Warden finishes in second

CONNELL — The Knights won nine of 14 individual titles as they easily captured the SCAC East district championship Saturday.

Overall, the Knights put 15 wrestlers into the championship finals and will take 20 top-four placers to next weekend's regional tournament.

Warden, which finished second behind the nights, was represented on the top of the podium by Justin Rollins, who won the 215-pound title to lead the Cougars.

Two Royal wrestlers faced off for the 103-pound title, with Hernon Cortez defeating Kris Rice for the championship. It was more of the same at 112 pounds, where Royal's Jerry Villa won a decision victory over teammate Rigoberto Jimenez to take the title.

At 125 pounds, Royal's Arturo Barajas topped Warden's Robert Pruneda for the district crown.

The Knights earned their fourth individual title when Omar Avelar defeated Jake Johanns of Kiona-Benton for the 130-pound title.

Sam Villegas started a string of three straight Royal finals victories at 140 pounds. Following Villegas, Angel Ledezma defeated Warden's Alan Martinez for the 145-pound championship. Royal's Josh Mathis won by injury default over River View's Ben Buck to pick up the 152-pound championship.

At 189 pounds, Hector Ledezma won by injury default over Knight teammate TJ Hunt. Trandon Benson wrapped up the tournament for the Knights with a pin of Warden's Robby Horn to claim the 285-pound title.

Other place winners for Royal included Chencho Lopez (2nd, 119 pounds); Juan Esquivel (3rd, 119 pounds); Jordan Thomas (2nd, 160 pounds); Mitchell Christensen (4th, 160 pounds); Ernesto Deras (3rd, 171 pounds); Lucas Warren (4th, 171 pounds); Jacob Christensen (2nd, 215 pounds) and Edgar Montoya (3rd, 285 pounds)

Also finishing in the top four for Warden were Frankie Jimenez (3rd, 103 pounds); Jesse Guerra (3rd, 112 pounds); Alex Rangel (4th, 112 pounds); Chris Kalous (4th, 130 pounds); AJ Martinez (3rd, 135 pounds); Guadalupe Landeros (4th, 140 pounds); Arturo Martinez (4th, 152 pounds); Scott Phillips (3rd, 160 pounds); Joel Martinez (2nd, 171 pounds); Kenny Guerra (4th, 189 pounds); Andrew Jesse (4th, 215 pounds) and Tony Martinez (4th, 285 pounds).