Cadena caps Prairie's win over Linn-Mar

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Prairie's Jarod Cadena watched as the lead constantly flipped sides of the scoreboard.He anticipated the dual would be determined by his outcome in the final match. After all, he and the Hawks have been in that role in the past, recalling last season's regional dual.Cadena came through again, posting a pin in the final match and giving Prairie a 38-34 win over Linn-Mar last night in a battle of Mississippi Valley Conference teams ranked in the top 50 nationally by InterMat. The teams each won seven matches, but Cadena produced the Hawks' fifth fall for the difference."It's a lot easier to get pumped up for matches like that when you have the pressure of the dual score," Cadena said. "I was happy we won the dual. It felt great to go out and get the win."Cadena switched his attention from preparing for his performance to the seven lead changes before he took the mat. He maintained his composure as the match resembled two years ago when Prairie won the last two matches to beat Linn-Mar at home. Cadena kept his focus from the start of the dual and took care of business, pinning Joe Gallo in 15 seconds."I know what I have to do when I go out there," Cadena said. "I just want to go wrestle my match no matter what the team score."Prairie Coach Blake Williams said he hopes being close to qualifying for the state tournament last year will motivate Cadena this season. He has potential and rises to the occasion. Williams was confident going into the final match."If you can light a fire under him he responds," Williams said. "He's a tough wrestler when he wants to be."The Hawks trailed 10-0 after the first two matches, but strung together three straight pins for their first lead. Jonah Manson bumped up to heavyweight to ignite Prairie (3-0). Sophomore Marcus England (106) and Dylan Kleinschmidt (113) followed with first-period pins. They fed off each other."It gets adrenaline going," England said. "It's easier to get excited that you have the momentum, team support and the crowd is cheering."Williams had emphasized the need for those three to get bonus points."They didn't disappoint," Williams said. "That's encouraging to see."Second-ranked Skyler St. John won by fall at 160, setting up Cadena's heroics. Josh Wenger (138) added a technical fall and Zack Fiser had a decision at 126."I think we did really well," England said. "The score was tight but everyone looked like they fought hard."The Lions had their share of bonus points as well, getting falls from Damon Griffin (132), Shea Hartzler (170) and Toby Northrup (145) for leads in the second half of the dual.Top-ranked Ross Lembeck gave the Lions a 31-26 lead with three matches left, beating No. 2 Trey Blaha, 3-1, using a first-period takedown and escape in the second for the win.Andrew Holladay (195) and 220-pounder opened with a major decision and pin, respectively. Alijah Jeffery (120) also won by fall. for the Lions (2-1). The Lions were without former state champion Matt Wempen, who is ranked fourth at 126, for the second straight event. Linn-Mar Coach Doug Streicher said it was due to illness and he could return Saturday.

AT C.R. PRAIRIE

C.R. Prairie 38, Linn-Mar 34

(Individual takedowns in parentheses)195 pounds - Andrew Holladay (LM) major decision Jesse Hynek, 15-7 (5, 1); 220 - Sam Nowak (LM) pinned Corey Meyer, 3:46 (2, 0); Hwt. - Jonah Manson (CRP) pinned Tylor Newhouse, :15 (1, 0); 106 - Marcus England (CRP) pinned Charlie Petersen, 1:43 (1, 0); 113 - Dylan Kleinschmidt (CRP) pinned Kyle Tupper, :13 (1, 0); 120 - Alijah Jeffery (LM) pinned Sam Uthoff, 1:13 (1,0); 126 - Zack Fiser (CRP) dec. Alex Streicher, 5-2 (1, 1); 132 - Damon Griffin (LM) pinned Seth Wennermark, 5:21 (2, 2); 138 - Josh Wenger (CRP) tech. fall Manny Jeffery, 15-0 (2, 0); 145 - Toby Northrup (LM) pinned Morgan Hood, 1:17 (3, 0); 152 - Ross Lembeck (LM) dec. Trey Blaha, 3-1 (1, 0); 160 - Skyler St. John (CRP) pinned Seth Stecker, 2:24 (3, 0); 170 - Shea Hartzler (LM) dec. Nick Hogan, 9-4 (1, 0); 182 - Jarod Cadena (CRP) pinned Joe Gallo, :15 (1, 0).

MEET STATISTICS

Takedowns - LM 16, CRP 13;

Reversals - LM 4, CRP 1;

Escapes - LM 5, CRP 13;

Nearfall points - LM 11, CRP 15;

Penalty points (awarded) - LM 0, CRP 1.

Total match points - LM 56, CRP 57.