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EC Glass Quad
The 09-10 season began for the Cavaliers in the Hill City taking on the
HillToppers in the opening match of a tri meet. Like last season the Cavs won
but unlike last year the match was a 36-30 escape. Winners for the black and
red were freshman Ford Carmack, who began his young career with a 10-6 win,
and Jacob Knight who pinned his female opponent. Other winners were Josh
Grant, Josh Bowyer, Forrest Speake, Colt Gaylor and Keith Loveday.
Up next on the night was GW Danville whom the Cavs beat back 41-25.
Freshman James "Rampage" Jackson won his first match by decision while
Loveday, Gaylor, Knight, Will Drinkard, Adam Davis, and Cox all contributed to
the cause. Match of the night may have belonged to Alex Cox who trailed late
then tied the score and with 27 seconds left in the match was told by coaches
to cut his opponent to try and score the decisive takedown which Alex did with
about 5 seconds remaining. Forrest Speake also had a tough 16-8 loss that
would have been a win had he another minute as his conditioning was far
superior to his opponent.
Last up on the night was the Raiders of Appomattox. Having never lost to the
Raiders, the Cavs thought it best not to start now, winning 45-30. The Cavs won
on the strength of falls by Grant, Cox, Bowyer, Speake, Knight, and Jackson,
aided by forfeits to Loveday and Gaylor and a decision by Drinkard.
The Cavs entered the day with zero losses and ended the day with the same,
they only added in the left hand column with 3...a good, not great, start to the
year. However, it's not how you start but how you finish.
The 09-10 season began for the Cavaliers in the Hill City taking on the
HillToppers in the opening match of a tri meet. Like last season the Cavs won
but unlike last year the match was a 36-30 escape. Winners for the black and
red were freshman Ford Carmack, who began his young career with a 10-6 win,
and Jacob Knight who pinned his female opponent. Other winners were Josh
Grant, Josh Bowyer, Forrest Speake, Colt Gaylor and Keith Loveday.
Up next on the night was GW Danville whom the Cavs beat back 41-25.
Freshman James "Rampage" Jackson won his first match by decision while
Loveday, Gaylor, Knight, Will Drinkard, Adam Davis, and Cox all contributed to
the cause. Match of the night may have belonged to Alex Cox who trailed late
then tied the score and with 27 seconds left in the match was told by coaches
to cut his opponent to try and score the decisive takedown which Alex did with
about 5 seconds remaining. Forrest Speake also had a tough 16-8 loss that
would have been a win had he another minute as his conditioning was far
superior to his opponent.
Last up on the night was the Raiders of Appomattox. Having never lost to the
Raiders, the Cavs thought it best not to start now, winning 45-30. The Cavs won
on the strength of falls by Grant, Cox, Bowyer, Speake, Knight, and Jackson,
aided by forfeits to Loveday and Gaylor and a decision by Drinkard.
The Cavs entered the day with zero losses and ended the day with the same,
they only added in the left hand column with 3...a good, not great, start to the
year. However, it's not how you start but how you finish.
Five Forks Duals
For the 2nd straight season the Cavs travelled to Dinwiddie to mix it up with the
AAA boys. And for the 2nd straight season, they came away with a 3rd place
finish. Under the new format the Cavs faced off aginst Nansemond River and
throttled them 51-27. Then for the 2nd year the Cavs were handed their 1st loss
of the season by Midlothian...only this time it was slightly more humiliating in a
15-55 thrashing. The Cavs bounced back beating Halifax rather convincingly
though making them look better than they were in the 50-20 win. That was
followed by a 20 point loss to JR Tucker, 25 - 45, putting the Cavs into the 3rd
place match with the host team. Southern hospitality and all, Dinwiddie allowed
the Cavs to take the match with a 45 - 30 win.
Their were several great performances throughout the day...James, Jacob,
Alex, and the two Josh's, Grant and Bowyer, each went 4-1. Again match of the
day may have belonged to Alex Cox, who battled from behind to tie his match
late in the 3rd , only to lose in sudden victory vs. Midlothian. For Josh Grant's
efforts, wrestling both 189/215(not at the same time), the coaches awarded him
team "Outstanding Wrestler".
For the 2nd straight season the Cavs travelled to Dinwiddie to mix it up with the
AAA boys. And for the 2nd straight season, they came away with a 3rd place
finish. Under the new format the Cavs faced off aginst Nansemond River and
throttled them 51-27. Then for the 2nd year the Cavs were handed their 1st loss
of the season by Midlothian...only this time it was slightly more humiliating in a
15-55 thrashing. The Cavs bounced back beating Halifax rather convincingly
though making them look better than they were in the 50-20 win. That was
followed by a 20 point loss to JR Tucker, 25 - 45, putting the Cavs into the 3rd
place match with the host team. Southern hospitality and all, Dinwiddie allowed
the Cavs to take the match with a 45 - 30 win.
