The Washington wrestling team fell short at a third straight bid to the state dual tournament by finishing second at regionals last night in Davenport.
The Demons started the night strong with a 49-25 win over Beckman Catholic in dual number one. Brandon Dickel got the party started at 126 lbs with a pin in 3:20. After the Blazers won a 7-0 decision at 132 lbs, Garrett Ikerd answered right back at 138 lbs with a pin in the final second of the third period. Washington traded the next six matches with wins coming from Kiowa Keith at 152 lbs by fall in 1:59, Tristin Westphal-Edwards at 170 lbs by a 5-1 decision, and Logan Escher at 195 lbs by fall in 1:40. The Demons led 27-19 through nine matches when they won four of the final five to seize the win. Tanner Murphy won at 220 lbs by an 8-0 decision, Mitchell Huisenga won by forfeit at 285 lbs, Matt Collett won by forfeit at 106 lbs, and Walker Ikerd finished it off with a fall in 4:50 at 120 lbs.
After falling to them earlier in the season, Washington was set for a rematch with No. 5 ranked Davenport Assumption in the regional final. The Knights got a pin right out of the gates at 132 lbs when Garret Ikerd cut the lead in half with a 5-2 decision at 138 lbs. The Knights were able to extend the lead winning the next three matches to take a 21-3 lead. Tristin Westphal-Edwards kept the Demons around with a pin in 3:59 at 170 lbs. The next three matches were a Demon killer, as they fell in all three to extend the deficit to 33-9. After the Knights wrapped up the win they forfeited three matches to make a final score of 44-27.
The Demons wrap up the dual season with a 25-4 record. Eight wrestlers will look to qualify for the state individual tournament Saturday when they travel to Fairfield for districts.