The Knights (1-0) gained 30 points in forfeits, but grabbed bonus points, including four pins, in six of the seven contested matches.

For Eisenhower coach Kris Black, things couldn’t have gone much better for a lineup featuring many new faces.

“For a lot of guys this was their first varsity match and they were nervous,” he said. “I think they handled their emotions well and did a nice job.”

After a forfeit at 145 and pins at 152 and 160 from Nate Holt and Alex Barnett, respectively, Tristen Wilcox picked up an 11-2 major decision over the Eagles’ Steven Reilly for his first varsity win.

Eisenhower’s Alex Barnett (left) was one of four Knights to advance to the semifinals at the Tool City Tournament.

“Tristen did a good job,” Black said. “That was a (match) that could’ve gone either way.”

Ethan Chambers followed with a quick pin at 182 and Cael Black opened his varsity career with an 18-3 tech fall at 195.

At 285, Eisenhower’s Jeramy Card and Youngsville’s Jake DeSimone engaged in a fierce battle. Card got the initial takedown in the first period, but DeSimone was able to get a reversal. Card had a late escape to take a 3-2 lead into the second. He chose the down position to start and escaped to go up 4-2.

DeSimone answered with a takedown, but Card was again able to escape late to take a 5-4 lead into the final period. Card got a near fall early in the period, then gave up a point on an illegal full nelson. With less than 30 seconds to go Card put DeSimone on his back again and this time put shoulders to mat to pick up the pinfall victory.

Collin Clough and Easton Hedman squared off in the evening’s final match. Hedman had control early, but Clough fought back and kept the score tied or within two heading to the final period. Starting at neutral, Clough caught Hedman and put him to his back, but Hedman was able to stay up enough to avoid giving up any back points and eventually reversed into a nearfall. The backpoints gave Hedman an 8-2 decision.

Eisenhower’s Jeramy Card (top) and Youngsville’s Jake DeSimone battle for position during their 285-pound match at Youngsville High School, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018. In a back-and-forth match, Card was able to pick up a pin with just 21 seconds remaining.

“Clough is a tough kid,” Black said. “Easton did a really nice job in that last match.”

Not everything was smooth sailing for the Knights. A clerical error prevented Jesse Gourley from entering the lineup.

“I screwed up,” Black said. “Jesse cut a lot of weight to get ready for this match and I forgot his paperwork. That’s on me.”

The Knights now turn their attention to a big early season test. They will travel out of state Thursday for a match with Falconer (N.Y.). The Golden Falcons are state ranked and a perennial New York powerhouse. How the Knights fare will give them a great indication of where they are as a team.

“We had a nice team last year and we’re just as good, if not better, this year,” Black said. “Last year was a big step and these guys want to take the next step. Obviously, this is a non-region match, but they’re a powerhouse and an old time rival. It should be an exciting match.

Eisenhower’s Tristen Wilcox tries to takedown Youngsville’s Steven Reilly during their 170-pound match at Youngsville High School, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018. Wilcox earned an 11-2 major decision as the Knights won the match, 66-0.

“The guys are excited about Thursday,” he continued. “It should be a great match, so if you’re not doing anything, even if you are doing something, change your plans and come on out.”

– – –

Results

145: Garrett Head (E) via forfeit

152: Nate Holt (E) pin Colton Garris, 1:34

160: Alex Barnett (E) pin Sawyer Lawson, 3:32

170: Tristen Wilcox (E) maj. dec. Steven Reilly, 11-2

182: Ethan Chambers (E) pin Devon Morris, 0:43

195: Cael Black (E) tech fall Sam Hoover, 18-3

220: No contest

285: Jeramy Card (E) pin Jake DeSimone, 5:39

106: No contest

113: Logan Jaquay (E) via forfeit

120: Easton Hedman (E) dec. Collin Clough, 8-2

126: Jake Williams (E) via forfeit

132: Gannon Jaquay (E) via forfeit

138: Josh Bortz (E) via forfeit