BELLFLOWER – The Trinity League title had alternated between the Servite and St. John Bosco wrestling teams the previous four seasons entering their dual Thursday.
The Braves lost the title a year ago, but reclaimed the top spot with a dominant 44-18 victory over the visiting Friars.
Of the 12 matches, St. John Bosco won nine with three coming by fall – by Josh Solomon (132), Danny Salas (195) and Jesse Vasquez (113).
Last year, the Friars won the teams’ league dual, 38-23, and also defeated the Braves in the finals of the CIF-SS Dual Championships.
“It was their night,” Servite coach Alan Clinton said of the Braves. “We’re going to go back to work and find a way to get after them.
“We’re going back to the drawing board, and we have to work harder and find a way to get it done, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
The dual started at 120 pounds and the Braves received a forfeit for a quick 6-0 lead.
Servite’s Daniel Magana (126) and Teddy Okada (132) won their matches by technical fall and decision, respectively, giving the Friars an 8-6 lead.
Following Solomon’s fall at 145, Servite’s Troy Madrigal recorded a 20-7 major decision, cutting the Bosco lead to 15-12.
That was as close as the Friars would get. The Braves responded with six consecutive victories (160 through 220) including a technical fall from Jacob Bueno and Salas’ pin. David Aranda clinched the league title for the Braves with his 5-1 victory at 220.
“I didn’t think we wrestled our best,” St. John Bosco coach Omar Delgado said. “I’m a little disappointed in some of my younger kids that I thought could have wrestled better, but I do have some talented freshmen that are very good. (Servite’s) kids are always prepared and ready to go, and I knew they were going to be ready to battle.”
The teams could meet again Feb. 4 in the finals of the CIF Duals.
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@scng.com