Their were several great performances throughout the day...James, Jacob,
Alex, and the two Josh's, Grant and Bowyer, each went 4-1. Again match of the
day may have belonged to Alex Cox, who battled from behind to tie his match
late in the 3rd , only to lose in sudden victory vs. Midlothian. For Josh Grant's
efforts, wrestling both 189/215(not at the same time), the coaches awarded him
team "Outstanding Wrestler".
Rustburg Invitational
The JF crew travelled to Rustburg looking to beat up some lackluster
competition and did so quite convincingly. The Cavs sent along the JV squad to
get some action in place of Cumberlands and the back ups showed quite well
placing 5 of nine with a record of 36-36 with 21 wins by fall. John Ayers (6-3/6)
took 4th, Keith Loveday (5-0/4) took 3rd, 1st year wrestler David Glenn (5- 4/3)
took 4th, Adam Davis (4-5/4) was 4th, and Grant Sexton (4-5/0) was 3rd. Others
contributing to the cause were Harley Sevik(4-5/1), Cody Loveday(3-2/1), Garrett
Neal (4-5/2), and first year wrestler LJ Jones (1-8/0).
The varsity ran the table to near perfection with a 9-0 record and a 74-15
individual record with 58 wins coming via the fall. Winning 1st place honors
were Will Drinkard (9-0/7), Tommy Neal (9-0/4), and Bobby Peterson (8-1/5).
Grabbing 2nd place for the Cavs were James Jackson (8-1/8), Josh Grant (8-1/8),
Caleb Prather (8-1/6), Alex Cox (8-1/6), Blake Woodall (8-1/4), Josh Bowyer
(8-1/3), and Forrest Speake (7-2/6). Ashton Short, who has been wrestling for all
of two days was 5-4/0) finishing 4th, with freshman Ran Roberson earning his
first varsity win with a fall over Nottaway and finished 3-6.
With the whitewash of the competition, the Cavs have upped their season dual
record to 15-2.
The JF crew travelled to Rustburg looking to beat up some lackluster
competition and did so quite convincingly. The Cavs sent along the JV squad to
get some action in place of Cumberlands and the back ups showed quite well
placing 5 of nine with a record of 36-36 with 21 wins by fall. John Ayers (6-3/6)
took 4th, Keith Loveday (5-0/4) took 3rd, 1st year wrestler David Glenn (5- 4/3)
took 4th, Adam Davis (4-5/4) was 4th, and Grant Sexton (4-5/0) was 3rd. Others
contributing to the cause were Harley Sevik(4-5/1), Cody Loveday(3-2/1), Garrett
Neal (4-5/2), and first year wrestler LJ Jones (1-8/0).
The varsity ran the table to near perfection with a 9-0 record and a 74-15
individual record with 58 wins coming via the fall. Winning 1st place honors
were Will Drinkard (9-0/7), Tommy Neal (9-0/4), and Bobby Peterson (8-1/5).
Grabbing 2nd place for the Cavs were James Jackson (8-1/8), Josh Grant (8-1/8),
Caleb Prather (8-1/6), Alex Cox (8-1/6), Blake Woodall (8-1/4), Josh Bowyer
(8-1/3), and Forrest Speake (7-2/6). Ashton Short, who has been wrestling for all
of two days was 5-4/0) finishing 4th, with freshman Ran Roberson earning his
first varsity win with a fall over Nottaway and finished 3-6.
With the whitewash of the competition, the Cavs have upped their season dual
record to 15-2.
Rustburg Dual
Those Red Devils of Rustburg came north to take on the rough and ready
Cavaliers and in the end may have wished to have stayed home. The
black-n-red made quick work of the young and inexperienced Red Devil squad
with a dominating 62-15 beat down.
The night began with Rustburg sending out their best grappler to tangle with
Josh Bowyer, who had already beaten Garner only days before. The match was
hard fought throughout but Josh was able to win a 11-1 major decision to give
the Cavs a 4-0 lead. Up next for the Cavs was Garrett Neal who was filling in for
Alex Cox who was out with impetigo...and fill in nicely he did with a dominating
15-0 tech fall. Older brother Tommy followed but chose not to take too much
time when he earned a fall in 20 seconds. Adam Davis would loose a decision in
the next match before Josh "Ginger" Grant ended his match late in the first
period with yet another fall. At heavyweight, underweight freshman Ryan
Roberson lost by fall. The Cavs took 103 with a forfeit while giving those 6
points right back with a forfeit at 112. At 119 Iron Will Drinkard secured another
first period fall to keep the Cavs rolling. Blake Woodall followed that with a 3rd
period fall. James "Rampage" Jackson decided to make quick work of his
opponent gaining a late first period fall. Keith Loveday scored a fall midway
through his match before Jacob Knight took a forfeit at 140. Captain America
finished the night with yet another 1st period fall. The win brings the Cavs
season record to 16-2.
Those Red Devils of Rustburg came north to take on the rough and ready
Cavaliers and in the end may have wished to have stayed home. The
black-n-red made quick work of the young and inexperienced Red Devil squad
with a dominating 62-15 beat down.
