Big Sky pins loss on visiting Flathead

MISSOULA — Flathead’s Gavyn Wilson, Tanner Fletcher, Jake Egley and Mitchell Stivers each pinned their opponents, but the Braves lost their dual against Missoula Big Sky 49-30 on Thursday.

“Big Sky was fired up for their home dual,” Flathead coach Scot Davis said. “You could tell with their home crowd and everything that they were pumped, and I’m not sure if our young kids were ready for that.”

Flathead started the dual on the wrong foot as seniors Sunny Cheff and Nick Iavicoli lost 2-1 and 7-3 decisions at 152 and 160 pounds, respectively.

“Those are guys we count on to win,” Davis said.

Egley gave Flathead its first win, pinning Big Sky 171-pounder Jason Riekena with three seconds remaining in the second period.

Stivers followed with a pin to even the team score at 12, but the rest of Flathead’s young lineup couldn’t keep pace with Big Sky.

Cody Settle (125 pounds), Gauge Triplett (140), Jacob Ridgeway (145) and Riley Leigh (215) each made their varsity debuts for Flathead, and while all four lost, Davis said each showed potential.

“For their first varsity matches I was impressed,” he said.

Flathead heads to Butte today for the Mining City Duals. The Braves open the tournament with pool play against Great Falls High, Conrad and Ronan.

98 – Jon Conklin, MBS, p. Jed Cheff, 0:20. 105 – Ryan Rowe, MBS, p. Lukas Decock, 0:58. 119 – Gavyn Wilson, F, p. Dylan Lindsley, 0:49. 125 – Josh Brunner, MBS, p. Cody Settle, 2:30. 130 – Justin Conklin, MBS, dec. Tyler Davis, 7-3. 135 – Tanner Fletcher, F, p. Ryan Glenn, 1:45. 140 – Kade Branson, MBS, m-dec. Gauge Triplett, 11-0. 145 – Keon Gallagher, MBS, p. Jacob Ridgway, 1:04. 152 – Luke Entzel, MBS, dec. Suny Cheff, 2-1. 160 – Scotty Morgan, MBS, dec. Nick Iavicoli, 7-3. 171 – Jake Egley, F, p. Jason Riekena, 3:57. 189 – Mitchell Stivers, F, p. Aaron Waddle, 3:53. 215 – Darby Maier, MBS, p. Riley Leigh, 0:55. HWT – Colter Miller, MBS, p. Axel Bladholm, 2:42.

Flathead won 112 by forfeit.