craigdailypress.com

If the third time is a charm, competitors at this week's Warrior Classic better beware.

The Moffat County High School varsity wrestling team placed second Friday at the Union Invite in Roosevelt, Utah, its second runner-up finish in as many weeks.

Coach Ron Linsacum said the team had a strong showing in its last tune-up before the year's biggest meet - the Warrior Classic - beginning Friday in Grand Junction.

"I thought we wrestled well," he said. "We looked good on our feet and scored a number of takedowns. We were solid all the way through."

The Bulldogs competed in five dual matches, blazing through their first four unscathed.

Moffat County defeated Bear River High School (Utah), Vernal High School (Utah), tournament host Union High School (Utah) and Duchesne High School (Utah), and headed into the day's final dual undefeated.

"I was happy with the way the kids came off the mat," Linsacum said. "They really attacked well. All night long I thought we wrestled aggressively, until we got to Rangely."

Having dispatched each of the four Utah teams present at the event, Moffat County faced fellow Northwestern Colorado school, Rangely, in the tournament finale.

The Panthers (2A) handed the Bulldogs their lone loss of the event, sending Moffat County home with the second place trophy.

"They pretty well put it to us," Linsacum said. "I'm not kidding you. I don't think we wrestled aggressively. I don't think we wrestled smart. My hats off to Rangely, they put it to us."

The Bulldogs claimed five first-place individual finishes.

Cody Nelson (112), Ethan Kinner (130), Charlie Griffiths (135), Nathan Tomlin (145) and Jesse Breslin (160) each went undefeated in their respective weight classes.

"Tomlin was just tougher than nails again," Linsacum said. "Charlie was just being Charlie, very consistent, and I thought Scott Mann (4-1) had a good weekend.

"Those guys were all pretty darn solid."

Notes:

Moffat County did not have a competitor in three weight classes - 103, 215 and heavyweight. : Kinner eclipsed the century mark Friday, picking up five wins to push his total to 103 during his high school career. : Heavyweight Halen Raymond injured his shoulder in last week's Survivor Series and had to miss the Union Invite. Coach Roman Gutierrez said Raymond should be ready to go Friday. : Senior Troy Vernon still is recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered in practice two weeks ago. Gutierrez expects Vernon back Friday.

John Vandelinder can be reached at 875-1793 or jvandelinder@craigdailypress.com