats and Coweta began at 195 pounds. Coweta started swiftly, picking up victories in five of the first six matches. When the match got to 126 pounds, Piedmont took control.
The Wildcats didn't lose the eight remaining matches, winning six of them by fall and seizing a 48-21 victory. Piedmont will face Collinsville in the semifinals on Saturday. Collinsville defeated two-time defending state champion Lawton MacArthur 48-33 on Friday.
Ford said his team needs to be efficient on Saturday at Firelake Arena.
“We're going to have to minimize bonus points and maximize our opportunities,” Ford said. “I think it'll be a tight dual. I hope it is if we wrestle up to our ability.”
Perry continues dominance
During the Class 3A Dual State Tournament, it wasn't hard to miss the Perry Maroon fans.
Many who blinked also missed Perry wrestle.
The Maroons were the first team to finish in the quarterfinals, defeating Vian, 72-9. Most of their matches went quickly, as every match that Perry captured ended with a fall and one by forfeit.
Earlier this season, Perry captured its 1,000th dual win, continuing its dominance in the realms of high school wrestling. With two victories Saturday, the Maroons will capture their 20th dual state title.
Tuttle in position for 10th consecutive title
It doesn't matter the opponent, Tuttle isn't having struggles wrestling any team.
The Tigers mauled Grove 75-0 on Friday, moving two matches closer to winning their 10th straight title. Coach
Matt Surber was happy with his team's performance, but he realizes how much the past teams shaped the foundation for Tuttle's run.
“This group we have right now might be the best group we've had since I've been there,” Surber said. “We're ranked in the top 10 in the country, and we only have four seniors starting. Success breeds success, from high school down to the little league.”