Senior two-time state medalist Joey Sanchez started off strong for the Graham Falcons with an opening takedown against freshman Padraic Gallagher, a Cadet National and UWW Cadet freestyle All-American. Gallagher would find his rhythm in the second period, but it was Sanchez who scored a key mid-third period takedown to turn a 4-2 lead into a 6-2 lead. While Gallagher got a takedown late in the bout, Sanchez would put the Falcons on the board first with a 7-5 victory.
The next two bouts involved the best two wrestlers - especially in terms of present form - on the Falcons' roster, No. 4 Ryan Thomas and No. 3 Rocky Jordan. Thomas dominated the 160 bout against Hudson Hightower, one of the best overall freshman nationally; six takedowns to none in a 12-6 decision. Jordan then secured a pin at the 2:16 mark of the 170 match against sophomore Michael Garcar to make it 12-0 in the dual meet for St. Paris Graham.
A key swing bout would be next, one that defined the dual meet come its end. Sophomore Andrew Shaffer scored an early takedown for the the Falcons, but St. Edward senior Jiryes Zakaib surged back with a second period takedown and then points for stalling and an escape off Shaffer's second injury time in the third period to take a 6-4 lead late into the bout. Shaffer scored the match tying takedown and then rode Zakaib out in regulation, though the official signalled for a third stalling violation against Shaffer, but it was ruled after the buzzer. A takedown for the Graham sophomore in overtime made for an 8-6 decision, and a 15-0 dual meet lead.
Next was a key sequence. Having won the coin toss, Graham was able to make St. Edward present first at 195, and they presented No. 7 Cody Howard. The Falcons inserted a backup wrestler. Howard earned a 24-9 technical fall at the 4:42 mark, which some might argue was actually a point saved for St. Paris Graham.
The Falcons then bumped up two-time state placers Gage Braun and Johnny Shafer to wrestle 220 and 285. Both wrestlers won their bouts; so instead of likely going 1-2 at 195, 220, and 285, the Falcons went 2-1 (Braun lost to Howard 12-7 at the Ironman). Braun scored a 10-0 major decision over Ironman placer Seamus O'Malley, while Shafer scored a 5-2 decision over senior Luca Santillo.
At the television intermission, Graham had won six of seven bouts, and had a 22-5 lead.
Turning for home, St. Edward got back in the saddle with an 18-8 major decision from Richard Delsanter against fellow freshman Trace Braun at 106 pounds. Delsanter had eight takedowns and a reversal to eight Braun escapes.
No. 20 Tanner Jordan would extend the Graham lead to 25-9 with a 7-0 major decision over sophomore Scott Richter. Jordan scored on a first period takedown, second period reversal, and third period turn.
Next came the major momentum swing of the dual meet that got the home crowd going, and gave the St. Edward wrestlers some real hope of a potential turn-around and dual meet upset. Freshman Alek Martin of Graham jumped out to an 8-6 lead over returning state placer Angelo Rini midway through the third period. However, Rini went in on a leg attack, with both wrestlers trying to improve from their neutral position, it was Rini who got the pin over the Ironman placer at the 5:08 mark. The Eagles trailed 25-15 heading into a pair of imminently winnable bouts.
State runner-up Bryce Hepner got the Eagles even closer with a 7-1 decision over freshman Nick Moore. Three takedowns during the second and third periods were the difference. Then No. 16 Matt Kazimir made "The Nest" burst into a roar with his pin at the 5:40 mark over sophomores Isaiah Stickley.
Trailing 25-24 in the dual meet, St. Edward turned to junior Bryce Andonian, a 2016 state champion. Andonian came into this match riding the high of last week's 10-8 overtime victory over national No. 10 Kevon Davenport. This week's task was another steep one, Ironman champion and national No. 4 J.D. Stickley. Andonian rode the crowd's fury and escalated it further with an opening takedown.
Stickley would get a reversal, but Andonian got a late escape in the first period. A second period reversal and rideout made it 5-2 Andonian through two periods. Stickley got an escape early in the third period. Then Stickley was in on a shot, went for a bodylock, but Andonian won the position and almost got the pin. However, it was a five-point move and the final score 10-3.
St. Edward had the lead in the dual meet for the first time at 27-25 headed into a winner take all final bout involving No. 7 Mitch Moore, Graham's three-time state champion, and No. 15 Sam Dover for St. Edward. Moore scored a four-point move off a headlock toss towards the edge of the mat midway through the first period of the 145 pound match. Dover would get an escape, ride out Moore for the entire second period, and get an escape early in the third. However, Moore was able to fend off multiple Dover leg attacks. He got the 4-2 victory, which enabled the No. 5 Falcons to beat the No. 8 Eagles 28-27 on Saturday night.
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