Raiders and Rebels have rough opening night

By DONN ADAMSON
Daily Journal Sports Editor

BONNE TERRE — The North County Raiders opened their wrestling season at home against the Rolla Mules on Monday night, and it didn’t go well for the Raiders as they were only able to win four of the 14 matches for a 55-15 loss.

The meet had a sideline perspective to it as Farmington graduate and ex-wrestler Kellen Laws returned to the area to coach his first-ever meet as Rolla’s new head coach.

“It’s good to get back home,” said Laws of his return to the Mineral Area. “ For our first night, I couldn’t ask any better of our kids. For our first meet, it’s a big win.”

The Mules ran out to three straight falls in the 103, 112 and 119 weight classes, before Seth Revelle put a stop to the run at 125. Rolla’s returning state champon Blayne Schockly made his pin in 40 seconds flat in the 112 weight class.

Revelle’s match with Rolla’s Trevor Lauer was up for grabs going into the last minute. The score was tied 3-3 in the second period when Revelle finished off a takedown with a two-point near fall to take a four-point lead into the final stanza. After scoring a takedown and another two back-points for a seven-point advantage, Revelle scored a last second takedown to get the major decision 13-4.

Joey Misuraca kept the momentum on North County’s side of the mat as he battled back and forth with Kenny Moberly to score five points in the very last seconds of the match for an 18-13 win, making the team score 18-7.

It wold be five more matches before North County would add to their point total. Rolla won two matches by falls one by a major and one by decision to increase their lead to 37-7.

Kasey Turner lost the decision, 9-5 after being tied 5-5 going into the third period of the 140 match. His opponent, Joel Laney, chose the down position to start the period, and was able to make a reversal that led to a near fall and the win.  

Nebraska recruit Cody Compton dominated his opponent in the 160 match, scoring three near falls after his second takedown to take a 12-1 lead at the end of the first period. A reversal and a three-point near fall ended the match with a 17-1 tech fall.

One of the hardest fought matches came next with Tayler Decker facing Rolla’s Mason Ridenhour in the 171 weight class. Decker. Decker put the match out of reach with the only near fall of the match in the third period for a 13-6 decision.

The Mules finished the meet with pins in each of the 189, 215 and 275 matches.

The Raiders will wrestle next in the Ft. Zumwalt North Tournament on Saturday.

De Soto 64, Central 18

PARK HILLS — The Central Rebels lost nine matches by falls and gave up one open for a 64-18 loss to the De Soto Dragons on Tuesday. Jake Carr managed to finish out his match for the Rebels,  giving up only a major decision to his Dragon opponent.

The Rebels recorded three falls of their own.  Mike King was first at 130 pounds with a fall in 2:37. Chris Mullins followed with a 5:05 fall at 135 pounds, and Tyler Friend pinned his man in 2:44 in the 275 bout.

Central will travel to Ste. Genevieve today for a tri-match with Whitfield.