Downey wrestlers pin Warren

DOWNEY - The Downey High School wrestling team hosted cross-town rival Warren last Thursday night, Jan. 10, and defeated the reigning Division V champion, 37-18, in the league opening match for both teams.Downey wrestled and defeated Gahr at Gahr 61-10 on Tuesday evening and wrestled Paramount at Paramount last evening (score unavailable at press time). The match against Warren started in the 285 pound weight class. Warren took an early 6-0 lead via a pin from Ricky Juarez over Downey's Angel Baez. Downey's 106 pounder, Mark Lopez, stunned Warren's Andy Garcia with a 9-6 decision. The team score stood at 6-3 Warren. The Bears' 113 pounder Adrian Duarte answered back by pinning Downey's Johnny Robles. The team score now stood at 12-3, Warren. The Bears' Johnathan Tiempos defeated Ronald Casasola, 4-2, at 120 pounds and extended Warren's team lead to 15-3. As things looked good early for the Bears, Downey would win nine out of the next ten matches and outscore the Bears 34-3. Downey's Eugene Lamoreaux won 8-2 at 126 pounds and Downey's Daniel Martinez also won 8-2 at 132 pounds. Unfortunately for the Bears, Warren junior captain and standout Darren Donate (126) was unable to wrestle due to a dislocated shoulder he suffered at a December Tournament. Downey's Dylan Moreno pinned his opponent at 138 pounds in arguably the evening's most exciting match. Downey's Antonio Santana pinned his opponent at 145 pounds and Downey's Juan Soto decisioned his opponent 9-5 at 152 pounds. Downey's Jacob Beltran decisioned his opponent 8-0 at 160 pounds, Downey's Steven Chavez defeated his opponent 7-2 at 171 pounds and Downey's Jorge Guerrero defeated his opponent 6-0 at 182 pounds. Downey's Ben Cuellar lost 11-6 to Warren's Andres Rojas at 195 pounds and Downey's Anthony Florido decisioned his opponent 3-1 at 220 pounds to finish out the dual meet. The Downey-Warren wrestling match is always exciting to watch.

********** Published: January 17, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 40