The night began with Rustburg sending out their best grappler to tangle with
Josh Bowyer, who had already beaten Garner only days before. The match was
hard fought throughout but Josh was able to win a 11-1 major decision to give
the Cavs a 4-0 lead. Up next for the Cavs was Garrett Neal who was filling in for
Alex Cox who was out with impetigo...and fill in nicely he did with a dominating
15-0 tech fall. Older brother Tommy followed but chose not to take too much
time when he earned a fall in 20 seconds. Adam Davis would loose a decision in
the next match before Josh "Ginger" Grant ended his match late in the first
period with yet another fall. At heavyweight, underweight freshman Ryan
Roberson lost by fall. The Cavs took 103 with a forfeit while giving those 6
points right back with a forfeit at 112. At 119 Iron Will Drinkard secured another
first period fall to keep the Cavs rolling. Blake Woodall followed that with a 3rd
period fall. James "Rampage" Jackson decided to make quick work of his
opponent gaining a late first period fall. Keith Loveday scored a fall midway
through his match before Jacob Knight took a forfeit at 140. Captain America
finished the night with yet another 1st period fall. The win brings the Cavs
season record to 16-2.
Spencer Chang Memorial
After having had the Marion date snowed out, the Cavs picked up a dual
tournament in Martinsville. At the behest of Hutch, the black-n-red faced off
against AAA power Franklin County. Starting out in the meat of their order, the
Eagles hammered Josh Bowyer and Alex Cox before Tommy Neal stepped up
to defeat AAA ranked opponent 8-7. The win was the 100th of his career joining
Adam McGeoch (160), Jarrett Payne (132), Brandon Beemer(129*), and Chris
Bowyer(119) as the only known JF wrestlers with 100 wins. The final score with
FC Eagles was 18-57. Also earning wins were Forrest (7-6), Will Drinkard (fall),
and Josh Grant (fall). The Cavs then went on a roll winning four straight
matches, defeating WM Byrd (44-28)...the Cavs trailed 3-28 after seven matches
before reeling off 41 unanswered points on the strength of WBF by Blake
Woodall, Jacob Knight, Forrest Speake, Josh Bowyer, Alex Cox, and Tommy
Neal. Keith Loveday contributed a tech fall and Josh Grant began the meet with
a decision.
The Cavs then took care of Lord Botetourt (48-27) and Martinsville (48-22). The
black and red gave up 18 points in several matches and 12 in others due to
forfeits at 103, 285, and 130 when James Jackson missed weight.
Top performers for the day were Josh Grant 5-0 with 4 WBF, Forrest Speake 5-0
with 2 WBF, Tommy Neal 5-0 1 WBF, Josh Bowyer 4-1 with 4 WBF, and Blake
Woodall 4-1 with 2 WBF.
The Cavs upped their season record to 20-3 with all 3 losses to tough AAA
teams.
After having had the Marion date snowed out, the Cavs picked up a dual
tournament in Martinsville. At the behest of Hutch, the black-n-red faced off
against AAA power Franklin County. Starting out in the meat of their order, the
Eagles hammered Josh Bowyer and Alex Cox before Tommy Neal stepped up
to defeat AAA ranked opponent 8-7. The win was the 100th of his career joining
Adam McGeoch (160), Jarrett Payne (132), Brandon Beemer(129*), and Chris
Bowyer(119) as the only known JF wrestlers with 100 wins. The final score with
FC Eagles was 18-57. Also earning wins were Forrest (7-6), Will Drinkard (fall),
and Josh Grant (fall). The Cavs then went on a roll winning four straight
matches, defeating WM Byrd (44-28)...the Cavs trailed 3-28 after seven matches
before reeling off 41 unanswered points on the strength of WBF by Blake
Woodall, Jacob Knight, Forrest Speake, Josh Bowyer, Alex Cox, and Tommy
Neal. Keith Loveday contributed a tech fall and Josh Grant began the meet with
a decision.
The Cavs then took care of Lord Botetourt (48-27) and Martinsville (48-22). The
black and red gave up 18 points in several matches and 12 in others due to
forfeits at 103, 285, and 130 when James Jackson missed weight.
Top performers for the day were Josh Grant 5-0 with 4 WBF, Forrest Speake 5-0
with 2 WBF, Tommy Neal 5-0 1 WBF, Josh Bowyer 4-1 with 4 WBF, and Blake
Woodall 4-1 with 2 WBF.
The Cavs upped their season record to 20-3 with all 3 losses to tough AAA
teams.
LCA Invitational
The black-n-red squad partook in the LCA Invitational and represented
themselves quite well placing a distant 2nd (253.5) to AAA power Franklin
County (306) but easily outdistanced 3rd place Staunton River (209.5) and the
host team (174.5) was a barely visible 4th in the Cavs rear view mirror.
