Back in black: Moses Lake drops Davis, 73-0

MOSES LAKE - It was more of a celebration than a competition.

The Moses Lake home crowd was treated to a dominating performance on Senior Night by the Chiefs as the team defeated Davis, 73-0. It was the final home match for seniors Sean Cotton, Jordan Lacelle and Fernando Leyva.

Cotton (138 .lbs) accepted a forfeit while Leyva (120 .lbs) and Lacelle (195 .lbs) both scored falls in the third and second round, respectively.

After a thrilling 29-27 win over defending 2A state champions Othello on Tuesday, the Pirates gave Moses Lake some relief as Davis forfeited five weight classes.

"It was hard to get up," head coach Jaime Garza said. "We saw their lineup and in regards to just how many forfeits some kids were kind of just like, 'Uhh, do we have to?' type stuff and yes, we do. It's our job. You got to go out there and make weight, accept the forfeit and go from there."

The match began at 170 pounds with Nico Hernandez recording a first round fall just before time expired. After Easton Castro (182 .lbs) accepted a forfeit, Lacelle stepped onto the mat to wrestle in front of his home crowd for the final time.

In the two years Garza has been head coach he has valued the leadership and the example Lacelle sets on and off the mat.

"You need one of those kids on your team also that's going to provide both the leadership, athleticism along with being a leader in the classroom," Garza said. "I'm very proud of him."

After Jacob Duvall accepted a forfeit and 220 pounds, freshman heavyweight Chandler Fluaitt (285 .lbs) provided a glimpse into the future for Moses Lake wrestling.

Fluaitt earned a 10-5 decision against a Davis upperclassmen.

Cooper McCullough (106 .lbs) handled his opponent en route to a 7-2 win while Trey Long (113 .lbs) came from behind to score a 12-9 decision after a last second take down propelled the junior into the lead.

Leyva continued Moses Lake's streak of dominance with a third round fall. As his coach, Garza was impressed with Leyva's work ethic and his resilience.

"Fernando was one of the hardest working kids and over the last two years he's grown tremendously," he said. "His ability to respond... He's taken a step forward and kind of broke through the barriers."

Chase Clasen (132 .lbs) and Cyrus Knowles (145 .lbs) both scored first round falls. Hudson Mauseth (160 .lbs) closed the match with a 12-1 major decision.

The Chiefs will have their first weekend off all season before traveling to Eisenhower Jan. 30 to close the regular season. The district tournament is scheduled for Feb. 8 at Eisenhower.

Garza hopes his team will appreciate a weekend without a 7 a.m. Saturday weigh-in.

"This sport is a beast, this sport is unlike any other," Garza said. "It's fun, it's tough and that's what makes it one of the best sports ever."