By Will Willems
Contributing Writer
INDIANAPOLIS – Third-ranked host Perry Meridian allowed only one of five opponents to reach double figures in scoring Dec. 8 as the Falcons rolled to a perfect 5-0 Quin Duals record that included huge wins over ranked opponents New Palestine and Avon.
Coach Jim Tonte’s Falcons never broke a figurative sweat on the day in blasting through four opponents before posting a decisive 44-12 victory over No. 18 Avon for the team title. Among the four earlier wins was a surprisingly one-sided 54-9 beatdown of sixth-ranked New Palestine that included a suffocating 42-0 lead to start the match.
The Falcons outscored their three unranked victims by an amazing 215-9 count in downing Lake Central 65-4, Lawrence Central 70-3, and Franklin County 80-0.
While Perry Meridian left no doubt about whom the top team was, there also was no doubt that the trio of ranked teams proved they were the class of the field. New Palestine ended up 4-1 with three lopsided victories in placing second, while Avon also won three matches handily to finish third.
But it was an early match of these two titans that ended up determining second place in the team standings behind Perry Meridian. A Round 1 showdown ended with New Pal barely holding off Avon’s upset bid, 30-29. The Dragons also earned wins over Lawrence Central (69-3), Franklin County (66-6), and Lake Central (55-12).
Avon, meanwhile, bounced back in a big way after the opening-round loss to defeat Lake Central 62-5, and the Orioles also posted victories over Franklin County (73-6) and Lawrence Central (54-12).
Ten state-ranked wrestlers went undefeated on the day, including seven for Perry Meridian: Jimmy Schoettle (No. 2 at 112 pounds), Jacob Tonte (No. 7 at 119), Brian Vest (No. 2 at 130), Jacob Tasseff (fifth at 135), John Leonard (17th at 140), Chris Schaefer (No. 13 at 215), and Chico Adams (the top-ranked defending state champion at heavyweight).
The other three unbeatens were from New Pal: Kyle Ulrey (No. 3 at 152), Max Begovich (No. 9 at 171), and Luke McCamey (No. 14 at 189).
Here are your final team results:
Perry Meridian (5-0)
#3 Perry Meridian 65, Lake Central 4
#3 Perry Meridian 70, Lawrence Central 3
#3 Perry Meridian 54, #6 New Palestine 9
#3 Perry Meridian 80, Franklin County 0
#3 Perry Meridian 44, #18 Avon 12
New Palestine (4-1)
#6 New Palestine 30, #18 Avon 29
#6 New Palestine 69, Lawrence Central 3
#6 New Palestine 66, Franklin County 6
#6 New Palestine 55, Lake Central 12
Avon (3-2)
#18 Avon 54, Lawrence Central 12
#18 Avon 73, Franklin County 6
#18 Avon 62, Lake Central 5
Lawrence Central (2-3)
Lawrence Central 51, Franklin County 24
Lawrence Central 42, Lake Central 32
Lake Central (1-4)
Lake Central 53, Franklin County 18
Franklin County (0-5)
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