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Damian Calhoun. Sports Newsroom Assistant.

// MORE INFORMATION: Associate Mug Shot taken August 24, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

LAGUNA HILLS – Despite a scoreless first period, Laguna Hills wrestler James Oliveros knew he had to keep pushing the pace to have a chance of coming out victorious.

Oliveros, ranked third in the county at 154 pounds, did just that.

He scored the first three points in the second period against San Clemente’s Tyler Meisinger, who is ranked No. 1 in the county.

In the third period, Oliveros sealed things with another takedown, and his win helped third-ranked Laguna Hills build momentum Tuesday for a 55-13 victory over ninth-ranked San Clemente in a South Coast League dual.

The Hawks clinched their 29th consecutive league title with the victory.

“I was trying to be focused, and try and get the first score and keep the lead,” Oliveros said. “I wanted to stay focused, keep driving and to get him tired.”

The dual started at 134 pounds and the Hawks won the first five matches. Titus Azad (134), Matt De La Riva (140) and Cody Scott (162) all won by fall. Phillip Zamora (147) had a six-point forfeit.

Laguna Hills led, 27-0, after the first five matches. Last year, in this same situation, with a chance to clinch the outright title, the Hawks were tripped up by the Tritons.

“We came in with a mentality that we’re the best, and that they weren’t going to beat us at our home,” Oliveros said.

Kyle Marshall (172) and Jimmy Klink (184) picked up victories by major decision and fall, respectively, to get the Tritons on the board, 27-10.

From there, the Hawks put the match away by winning six of the final seven matches, including the last five.

Laguna Hills’ dual schedule include its two toughest opponents, Trabuco Hills and San Clemente, at the end. The Hawks won both matches by a combined scored of 115-19.

“That was the second match in a row that we have wrestled real well,” Laguna Hills coach Cliff Jarmie said. “Guys are down to their competitive weight classes and starting to round into form. I like the improvement and progress we’ve been making.”

Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com