Pacing the Cavs were finalists Will, Blake, Caleb, and Tommy. Will and Tommy
would lose tough contests while Blake and Caleb took their lumps. Finishing 3rd
for JF was Josh, Forrest, and Josh while Ford, Colt, and Alex fell to 4th with
James and Chris Peltier fighting back to 5th place finishes.
The Cavs record for the day was 42-19 (68.852%) with 36 (85.714%) WBF and
one tech fall. The two Josh's led the way with 5 WBF apiece while Forrest
decked 4...in each case all wins were by fall. Caleb Prather was the suprise of
the day when as an unseeded wrestler he made the finals by pinning the 3rd
and 2nd seeds. Chris Peltier, after only 2 days of practice made his way into the
semi-finals on his way to a 5th place finish.
The coaches were very pleased with the effort and overall performance of the
team. At least two opposing coaches were also sufficiently impressed to
comment to the JF coaches that they wished their kids had the heart that the JF
kids had.
The black-n-red squad partook in the LCA Invitational and represented
themselves quite well placing a distant 2nd (253.5) to AAA power Franklin
County (306) but easily outdistanced 3rd place Staunton River (209.5) and the
host team (174.5) was a barely visible 4th in the Cavs rear view mirror.
Pacing the Cavs were finalists Will, Blake, Caleb, and Tommy. Will and Tommy
would lose tough contests while Blake and Caleb took their lumps. Finishing 3rd
for JF was Josh, Forrest, and Josh while Ford, Colt, and Alex fell to 4th with
James and Chris Peltier fighting back to 5th place finishes.
The Cavs record for the day was 42-19 (68.852%) with 36 (85.714%) WBF and
one tech fall. The two Josh's led the way with 5 WBF apiece while Forrest
decked 4...in each case all wins were by fall. Caleb Prather was the suprise of
the day when as an unseeded wrestler he made the finals by pinning the 3rd
and 2nd seeds. Chris Peltier, after only 2 days of practice made his way into the
semi-finals on his way to a 5th place finish.
The coaches were very pleased with the effort and overall performance of the
team. At least two opposing coaches were also sufficiently impressed to
comment to the JF coaches that they wished their kids had the heart that the JF
kids had.
Heritage Dual
The Heritage Pioneers came to town with an undermanned squad and paid a
heavy price in doing so. Starting with forfeits at 112, 119, and 125, the Cavs
began the beat down with James earing a workman like 9-3 decision at 130
before Caleb, Colt, Josh Bowyer, Alex, Tommy all won by fall. Mixed in with
that run of falls was a forfeit to Forrest. Josh Grant them had to injury default
before another forfeit to Ryan gave the Cavs their final total. Chris lost a tight
decision at 285 to make the final 57-9.
The Heritage Pioneers came to town with an undermanned squad and paid a
heavy price in doing so. Starting with forfeits at 112, 119, and 125, the Cavs
began the beat down with James earing a workman like 9-3 decision at 130
before Caleb, Colt, Josh Bowyer, Alex, Tommy all won by fall. Mixed in with
that run of falls was a forfeit to Forrest. Josh Grant them had to injury default
before another forfeit to Ryan gave the Cavs their final total. Chris lost a tight
decision at 285 to make the final 57-9.
Coca-Cola Classic
The Cavs began the day versus RE Lee and put a hurting on them 47-24. Getting
wins for the Cavs were Will, Caleb, Forrest, Josh (7- 4 over state ranked
Bendler), Alex, Tommy, Josh, and Ryan. Next up was a scrappy Appomattox
team who put up a good fight but fell 59- 24. Winners were Will, James, Caleb,
Jacob, Forrest, Josh, Alex, Josh, and Chris.
These were just warm-ups to the real test 3rd ranked perennial state power
Grundy. Despite their reputation, the young Cavs went hard in all matches.
Despite this effort, however, the Cavs came up on the short end of a 57- 15
score. Winning by fall were the two Josh's while Chris added a decision.
The final match- up of the day was with always tough James Woods. After a 2
plus hour wait the Cavs came out swining with wins in four out of the 1st 5
matches. James earned a hard fought decision before Caleb fell. But then the
Cavs went on a 3 match mini pin streak with falls by Jacob, Forrest, an Josh to
give the black and red a 21- 4 lead. The final would be 44 - 21.
The Cavs began the day versus RE Lee and put a hurting on them 47-24. Getting
wins for the Cavs were Will, Caleb, Forrest, Josh (7- 4 over state ranked
Bendler), Alex, Tommy, Josh, and Ryan. Next up was a scrappy Appomattox
team who put up a good fight but fell 59- 24. Winners were Will, James, Caleb,
Jacob, Forrest, Josh, Alex, Josh, and Chris.
These were just warm-ups to the real test 3rd ranked perennial state power
Grundy. Despite their reputation, the young Cavs went hard in all matches.
Despite this effort, however, the Cavs came up on the short end of a 57- 15
score. Winning by fall were the two Josh's while Chris added a decision.
The final match- up of the day was with always tough James Woods. After a 2
plus hour wait the Cavs came out swining with wins in four out of the 1st 5
matches. James earned a hard fought decision before Caleb fell. But then the
Cavs went on a 3 match mini pin streak with falls by Jacob, Forrest, an Josh to
give the black and red a 21- 4 lead. The final would be 44 - 21.
Amherst Dual
The Cavs travelled to ACHS the site of the black and red's near perfect 81 - 0
whitewash of the Lancers. This time around the Amherstonians were ready and
fought a tough battle but fell 48 - 24. Getting wins by fall were Forrest, Josh,
Tommy, Chris, Will, and James. Josh Grant added a tech fall while Alex chipped
in with a major decision and Caleb threw in another three. The most excitement
came in the 130 weight class were Rampage Jackson earned a fall while trailing
in points. This match is the perfect example of never say die attitude the
coaches are looking for.
The Cavs travelled to ACHS the site of the black and red's near perfect 81 - 0
whitewash of the Lancers. This time around the Amherstonians were ready and
fought a tough battle but fell 48 - 24. Getting wins by fall were Forrest, Josh,
Tommy, Chris, Will, and James. Josh Grant added a tech fall while Alex chipped
in with a major decision and Caleb threw in another three. The most excitement
came in the 130 weight class were Rampage Jackson earned a fall while trailing
in points. This match is the perfect example of never say die attitude the
coaches are looking for.
Brookville Dual
It was business as usual for the Brookville Bees who thought it would be nice if
they could start another 39 year streak and did so poste haste and left little
doubt that they were serious. Coach Shuler, ala Hutch, strategically shuffled his
lineup and came away with a humiliating domination of the Cavs. Beginning
with 285, Shuler bumped his stud 215 to face Chris Peltier...it was over in the
midway through the 2nd. After a forfeit at 103, Poore made quick work of Ford
Carmack before Will Drinkard put the black and red on the board with a 2nd
period fall at 119. That would be it for a while as the Bees dropped the hammer
on the middle of the JF lineup and came away with a tech fall over James
Jackson at 130, a forfeit at 135, a decision over Caleb Prather at 140, before a fall
over Bobby Peterson at 145, and yet another decision at 152 over Josh Bowyer
before another fall over Alex Cox at 160. The Seniors took over at 171 and 189
when Tommy Neal scored a major decision over Bruffy, who simply tried to not
get pinned, and then Josh Grant followed that with a first period pin. The Bees
would also get a fall a 215 over Ryan Roberson. The final score was 59 - 16.
It was business as usual for the Brookville Bees who thought it would be nice if
they could start another 39 year streak and did so poste haste and left little
doubt that they were serious. Coach Shuler, ala Hutch, strategically shuffled his
lineup and came away with a humiliating domination of the Cavs. Beginning
with 285, Shuler bumped his stud 215 to face Chris Peltier...it was over in the
midway through the 2nd. After a forfeit at 103, Poore made quick work of Ford
Carmack before Will Drinkard put the black and red on the board with a 2nd
period fall at 119. That would be it for a while as the Bees dropped the hammer
on the middle of the JF lineup and came away with a tech fall over James
Jackson at 130, a forfeit at 135, a decision over Caleb Prather at 140, before a fall
over Bobby Peterson at 145, and yet another decision at 152 over Josh Bowyer
before another fall over Alex Cox at 160. The Seniors took over at 171 and 189
when Tommy Neal scored a major decision over Bruffy, who simply tried to not
get pinned, and then Josh Grant followed that with a first period pin. The Bees
would also get a fall a 215 over Ryan Roberson. The final score was 59 - 16.
Powhatan Duals
The Powhatan Duals got underway the same way 5 Forks Duals had the year
before...a wandering route to the school. However, once there the
undermanned Cavs took care of business...for the most part. The host team was
first on the docket and the black & red jumped out to a 38 - 0 lead on the power
of quick falls by Forrest & Josh followed by a tech fall by Alex before Garrett
took a forfeit. Tommy chipped in a 5 - 1 decision while Josh Grant and Ryan
both tallied WBF.
The Indians came storming back to close within 38-33, but James sealed the win
with a hard fought 5 - 2 decision. Final 41 - 33.
Next up was York, which turned out to be a nip and tuck match throughout the
dual. York came out on top 36 - 34 due to a strategy back fire. Forrest, Alex, &
Ryan benefited from forfeits while Josh notched a fall, Tommy earned a maj.
decision, and Will picked up a 3rd period fall.
The Cavs then took on Orange and fought a hard battle to eke out a 45 - 30 win.
Triumphant Cavs were, Forrest, Josh, & Will by fall while Tommy, Josh, &
James chipped in with decisions. Again James earned a hard fought decision
when he earned a late takedown to seal a 6 - 4 win.
Manchester was the next foe for the black & red. The final score was 39 - 33.
Getting wins for the Cavs were, Forrest, Ford, Will, & Cody (forfeits.) Tommy
would add a decision while Alex and Josh Grant added WBF.
