Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Clovis' Rhiley Williams and West Las Vegas' Edward Lopez squared off in a back and forth match in the 138-pound division that would eventually lead to Clovis' lone win over West Las Vegas.
Tristan Martinez from West Las Vegas dominates Clovis' Michael Tree while searching for arm and wrist control in the 160-pound division.
CLOVIS - West Las Vegas came in with a less-than-full roster on Saturday, but the Dons were able to hold off Clovis High's first-year boys program in a 37-27 victory at Rock Staubus Gym.
West Las Vegas had to forfeit four weight classes between 145 and 182 pounds, and actually trailed the Wildcats 27-25 at that point. But the Dons got first-period pins from Juan Martinez at 220 and Francisco Villa-Lopez at heavyweight to finish out the dual.
CHS coach Eric Zottneck said his squad competed well, for the most part.
"I thought it was going to be a blowout, but it wasn't," he said. "We held our own."
West won the first four matches, three by pin, to claim an early 21-0 lead. Clovis' only win on the mat came at 138 pounds, where freshman Rhiley Williams defeated the Dons' Edward Lopez 11-6.
Neither side had an entry at either 106 or 195.
The Cats were coming off a 58-15 loss at Roswell High on Jan. 11.
"It was a complete turnaround from Roswell," Zottneck said. "Our boys were ready to wrestle today."
The Cats, whose 24-man roster includes four eighth-graders and eight freshmen, are next slated to compete in District 4-5A duals at Roswell High on Feb. 5. The 4-5A district meet is scheduled for Carlsbad a week later, with Class 5A state competition set for Feb. 18-19 in Albuquerque.
