SENECA, Pa. – Warren wrestling coach Dean Johnson said it was best summed up by a fan in the moments after the Dragons’ 40-24 win over Cranberry: “It’s the best $3 I’ve ever spent.”

The Dragons earned their second win in as many nights, this one in front of a packed house at Cranberry High School.

“The crowd was amazing tonight; both teams fans were fully invested,” Johnson said. “Tonight’s match was what scholastic sports are all about. Every match was important and every point was battled for.”

The win was a measure of revenge for the Dragons, after Cranberry handed them their only loss at the Tom Carr Duals, 43-22.

“Tonight’s win was truly a team effort. It begins in the practice room,” Johnson said. “They have been working very hard and improving each day. We want to continue that improvement all the way to the postseason.”

Christian Papalia, Avery Smith, Ryan Madigan, Donovan Fiscus, John Fankhouser , Zack Zinger, Brandon Daugharthy, Brukhe Tagba and Joey Arnold all won their matches for the Dragons.

“Several guys had big matches tonight. Nick Gorton and Donovan Davies had JV wins. It was Davies’ first-ever victory. Connor Papalia had a hard fought decision loss to a guy that pinned him earlier in the season. Christian Papalia earned a big pin. Avery Smith had a major decision,” Johnson said.

“Ryan Madigan fought to a 1-0 win over a quality guy that has dropped two weight classes. Donovan Fiscus got a late escape and a takedown at the buzzer to win. John Fankhouser picked up a huge pin after being down early and nearly pinned himself. Zack Zinger wrestled a back and forth match and came away with a pin.

“Brandon Daugharthy kept the momentum going with one of his best matches of the year. Brukhe Tagba was once again able to seal the deal for us with another huge pin. Joey Arnold wrestled a tremendous match and took his guy down with seconds remaining.”

Johnson and the Dragons, now having faced Cranberry twice this season, came away very impressed.

“Cranberry has moved back up to AAA after a co-op with Oil City,” he said. “After several seasons of both teams being short-handed, they have over 30 guys on the roster and are very tough. Co-ops work. We found out first hand a few weeks ago at the Tom Carr Duals losing 43-22. Our senior Captains (Smith, Fankhouser and Tagba) led the way.

The Dragons return to action on Saturday against Titusville, with JV beginning at 5:30 p.m.

That contest is part of a rare boys basketball-wrestling doubleheader, with the Dragon basketball varsity contest set to begin at 3 p.m.

– – –

Warren 40, Cranberry 24

285: Trey Wright (C) pinned Jacob Hayes, :36

106: Jacob Umstead (C) dec. Connor Papalia, 14-9

113: Christian Papalia (W) pinned Michael Stanley, 4:41

120: Avery Smith (W) maj. dec. Evan Hepler, 9-0

126: Ryan Madigan (W) dec. Carter Stanley, 1-0

132: Mitchell Rossey (C) dec. Alex Anderson, 7-3

138: Donovan Fiscus (W) dec. Nicholas Clark, 6-3

145: Duane Clark (C) pinned Kyle Swich, 3:32

152: John Fankhouser (W) pinned Charles Shreffler, 5:02

160: Zack Zinger (W) pinned Daniel Wry, 1:38

170: Brandon Daugharthy (W) dec. Ethan Deloe, 6-2

182: MaBrukhe Tagba (W) pinned Seth Yeager, 1:47

195: Joey Arnold (W) dec. Jesse York, 5-4

220: Brayden Crocker (C) pinned Tristan Dolan, 1:11

JV

Michael Hepling (C) maj. dec. Austin Hayes, 10-2

Nick Gorton (W) pinned Sean Stack, 1:14

Garrett Hogue (C) pinned Alex Zariczny, 1:57

Donovan Davies (W) pinned Alxander Elke, 2:45