Elmira Grapplers Give Strong Showing at Springfield Invitational

As the new season unfolds for Elmira's wrestling teams, results from the Springfield Invitational on Saturday, December 8, portends a good season ahead.  The Falcon boys' team placed six wrestlers in the top five of five weight classes to secure a second place finish out of 32 teams.

Ian Drago goes on the offensive in a match during the Springfield Invitational Wrestling Tournament, Saturday December 9.  Photo by Kimberly Lillie

 Leading the way was Mikey Montgomery who placed third at 220 lbs.  Ian Drago (126 lbs.), Hunter Davis (132 lbs.), Grey Canada (138 lbs.) and Nat Brown (155 lbs.) all took fourth place in their respective weight classes.  Ayden Walgamott finished 5th in the 145 lbs class.

Elmira's Hunter Davis scores a ferocious take down during matches at the Springfield Invitational Wrestling Tournament, Saturday September 8.  Photo by Kimberly Lillie.

The girls were led by Liberty Barlow who took 1st place at 105 lbs.  Elva Zhao and Anna McDougal took third in the 100 lbs. and 155 lbs classes, respectively.  Destiny Ruppert took 4th at 155 lbs.  The Lady Falcons finished the meet fourth overall.

Liberty Barlow gains leverage in a match at the Springfield Invitational Wrestling Tournament, Saturday December 9.  Barlow placed first among girls in the 105 lb. class.  Photo by Kimberly Lillie.

6A Mountain View was the meet team champion.

Falcons JV Moves to 2-0 with Shut Out over North Valley

In a physical, ugly game, the Elmira JV football team managed to out muscle a 6-0 win over visiting North Valley in a game that was originally scheduled to be played in Grants Pass but was moved Swartz Field due to excessive smoke in area.

Defense was the course of the day with both teams being plagued with turnovers... either on downs or by interceptions, capped by Ian Drago's interception with 42 seconds remaining in the game to seal the victory.  The defensive performance made Gavin Laing's 6 yard sweep for a touchdown stand up.  The win moves the Falcons' JV to 2-0 on the young season.

Tailback Gavin Laing (24) sweeps around left in for the Falcons' lone touchdown in the Elmira JV's 6-0 win over North Valley, Friday September 7 at Swartz Field.  Photo: Kimberly Lillie