The Rogers Rams are the kings of the wrestling world in Puyallup.
The Rams, who beat the Puyallup Vikings in a dual match earlier this season, completed the sweep of their two biggest rivals with a 56-13 win against the Emerald Ridge Jaguars last Wednesday on South Hill.
The Rams’ Damian Jackson said it felt good to win the “city wrestling title” this year. Rogers beat Emerald Ridge but lost to Puyallup Vikings during the 2011-12 season.
“Winning all-city is really nice,” said Jackson, who wrestles in the 152-pound division. “We missed out on it last year. Being able to finish out with a dual match against Emerald Ridge, and to beat them the way we did, you just couldn’t have asked for the regular season to end in a better way. Going out like that in my senior year is just a great feeling.”
Rogers head coach David Johnston said Emerald Ridge was a good opponent.
“We had some lofty goals, and to end the regular season on a really good note is good for us,” he said.
The Rams have transformed themselves from late November, when they started off 0-3 in non-league dual matches. Since then, they have rebounded to go 6-2 in Class 4A South Puget Sound League South dual matches. Only a 42-31 defeat against the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles on Jan. 16 derailed an opportunity for a division title this year.
“We have had quite a turnaround,” Johnston said. “It’s been an exciting journey with these seniors on the team. We have set a good pace and are looking forward to getting the ball rolling toward the postseason.”
Emerald Ridge 160-pounder Matt Martinez, who defeated Jovanis Rodriguez in the second round, said the Jaguars are prepared for post-season action.
“We just didn’t do good today,” Martinez said. “The matches coming up are even more important than the matches right now. We are getting ready for the postseason. We will be well-rested and ready for it.”
Rogers wrestlers who won Wednesday night were Ruben Hernandez (pin), Beau Shatto (pin), Brandon Brenenstahl (pin), Ryan Stephenson (pin), Jose Cruz (major decision), Jackson (decision), Blake Henderson (decision), Matt Lockey (decision), Daniel Wernofsky (forfeit), Greg Wernofsky (forfeit) and Matt Matson (forfeit).
Emerald Ridge grapplers who won were Ethan Martinez (pin) Nolan McBride (decision) and Matt Martinez (decision).
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.