By Ben Stroup
Liberty and Hayes aren’t just two of the top wrestling teams in Delaware County, the programs are two of the best Central Ohio has to offer — a fact that was certainly on display over the weekend.
The Patriots and host Pacers dominated Saturday’s Delaware Duals, combining to win seven of their eight showdowns.
Liberty captured the crown by finishing a perfect 4-0. Hayes was right behind at 3-1. Its lone loss: a 36-25 setback at the hands of the Patriots in the second round.
The dual between the county rivals was easily the best of the day. The Patriots’ lightweights did the bulk of their damage while the Pacers made their statement in the heavier classes.
Liberty winners included Luke Blaine (106), who slipped past Hayes’ Zach Williams 10-7; Jordan Rosselli (120), who edged James White IV 5-4; Kris Volpe (126), who pinned King in 1:07; Zach Furnas (132), who outlasted Jalill Barnes 6-4; Connor Brady (138), who pinned Baker in 45 seconds; Connor Thomas (160), who beat Garrett Young 3-1; and Cole Fitzpatrick (182), who pinned Jakota Carter in 1:54.
The Pacers, meanwhile, got wins from Ian Mayberry (145), who pinned Liberty’s Kyle Stewart in 2:53; Greg Brusco (152), who handled Trey Grenier 15-2; Max Wright (170), who beat Trevor Lawson 3-2; Carter Davidson (195), who beat Ezenekwe 9-5; Chris Martinez (220), who pinned Josh Fisher in 1:41; and Paul Lance (285), who beat Andrew Crooks 8-6.
Hayes beat Dublin Scioto 56-15 while Liberty powered past Lancaster 46-24 in the first round. The Patriots beat Springboro 51-21 in the third round, the Pacers hammered Lancaster 48-27 in the fourth and Liberty beat Scioto 71-15 while Hayes dominated Springboro 60-17 in the fifth and final round.
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Follow Ben Stroup on Twitter @delgazette_ben.
