Tough night at Donegal

Okay, I don't play the game -- just write about it and talk about it.
But there's nothing better than a big game atmosphere. You know like Columbia and Lancaster Catholic and Columbia and Donegal.

Last night's wrestling match at Donegal had that feel. Packed house at the Indians' teepee. Even official Ray Kahler noted before the match started that it would be a fun night and it was.

Donegal used its dominance in the upper weights to hold off the Tide for a 37-31 win to remain tied for first place in Section 3 with Pequea Valley. Those two meet next Thursday and it should be a heck of a match, particularly in the upper weights.

Back to last night. Last week Tide coach Scott Rupp said he was going to have his wrestlers drop a weight class for Donegal. It almost worked
He did just that and it worked. The only thing that didn't work out
early for the Tide was the starting weight class, 285 pounds. That
matched two of the league's top "big guys," Brian Groff and Cody Tillman. Groff won the bout.

Columbia was leading 28-10 when Donegal dominated from 145-189. Pins by Blaine Miller and Derek Pietsch
gave the Indians a 31-28 lead. It may have been different had the Tide picked up some bonus points during the lower weights. At 125, Anthony Wallick scored a major decision (4 points) and at 140) Adam Stoner won by decision (3 points). Both had pins. So, instead of getting seven points, had the Tide gotten pins in those two bouts, Columbia would have led 34-10 and heading into the final bout,Donegal would have led 37-34.
Since the Tide won that final bout, it was have been 37-37 and then you go to those criteria -- most falls, etc., etc. That's when you get the rulebook out.

Despite the loss, it was still a fun night with a big match feel.