Farmington wrestlers enter districts on winning note

By MATT KING\Daily Journal Sports Writer

FARMINGTON - The Farmington Knights claimed victories in 11 of 13 contested matches on the home mats during Senior Night on Tuesday, and built momentum for the upcoming Class 3, District 1 tournament with a 50-17 win over De Soto.

The evening was highlighted by a pair of victories for both Farmington seniors. Kevin King (145) stayed in command to earn a 10-3 decision in his match, while Cody Amsden (171) turned near defeat into a sudden pin at 1:55 with a quick reversal from his back late in the first period.

At 112, Joey Newland kept his perfect record for the season in tact, moving to 41-0 with a decisive win by fall in 49 seconds. Freshman Craig Wilson (119) scored a series of takedowns to earn a 22-5 tech fall, improving his individual mark to 38-2.

Farmington (7-2) quickly wrapped up the team victory by winning the ensuing six contests. Nick Hoehn (125) picked up an 8-5 decision, Max Robinson won by fall in 1:39, and Justin Hill (135) was a winner with a 7-4 decision.

Michael Zaricor (140) continued the trend of early falls by pinning his opponent in 1:09. Following King's win at 145, Scott Kaligian pulled out a 6-5 decision with a key escape in the final seconds of the 152 match.

Tyler Epstein (189) finished off his opponent by fall in 1:20 and Jacob Hise (215) battled for a 3-2 decision to give the Knights two additional wins.

Eric Koppeis (160) lost by a 21-4 tech fall and Kyle Haywood was pinned at the 1:02 mark to account for 11 of De Soto's points. The other six came from a Farmington forfeit at 103.

The Knights will host 12 other teams in the district tournament at the Farmington Civic Center with action beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday and resuming at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Among the schools competing are conference foes North County, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston and Cape Central.