Fluvanna represented the final opponent of the day. After and extended wait the
black & red were ready to get things going. Ford and Will started things off with
WBF and James continued his late match herois scoring late to secure a 5-4
win. Josh Grant would get yet another WBF to end the day and Ryan got an
easy 6 with a forfeit to end the 39-37 win. The Cavs finished 2nd with a 4 - 1
record. Had the strategy versus York not Back fired the Cavs would have taken
1st.
The Powhatan Duals got underway the same way 5 Forks Duals had the year
before...a wandering route to the school. However, once there the
undermanned Cavs took care of business...for the most part. The host team was
first on the docket and the black & red jumped out to a 38 - 0 lead on the power
of quick falls by Forrest & Josh followed by a tech fall by Alex before Garrett
took a forfeit. Tommy chipped in a 5 - 1 decision while Josh Grant and Ryan
both tallied WBF.
The Indians came storming back to close within 38-33, but James sealed the win
with a hard fought 5 - 2 decision. Final 41 - 33.
Next up was York, which turned out to be a nip and tuck match throughout the
dual. York came out on top 36 - 34 due to a strategy back fire. Forrest, Alex, &
Ryan benefited from forfeits while Josh notched a fall, Tommy earned a maj.
decision, and Will picked up a 3rd period fall.
The Cavs then took on Orange and fought a hard battle to eke out a 45 - 30 win.
Triumphant Cavs were, Forrest, Josh, & Will by fall while Tommy, Josh, &
James chipped in with decisions. Again James earned a hard fought decision
when he earned a late takedown to seal a 6 - 4 win.
Manchester was the next foe for the black & red. The final score was 39 - 33.
Getting wins for the Cavs were, Forrest, Ford, Will, & Cody (forfeits.) Tommy
would add a decision while Alex and Josh Grant added WBF.
Fluvanna represented the final opponent of the day. After and extended wait the
black & red were ready to get things going. Ford and Will started things off with
WBF and James continued his late match herois scoring late to secure a 5-4
win. Josh Grant would get yet another WBF to end the day and Ryan got an
easy 6 with a forfeit to end the 39-37 win. The Cavs finished 2nd with a 4 - 1
record. Had the strategy versus York not Back fired the Cavs would have taken
1st.
Bedford County Championship
Liberty hosted the Cavs and Staunton River and faced off against the black &
red first. The minutemen played gracious hosts allowing the Cavs to lay a beat
down to the tune of 63 - 9. Josh Grant got things going with a fall and Ryan
followed suit. Forfeits to Ford, Will, and Blake made things much easier for the
Cavs. James conitnued his cardiac kid appraoch to wrestling when he pulled a
mild upset with a sudden Victory win over Jordan Eubank. Caleb and colt
earned WBF to keep the shutout going. Forrest, however, fell 4 - 0 to Liberty's
returning All State Justin Eubank. The Bowyer/Sheppard feud continues as Josh
got a 1st period fall. Alex would gain a win via injury default. Cam Hoback
caught Tommy out of position and earned a quick pin to end the match.
Next up was the senior laden always tough Golden Eagles. The night would end
with the Cavs on the short end of a 41 - 30 score. Getting WBF for the black &
red were the two Josh's, and Ford. Also contributing with forfeits were Will and
Chris.
So ended the Cavs Regular season...30-8. Still good but not great.
Liberty hosted the Cavs and Staunton River and faced off against the black &
red first. The minutemen played gracious hosts allowing the Cavs to lay a beat
down to the tune of 63 - 9. Josh Grant got things going with a fall and Ryan
followed suit. Forfeits to Ford, Will, and Blake made things much easier for the
Cavs. James conitnued his cardiac kid appraoch to wrestling when he pulled a
mild upset with a sudden Victory win over Jordan Eubank. Caleb and colt
earned WBF to keep the shutout going. Forrest, however, fell 4 - 0 to Liberty's
returning All State Justin Eubank. The Bowyer/Sheppard feud continues as Josh
got a 1st period fall. Alex would gain a win via injury default. Cam Hoback
caught Tommy out of position and earned a quick pin to end the match.
Next up was the senior laden always tough Golden Eagles. The night would end
with the Cavs on the short end of a 41 - 30 score. Getting WBF for the black &
red were the two Josh's, and Ford. Also contributing with forfeits were Will and
Chris.
So ended the Cavs Regular season...30-8. Still good but not great.
Region III
After the Seminole was cancelled due to inclement weather, the Region III went
off without a hitch, weather-wise. The black & red would bring 10 wrestlers to
compete, and compete they did. Though many lost out, for the most part, there
was no lack of effort. Notable performances in losses were Ford's 4-0
consolation loss, Will's finals loss, "Thunder" & Blake's semi-final losses,
Caleb's 7-6 loss to Choate, and James' major decision loss to Ziglar of TA.
