Cambridge wrestlers sweep Perkins County quad

GRANT, Neb. -- Cambridge continued its strong season on the mats with a 3-0 record at Thursday’s Perkins County Quadrangular in Grant.

The Trojans defeated Perkins County in the first round 48-24, Garden County 59-12 in the second round and Chase County 42-37 in the third round.

Cambridge started its day winning eight of 12 matches against Perkins County. Seven of the Trojans’ wins came by fall. The eighth win came from Seth Andrews’ forfeit win at 220.

The Trojans’ biggest win came against Garden County in Round 2. Cambridge picked up 10 wins to easily defeat the Eagles.

Seven of the Trojans’ victories came from open weight forfeits. Only Clay Sayer (120), Keegan Benson (170) and Matthew Pearson (195) won competitive matches against Garden County.

With both teams entering Round 3 undefeated, Thursday’s matchup of Cambridge-Chase County served as the de-facto championship.

Both teams won seven matches, but the Trojans edged the Longhorns in scoring with three forfeits and four pin falls. Forfeit and pin fall victories are worth six points each.

In comparison, the Longhorns had three forfeits, two major decisions, one pin fall and one technical fall. Technical falls are awarded five points, while major decisions are awarded four points. Those differences made up the five-point margin of victory.

Cambridge wrestlers who went undefeated Thursday included Shane Horwart (106), Clay Sayer (120), John TenBensel (126) and Tyler Schultz (285).

Chase County took second with a 2-1 duals record Thursday. The Longhorns beat Garden County 54-9 in the first round and Perkins County 42-34 in the second round before falling to Cambridge.

Longhorn wrestlers that went 3-0 Thursday were Caleb Weiss (145), Trevor Peterson (152), Kadin Vrbas (160) and Aaron Hinojosa (285).

In Round 1, Chase County dominated Garden County. The Longhorns won nine of its 11 matches against the Eagles.

Against Perkins County, the Longhorns took a narrow 7-6 advantage to edge out the victory. The Plainsmen benefitted from the Longhorns’ open weights, with four of Perkins County’s wins coming from forfeits. In comparison, Chase County only won one match by forfeit.

In Thursday’s other dual, Perkins County defeated Garden County 54-16 to pick up third place.

Cambridge is back in action today (Friday), as the Trojans travel to the Dundy County-Stratton Invitational in Benkelman.

Chase County returns to the mats tomorrow (Saturday) with a tournament at Ogallala.