Seneca Valley wrestlers pull away from Knoch, 63-13
JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley found itself in a battle with Knoch early in Wednesday's wrestling match-up, but in a matter of minutes, the Raiders stood alone.
Holding a slim three-point lead through four matches, Seneca Valley used five pins — three consecutive that lasted less than one minute — and one forfeit over the next six bouts to open up a commanding 48-9 lead en route to a 63-13 triumph.
“We were able to get some momentum in the upper weights,” Seneca Valley coach Kevin Wildrick said. “It was a springboard for everyone else and it leaves no doubt in the match.”
“It's a psychological thing and that's what happened early in the match,” said Knoch coach Mark McLaughlin. “We never rebounded from that, especially with a young team.
“With seniors or an experienced team, you can overcome that. We have seven freshmen in the lineup and it's hard to overcome that,” McLaughlin added.
Knoch had jumped out to a 6-0 lead when Trevor Hilliard opened with a pin at 3;12 against Steven Rudolph at 160 pounds.
The Raiders (6-2) used a forfeit and a pin by Jake Eaton at 170 to take a 12-6 lead before Knoch countered with Bryan Mowry's 14-8 decision over Ryan Muma to pull the Knights back to within three points.
From there, the Raiders assumed control.
Tyler Miller (220), Brady Moore (285), Ben Lynch (106) and Alex Lynch (113) recorded pins — the first in 2:44, then the following three in 45, 58 and 29 seconds, respectively.
Nick Zoria (120) won by forfeit and Zain Skalos (126) earned a pin in 2:46 to open up the 39-point advantage with four matches remaining.Knoch (1-2) picked up its final win of the night when Blaine Elliott scored a 9-1 major decision over Seth Schiever at 132 pounds.“Unfortunately, we had to wait to 132 to get it to start happening,” McLaughlin said. “We just didn't wrestle well collectively.”The Raiders captured the final three bouts when Brennan O'Shea and Austin Leon recorded pins and Tyler Schillero secured a 9-3 decision over Tyler Hlebiczki.“There's always work to do,” Wildrick said about his team at this point of the season. “We're not content. We haven't closed the gap with teams like North Allegheny yet. There's still plenty to do.”Notes: Next up, Seneca Valley will compete at the Tool City Tournament in Meadville Friday and Saturday while Knoch will travel to Butler on Wednesday.Seneca Valley 63, Knoch 13(Match started at 160 pounds)106-Ben Lynch (SV) pinned John Emminger, :58; 113-Alex Lynch (SV) pinned Zach Wilson, :29; 120-Nick Zoria (SV) won by forfeit; 126-Zain Skalos (SV) pinned Jarrett Rosencrance, 2:46; 132-Blaine Elliot (K) major dec. over Seth Schiever, 9-1; 138-Brennan O'Shea (SV) pinned Brandon Yobst, 5:09; 145-Austin Leon (SV) pinned Matt Steinmiller, 3:20; 152-Tyler Schillero (SV) dec. Tyler Hlebiczki, 9-3; 160-Trevor Hilliard (K) pinned Steven Rudolph, 3:12; 170-Brad Hensler (SV) won by forfeit; 182-Jake Eaton (SV) pinned Bailey Savage (K), 1:50; 195-Bryan Mowry (K) dec. Ryan Muma, 14-8; 220-Tyler Miller (SV) pinned Dalton Ashton, 2:44; Hwt.-Brady Moore(SV) pinned Kevin Kidd, :45
