Monte Vista 43, Valhalla 21
Video of Week Holmes pins
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Monte Vista High School, January 30, 2004. Valhalla sent five sophomores, two freshmen and only two seniors against 12 Monte Vista seniors and left the building with their heads up. The young Norsemen battled well and looked aggressive and confident, but tonight was a night for 12 seniors from Monte Vista.
Coaches Steve Bulette and Glen Takahashi pulled out all of the stops and made all of the moves fans speculated about before the match. The Norsemen inserted talented freshmen Landon Holmes into the lineup at 103 to start the meet. He did not disappoint, pinning senior Brandon Agpaoa and dominating in the process. Kieth Juengst could not give up the weight to Diaz and pull off the double win for Valhalla; Diaz hit a 5 point takedown in round one and survived a blistering comeback to win 7-6. Later, the fans got to see the other move and match they were excited about; Kyle McGraw bumped up to face solid senior Mike Garcia. The match was 0-0 with a few seconds left in round two when Garcia left his head out near the edge. McGraw locked him up for a reversal and three near fall points, then hung on for a 7-2 win.
Nick Laprade did not disappoint fans from VHS as he put on a clinic with CIF Champion Brandon Lubic. Laprade wrestled up a weight from his normal 119, moving up to make room for Jared Maguire and Juengst at 112. Magruire dropped a decision to a strong senior, Sean Najjar. Laprade controlled his match, hitting several firemen’s carries and putting Lubic on his back three times; he was unable to get the fall over a strong and determined Lubic.
Above, Nick LaPrade executes fireman's carry against CIF Champion Lubic
Monte Vista built their lead in the unusually young middle-weight section of Valhalla's lineup. The final bright spot of the evening for Valhalla was a dominating performance by Brock Wendborne over Houston Lear at 173 resulting in a Technical Fall.
James Elia of Monte Vista won a squeaker against Justin Parker when Parker lost track of the time and the score at the edge of the mat with seven seconds left. Parker, thinking that he was behind, when the score was actually tied, cut Elia loose for a one point escape losing the match 7-6.
Layton Kramer continued his form, after a strong showing at five counties where he was a match from placing; he pinned a good Jr. Heavyweight Ben Pastore in the second period. Pastore was making some progress on top attempting to turn Kramer with a power half when he left himself get too high. Kramer was able to reverse Pastore to his back, as often happens with heavyweights when they are turned to their back, the match was over.
If there is a bright spot for Valhalla it was the performance of their young guns. Landon Holmes sent a message tonight. If not this year, then next, he will be an impact guy for the Norsemen.
Valhalla travels to Holtville tomorrow for a tournament. the finals could resemble a dual meet with Brawley in a team showdown that will be a preview etof DIII CIF in three weeks.
Other Grossmont Results:
Date of Dual Meet: Jan 29,2004
West Hills 42, Santana 36 at West Hills
Monte Vista and Valhalla Box Score:
