Brave Brawlers 3-peat at Mining City Duals

by Daily Inter Lake
| December 10, 2023 6:09 AM

BUTTE — With a pin from Kellen Downing sealing the deal at 103 pounds, Flathead’s Brave Brawlers made it three straight Mining City Duals championship Saturday, beating Billings West 34-31 in the final.

The Brawlers ran their duals streak to 59 this weekend, with three wins Friday and three more Saturday. The final, against the defending AA champs, started at 120 pounds. Flathead gave up points at 182, where Gunnar Thompson was a scratch, and lost two points for unsportsmanlike conduct.

But pins from Anders Thompson (205), Sawyer Troupe (285) and Downing, plus a technical fall from Daniel Evert, kept the Brawlers ahead. Also key was as 2-1 decision by Diesel Thompson over West’s Makael Aguayo.

“We had a little adversity today with some sickness and getting Gunnar hurt, but this team held up to bring home another Mining City title,” coach Jeff Thompson said. “The final match was neck and neck with big wins from Diesel Thompson getting a takedown with 6 seconds left in the match over the defending state champion, and Kellen Downing getting a pin to seal the deal for us.

“Daniel Evert put a lot of points on the board this weekend for the Braves at 138. Hunter Arriaga looked solid all weekend, and Anders and Sawyer just do what they do by pinning everyone they wrestle.

Flathead’s next action is the CMR Holiday Tournament this weekend.

Championship

Flathead 34, Billings West 31

120 — Hunter Arriaga, Flathead, won by forfeit. 126 — Keyan Hernandez, West, p. William Barnes :29. 132 — Diesel Thompson, Flathead, d. Makael Aguayo 2-1. 138 — Daniel Evert, Flathead, t.fall Jack Ryan, 23-8. 145 — Colby Reichenbach, West, p. Brett Chivers 3:45. 152 — Lane Chivers, Flathead, m.dec. Gabe Rosales, 9-0. 160 — Body Bentley, West, m.dec Logan Stansberry, 9-0. 170 — Peyton Cicero, West, d. Clifford Nance, 5-0. 182 — Anthony Garcia, West, won by forfeit. 205 — Anders Thompson, Flathead, p. Cooper Freitag, 2:28. 285 — Sawyer Troupe, Flathead, p. Brandon Cole, 2:52. 103 — Kellen Downing, Flathead, p. Jackson Roby, 2:42. 113 — Zach Morse, West, p. Dayton Naldrett, :59.