Late run propels Cedar Rapids Washington to wrestling dual win over Cedar Rapids Kennedy

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Washington’s Brennan Geers had been in a similar position.

Last season, Geers helped the Warriors claim a dual victory by winning the final match. An experience he remembers well.

“It came down to me at 106 last year versus Prairie,” Geers said. “I pinned the kid to win the dual over Prairie for the first time.”

Heavyweight Alex Taylor posted a pin, Sam Brennan followed with a pin and allowed Geers to bump to 113 to close with a 16-11 decision over Brent Beccera and seal the Warriors’ 42-34 win over Cedar Rapids Kennedy in a Mississippi Valley Conference wrestling dual Thursday night at Washington High School.

It was unclear when Washington last defeated Kennedy, dating back at least two decades. A strong week of practice prepared Washington (2-6) for its last dual before the MVC Super Meet on Saturday.

“It felt good,” Washington Coach J.P. Graham said. “We trained really hard on Monday and Tuesday. Like postseason training hard. Maybe it paid off tonight, getting after it.”

Both Brennan and Geers (18-6) weighed in at 106, giving Graham options for lineup changes. Geers, ranked fourth at 106, embraced the late strategic move.

“Once our heavyweight won — coach had talked to us before that we should make the switch that way we could win — coach came over to us,” said Geers, who scored three takedowns and combined with Beccera for eight reversals in the match. “I said ‘let’s do it. I can win this thing at 113.’”

Taylor’s 41-second pin over Logan Johnson pulled Washington within one point with two weights remaining. His effort to win a frenzied flurry at the start before taking Johnson down to his back was indicative of his improvement since the beginning of the season.

“The two months of experience was key for him,” Graham said. “To not give in, feel that, recover from it and get back after it was good.”

Brennan, a freshman, was vital in setting up the dramatic conclusion. As the dual progressed, it became clear that the result hinged on the last two weights.

“I knew the whole time it might be close and come down to the last couple matches,” Brennan said. “I was pretty nervous the whole time. Getting closer to my match, I realize how close it (score) actually was and how important the matches were.

“Brennan and I did a good job, coming through with the last final wins to get it done.”

With Kennedy (6-11, 2-5) a pin from icing the meet, Brennan had to fight off his back and overcome an early 5-0 deficit to Max Panosh. He chipped away with two reversals and three nearfall to pull within one to start the third.

“I tried my hardest,” Brennan said. “I didn’t want to let the team down, so I got out and kept fighting.”

Brennan (8-2) took the lead with a takedown in the third and cinched up a cradle for a pin in 5:07.

“It was probably my best match all year,” Brennan said. “I was super excited after that.”

Graham added, “He wore the kid down with constant pressure. His best position is on top.”

The teams combined for 11 pins and 12 bonus-point wins. The Warriors won eight matches, receiving falls from Grady McGuire (126), Isaiah Price (132), 138-pounder Nick Foreman and Erich Rinderknecht at 152. Wyatt Young earned a decision at 170 for the Warriors.

The Washington bench was energized with each win.

“It was a good win for us,” Geers said. “We talked all week about how we wanted to win this dual. Since this is my last year, I said we have to win this thing. We have to win my final home dual.”

AT C.R. WASHINGTON

C.R. Washington 42, C.R. Kennedy 34

(Individual takedowns in parentheses)

120 pounds – Kaiden Wild (CRK) major dec. Laird Hanna, 12-3 (5,0); 126 – Grady McGuire (CRW) pinned Brayden Peck, 1:37 (0,1); 132 – Isaiah Price (CRW) pinned Jake Oostendorp, 2:38 (0,1); 138 – Nick Foreman (CRW) pinned Jackson Popelka, 2:48 (1,0); 145 – Cael Smithhart (CRK) pinned Carter Patterson, 3:24 (1,0); 152 – Erich Rinderknecht (CRW) pinned Caleb Eaton, 1:50 (3,0); 160 – Colin Falck (CRK) pinned Aaron Butikofer, 1:00 (3,0); 170 – Wyatt Young (CRW) dec. Christian Gasper, 11-6 (3,1); 182 – Jordan Twitty (CRK) pinned Nick Riley, 3:01 (4,0); 195 – Logan Miller (CRK) pinned Hunter Barrow, 2:58 (2,0); 220 – Asher Smith (CRK) pinned Devin Schroy, 5:30 (5,0); Hwt. – Alex Taylor (CRW) pinned Logan Johnson, :41 (1,0); 106 – Sam Brennan (CRW) pinned Max Panosh, 5:07 (1,1); 113 – Brennan Geers (CRW) dec. Brent Beccera, 16-11 (3,1)

MEET STATISTICS

Takedowns – C.R. Kennedy 25, C.R. Washington 12. Reversals – C.R. Kennedy 8, C.R. Washington 9. Escapes – C.R. Kennedy 6, C.R. Washington 15. Nearfall points – C.R. Kennedy 25, C.R. Washington 10. Penalty points (awarded) – C.R. Kennedy 2, C.R. Washington 1. Total match points – C.R. Kennedy 99, C.R. Washington 68.