The Panthers outperformed their ranking, making Ballard fight for the win, but it was the Bombers who came out on top in a heartbreaking knockout. Creston coach Cody Downing said the team has been outperforming their ranking all year. To be in that environment and be that close shows what kind of program this is. The dual started at pounds, a strong suit for Ballard with Class 2A No. Creston's Gunner Martwick defeats Greyson Ehresman.
Martwick took control of the match early, pinning Ehresman with two seconds to spare in the first period. The Bombers regained the lead with a pin over Creston heavyweight Drake Wilson, but the Panthers went on to win the next two bouts. Freshman Colt Key defeated Nolan Adams in a major decision at This was followed by Ben James scoring six on a first-period pin over Owen Davidson.
At this point, the Panthers led Senior state placewinner Lane Travis was up next for the Panthers, racking up the lead with a second-period pin over Tony Hornes. With eight matches down and six to go, Creston led Ballard would win the next three, regaining a lead. There were several team points Ballard scored in the last seconds of a period or match.
Jackson Pettegrew won in a major decision over Jace Cory of Ballard at At this point, the Panthers were down seven with one left to wrestle β no way to win the dual. Weston Trapp earns back points against Jaxon Shafer before winning in a technical fall.
The Panthers lost the dual You have to learn how to win and sometimes learn how not to lose. Sergeant-Bluff Luton advances to the state duals after defeating Ballard The Panthers compete next Feb.
