Flathead wrestlers dominant in Missoula

MISSOULA — The top-ranked and two-time defending state champion Flathead Braves ran their dual wrestling record to 9-0 Tuesday, sweeping Missoula Big Sky and Hellgate.

The scores were 72-4 and 71-6; the Eagles’ Izzy Moreno won his match by fall; Hellgate’s points came via a forfeit at 113 pounds.

“It was just great to be able to compete again after two weeks of intense training over Christmas break,” Flathead coach Jeff Thompson said. “Logan Stansberry, at 145 pounds, has really taken his wrestling to the next level this season. Sawyer Troupe stepped up to heavyweight and didn’t skip a beat with the big boys getting two pins today.

“Gunnar got the quick pin of the evening with an eight-second pin vs Hellgate.”

Amber Downing was equally pleased with the Bravettes, who downed Hellgate 27-6 in a girls dual.

Bella Downing had the quickest pin, in 1:07.

“Kiera Lackey went the distance for a 12-9 win showing great heart to finish and improving technique,” Amber Downing said.

Flathead 72, Big Sky 4

103 — Dayton Naldrett, Flathead, won by forfeit; 113 — Kenlie Roth, Flathead, won by forfeit; 120 — Will Barnes, Flathead, won by forfeit; 126 — Aiden Downing, Flathead, p. Dillon Courtney, 2:15; 132 — Gannon Wisher, Flathead, p. Maddox Millard 2:25; 138 — Dane Lake, Flathead, p. Chase Campbell 1:45; 145 — Logan Stansberry, Flathead, p. Shaun Billingsley, 4:58; 152 — Cade Troupe, Flathead, p. Janne Davis, :37; 160 — Izzy Moreno, Big Sky, md. Gabe Lake, 10-2. 170 — Gunner Thompson, Flathead, p. Trey Thomas 1:14; 182 — Anders Thompson, Flathead, p. Aiden Peterson, 1:45; 205 — Noah Poe-Hatten, Flathead, p. Terron Brore, 1:05; 285 — Sawyer Troupe, Flathead, p. Chuck Gehl, 1:18.

Flathead 71, Hellgate boys 6

103 — Naldrett, Flathead, md. Max Martin, 14-4; 132 — Wisher, Flathead, p. Caton, :43; 145 — Stansberry, Flathead, p. Dillon Gunlock, 4:49; 160 — Gabe Lake, Flathead, p. Ethan Preston, :16; 170 — Gunner Thompson, Flathead, p. Charles Hughes, :08; 285 — Sawyer Troupe, Flathead, p. Jayden Friesen, :49.

Barnes (120), Downing (126), Dane Lake (138(, Anderson Thompson (182) and Poe-Hatten (205) all won by forfeit.

Flathead Bravettes 27, Hellgate 6

114 — Sky Shelmerdine, Flathead, p. Taylor Chamberlain, 3:16; 120 — Bella Downing, Flathead, p. Aspen Murphy, 1:07; 126 — Peyton Walker, Flathead, p. Liz Gray 1:33; 126 — Kiera Lackey, Flathead, d. Lucy Andrews 12-9; 165 — Ava Grimsrud, Flathead, p. Kaylee Borbon :29; 165 — Ava Grimsrud, Flathead, p. Vei Seinberg 1:33.