Calvary Chapels' McIntosh still reigns at Five Counties

FOUNTAIN VALLEY – Every year, the Five Counties Invitational has served as a precursor to the CIF State Tournament in March.

That might not be the case this year with several of the state's top teams choosing to sit out this year. However, what can't be argued is who the wrestler to beat is in the 189-pound weight class.

Calvary Chapel's Morgan McIntosh dominated his opposition in that weight class this weekend at Fountain Valley High, concluding the night with a 21-8 major decision victory over Jesus Ambriz of Rancho Buena Vista of Vista on Saturday night.

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Leading into the finals, McIntosh, ranked No. 1 in the state and a two-time state champion, had won his first four matches by fall.

His victory over Ambriz sealed his third consecutive Five Counties title, winning last year at 189 and as a sophomore at 171.

His workout partner, Tank Knowles of Calvary Chapel, won his second consecutive Five Counties title with a 12-5 victory over Chris Auxier of Northview.

Servite again turned in a strong performance, finishing third, highest among all county schools. The Friars placed third with 141.5 points, six behind second-place Selma.

Wyatt Baker of Servite won by first-period fall over Robert Chism of Downey in the finals at heavyweight. The victory was sweet for Baker who lost in the finals last year to Drew Meulman.

Baker capped the tournament with Upper Weight MVP honors, winning five matches by fall.

"That's quite an accomplishment," Servite coach Alan Clinton said of Baker. "He's finally getting in wrestling shape and conditioning."

Baker's teammate Luke McDonald (135) lost in the finals to Alex Aniciete of Las Vegas.

Gianpier Yanez finished third at 152 and Colin Contreras was fifth at 119 for the Friars.

"This was a great test for us, a great measuring stick," Clinton said. "You're wrestling the best hear."

It was Marina's Alex Anunciation who scored one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, when he defeated Shayne Tucker of Bella Vista, 6-2 in the finals at 130. Tucker is ranked third in the state at 130. Tucker went 4-2 at last year's state tournament.

Calvary Chapel had two other medalists. Adam Alvarado was third at 112 and Aaron Negrete (125), who was eighth.

Laguna Hills' Frankie Arounvong lost in the 119 finals. The Hawks had four other wrestlers win medals. Blake Lowrie (125), Miguel Ramirez (135) and Andrew Alcantara (215) were fifth. Mike Longo finished sixth at 130.

Santa Ana had four medalists. Johnny Sanchez, Sammy Cano (125) and Richard Vargas (130) were all fourth at their weights. Jorge Gutierrez was sixth at 140.

Dean O'Bourke (Fountain Valley) was third at 119 pounds. David Meza (Buena Park) was third at 140.

Antonio Calavitta (Esperanza) was fourth at 135 and Keanu Tom (Los Alamitos) was sixth.

Paul Yoo (Cypress) was third at 189, with Juan Hernandez (Capistrano Valley) placing eighth.

At 215 pounds, Elder Cruz (La Habra) was fourth and Tyler Smith (Marina) finished sixth.

Carl Hulick (Esperanza) was sixth and David Trujillo (Villa Park) was eighth at heavyweight.

Bryan Seefried (Dana Hills) placed fifth at 145 and Spencer Theissen (Villa Park) was seventh at 152.