Will had a great run with 2 falls and a 5 - 4 semi-final win over Lam of Broadway
whom many had penciled in as a finalist. Tommy chose a hard path with 3
decisions including a o.t. semi-final that went to the "rideout". JF got a "new"
wrestler at 160 when Alex was replaced by "Thunder" Cox, who would have a
phenomenal tournament by winning 2 matches by fall and 2 decisions,
including avenging a recent loss.
Josh Bowyer fell to 4th place with some disappointment but still became a state
qualifier, which is the main goal. Josh did win all 3 matches by fall. Josh Grant,
who would end his career the way he performed much of the year with a first
round fall, but it was in the 5th place match. Blake and James would both finish
6th. On a career note Will's next win will be the 100th of his career.
After the Seminole was cancelled due to inclement weather, the Region III went
off without a hitch, weather-wise. The black & red would bring 10 wrestlers to
compete, and compete they did. Though many lost out, for the most part, there
was no lack of effort. Notable performances in losses were Ford's 4-0
consolation loss, Will's finals loss, "Thunder" & Blake's semi-final losses,
Caleb's 7-6 loss to Choate, and James' major decision loss to Ziglar of TA.
Will had a great run with 2 falls and a 5 - 4 semi-final win over Lam of Broadway
whom many had penciled in as a finalist. Tommy chose a hard path with 3
decisions including a o.t. semi-final that went to the "rideout". JF got a "new"
wrestler at 160 when Alex was replaced by "Thunder" Cox, who would have a
phenomenal tournament by winning 2 matches by fall and 2 decisions,
including avenging a recent loss.
Josh Bowyer fell to 4th place with some disappointment but still became a state
qualifier, which is the main goal. Josh did win all 3 matches by fall. Josh Grant,
who would end his career the way he performed much of the year with a first
round fall, but it was in the 5th place match. Blake and James would both finish
6th. On a career note Will's next win will be the 100th of his career.
AA State
Travelling to the Salem Civic Center was a quintet of JF Cavs yearning for their
shot at the podium and glory. Leading the way were Region III finalists senior
Tommy Neal, a returning All State wrestler, and junior 119 Will Drinkard who
was making his 1st trip. Following along were sophomores 152 Josh Bowyer
and 160 Alex Cox. Tagging along was junior 125 Blake Woodall who was entered
as an alternate.
Will Drinkard would get the day started off right when he earned a hard fought 7-
4 decision over Corey Todd of New Kent. The win was special for Will since it
marked the 100th of his career. Blake Woodall, who actually wrestled at the
same time faced off against eventual runner-up Cody Wilson of Tazwell, whom
Blake put a scare into when he held the highly ranked Wilson to his back early
in the match before losing by fall.
Next up for the black and red was Josh Bowyer who squared off with eventual
runner-up Ryan Weinstock of Chancellor. Weinstock would have his way
against the sophomore in winning a tech fall. Alex would follow with a winnable
matchup with Aaron Rowane of Potomac Falls. Alex would fall behind early but
with guts and gas would come storming back only to fall 12 - 8.
Senior Tommy Neal would put the Cavs back on the wins list with a 2nd period
fall over Casey Lewis of New Kent.
With quarter-finalists resting comfortably at the hotel, Blake retook the mats and
fought valiantly in a decision loss to Justin McRee of Grafton. McRee would
score big in the first and hold on for the win as Blake out wrestled him to no
avail over the final two periods.
Josh took to the mats trying to stall the end of his season but failed in doing so
when he lost by fall to Hidden Valley's Jordy Martin. Alex was also trying to
forestall the end of his season but met with the same results as Josh and Blake
as he lost by fall to Peter Ormsby of Chancellor. Though the trio were 2 and out
it should be a valuable experience at the big show and motivation to work hard
and achieve the goal they all set out for and get on the podium next season.
Fresh from an afternoon of lounging at the hotel, Will and Tommy retook the
mats in the championship quarter-finals. Will was tasked with stopping eventual
champion Gage Swartz of James Wood. Will would fight valiantly but ultimately
fall to a 6 - 2 decision. Tommy would also follow suit by engaging the eventual
champion in the form of Sherando's Nick Bakos. Tommy would battle but fall
9 - 2 as Bakos scored a takedown as time expired. Both Will and Tommy would
try to extend their season one more day and ensure All State status in the next
round. Both would do so in dramatic fashion.
Will's match would go into overtime after the referee failed to give Will an
escape near the end of regulation. Will would score a dramatic win when he
took Lord Botetourt's Travis Hodges to his back to secure a fall and All State
status. Tommy would face Faquier's Jake Fahlfeder and eke out a late match
escape and hold on to earn his second straight All State honor.
In the consolation quarters Will would face a familiar foe in Powhatan's Joseph
Girgente, whom he had lost to in two earlier match's. Will, however, believed
that the 3rd time was a charm and took Girgente 7 - 5 in a win the was due to
guts and gas.
Tommy's dream of high placement on the podium was thwarted by Seth Fauver
of James Wood. Fauver would bide his time while trailing 1 - 0 and make a late
move in a strategy that earned him a last second 2 - 1 win.
Will would fall in the consolation semifinals to Matt Graham of Smithfield.
