Fallon rolls past Galena wrestlers

Fallon continued its winning streak in the High Desert League Wednesday as the Greenwave grapplers overwhelmed visiting Galena 51-24.

Except for the lower middleweights, Fallon (3-0) dominated the Grizzlies (2-1) at both ends of the weight classifications.

"They're tough," said Fallon coach Mitch Overlie in describing Galena's strength from 119- to 135-pounds. "I expect to see those guys at the top of zone."

Mark Thomas of Fallon and Kevin Gerdin battled hard through three rounds in their 119-pound bout. Gerdin had taken a 12-8 lead into the third round, but Thomas eventually tied the match 13-13 and then picked up a 16-13 decision with a near fall as time expired.

Galena's Madison Wenzela (125) quickly pinned Robert Altivater in 1:05 while teammate Joel Rivadenyra pinned freshman Greg Heck in 49 seconds in the 130-pound bout. Joe Sanford gave Galena its third straight win at 135-pounds. Sanford built a 5-0 lead before he used a cradle to pin Trevor de Braga in 1:16. With the win, Galena narrowed the lead to 21-18.

Fallon had won the first three bouts to take a 21-0 lead. Heavyweight Josh Mauga picked up six easy points because of a forfeit, and 103-pound grappler Cody Kapphahn gave the 'Wave an unexpected win with a pin over Alex Ragala.

Victor Andreis of Galena and Brandon Lacow battled to a 7-7 tie at 112-pounds before Lacow pinned his Galena foe with 1:15 left in the bout.

In the other bouts, Tanner Jones of Fallon pinned John Rampton in the second round of their 140-pound match. James Stubbs (145) built a 6-3 lead over Joey Milegich before the Galena wrestler narrowed the lead with a reversal. Stubbs, who has been battling a cold and flu, earned another point for a 7-5 decision.

Tommy Diaz gave Fallon a win at 152. He had a 4-1 lead over Eric Wilcoxson before pinning him at 1:25 n the first round. Galena returned the favor at 160 when Nick Williams took advantage of a tired Derek Zimney of Fallon and pinned him with 20-seconds left in the bout.

In one of the closest matches of the night, Fallon junior Riley Orozco needed double overtime to defeat Cole Dowty. Orozco had a 4-3 lead in the third period before Dowty tied the bout on an escape. Neither wrestler scored any points in the first overtime.

Orozco elected to be in the down position in the second overtime, and won the bout on an escape with 14 seconds left.

Orozco said Dowty was much stronger than he thought.

"He was pretty strong, but I felt I could get away (in double overtime)," said Orozco.

Fallon won the final two upper weight bouts. Lyle Gardner (189) pinned Sean Neely's leg back and then rode the Galena wrestler on his back for a second round pin that gave Fallon a 45-24 lead. In the final match, Aaron Siezckowski built a 7-0 lead over Justin Gates and finally pinned him at 2:54.