Graham was a title contender who fell in the semifinals to Kennedy of
Blacksburg. Will would then lose an 8 - 3 decision to Freedom/Lodoun's Chuong
Le for a 6th place finish.
Tommy Neal would try to match his previous year's accomplishment but would
fail to do so in a 1 - 0 loss to Pulaski's Matt Bowman. The final two losses were
hard to take for the hobbled senior who would have been no lower than thrid
had he not been injured. As disheartening as it was, Tommy has a bright future
ahead of him. Once free of his impediments he will be able to get back to his
style of wrestling and with better coaching, partners, and facilities,
championship potential.
In the end the Cavs had 2 All State wrestlers for the third straight year and sent
more to the big show than they had in many years. So, again, the question has
to be asked..."Are these guys going to be satisfied with being good or work
hard to become great?" Only time will tell.
Travelling to the Salem Civic Center was a quintet of JF Cavs yearning for their
shot at the podium and glory. Leading the way were Region III finalists senior
Tommy Neal, a returning All State wrestler, and junior 119 Will Drinkard who
was making his 1st trip. Following along were sophomores 152 Josh Bowyer
and 160 Alex Cox. Tagging along was junior 125 Blake Woodall who was entered
as an alternate.
Will Drinkard would get the day started off right when he earned a hard fought 7-
4 decision over Corey Todd of New Kent. The win was special for Will since it
marked the 100th of his career. Blake Woodall, who actually wrestled at the
same time faced off against eventual runner-up Cody Wilson of Tazwell, whom
Blake put a scare into when he held the highly ranked Wilson to his back early
in the match before losing by fall.
Next up for the black and red was Josh Bowyer who squared off with eventual
runner-up Ryan Weinstock of Chancellor. Weinstock would have his way
against the sophomore in winning a tech fall. Alex would follow with a winnable
matchup with Aaron Rowane of Potomac Falls. Alex would fall behind early but
with guts and gas would come storming back only to fall 12 - 8.
Senior Tommy Neal would put the Cavs back on the wins list with a 2nd period
fall over Casey Lewis of New Kent.
With quarter-finalists resting comfortably at the hotel, Blake retook the mats and
fought valiantly in a decision loss to Justin McRee of Grafton. McRee would
score big in the first and hold on for the win as Blake out wrestled him to no
avail over the final two periods.
Josh took to the mats trying to stall the end of his season but failed in doing so
when he lost by fall to Hidden Valley's Jordy Martin. Alex was also trying to
forestall the end of his season but met with the same results as Josh and Blake
as he lost by fall to Peter Ormsby of Chancellor. Though the trio were 2 and out
it should be a valuable experience at the big show and motivation to work hard
and achieve the goal they all set out for and get on the podium next season.
Fresh from an afternoon of lounging at the hotel, Will and Tommy retook the
mats in the championship quarter-finals. Will was tasked with stopping eventual
champion Gage Swartz of James Wood. Will would fight valiantly but ultimately
fall to a 6 - 2 decision. Tommy would also follow suit by engaging the eventual
champion in the form of Sherando's Nick Bakos. Tommy would battle but fall
9 - 2 as Bakos scored a takedown as time expired. Both Will and Tommy would
try to extend their season one more day and ensure All State status in the next
round. Both would do so in dramatic fashion.
Will's match would go into overtime after the referee failed to give Will an
escape near the end of regulation. Will would score a dramatic win when he
took Lord Botetourt's Travis Hodges to his back to secure a fall and All State
status. Tommy would face Faquier's Jake Fahlfeder and eke out a late match
escape and hold on to earn his second straight All State honor.
In the consolation quarters Will would face a familiar foe in Powhatan's Joseph
Girgente, whom he had lost to in two earlier match's. Will, however, believed
that the 3rd time was a charm and took Girgente 7 - 5 in a win the was due to
guts and gas.
Tommy's dream of high placement on the podium was thwarted by Seth Fauver
of James Wood. Fauver would bide his time while trailing 1 - 0 and make a late
move in a strategy that earned him a last second 2 - 1 win.
Will would fall in the consolation semifinals to Matt Graham of Smithfield.
Graham was a title contender who fell in the semifinals to Kennedy of
Blacksburg. Will would then lose an 8 - 3 decision to Freedom/Lodoun's Chuong
Le for a 6th place finish.
Tommy Neal would try to match his previous year's accomplishment but would
fail to do so in a 1 - 0 loss to Pulaski's Matt Bowman. The final two losses were
hard to take for the hobbled senior who would have been no lower than thrid
had he not been injured. As disheartening as it was, Tommy has a bright future
ahead of him. Once free of his impediments he will be able to get back to his
style of wrestling and with better coaching, partners, and facilities,
championship potential.
In the end the Cavs had 2 All State wrestlers for the third straight year and sent
more to the big show than they had in many years. So, again, the question has
to be asked..."Are these guys going to be satisfied with being good or work
hard to become great?" Only time will tell.