Moses Lake pulls away from Davis with four straight wins

MOSES LAKE — The Guzman brothers, Sergio and Bryan, didn’t come up in the Moses Lake club wrestling scene.

Just good old-fashioned middle school competition.

Tuesday, Sergio and Bryan both represented their high school well with two timely wins in Moses Lake’s dual victory against Davis 51-18.

The Guzmans bookended a run of four consecutive wins — in addition to two forfeits — to end the dual, which ballooned the Moses Lake lead from three points to 30 points.

“This is a different environment for someone that didn’t grow up wrestling in Moses Lake,” head coach Jaime Garza said. “Maybe he (Sergio) grew up watching his brother — and this is his brother’s first experience wrestling varsity this year... Every time he steps on the mat is a learning experience.

“I like him. I really do admire his willingness to step on the mat win or lose.”

It was win-win Tuesday night as Sergio Guzman controlled his opponent Randy Bravo throughout their 145-pound match en route to a 9-0 decision.

Older brother Bryan Guzman won in slightly more dramatic fashion.

Down 1-0 late in the third period, Bryan Guzman secured a deep double-leg shot to take down Alex Huizar with about 30 seconds left and was able to stay in control from the top position for the duration to win 2-1.

“I think Bryan has recognized that this is my last year and he’s been putting in the extra effort after practice,” Garza said. “It’s been nice working with Dylan (Morris) a little more consistently and willing to stay after and be a student of the sport.”

Davis forfeited 220, 120, 160 and 195 pounds, but briefly led 12-9 when Riley Burgess was pinned by Dominic Sowers. Burgess — seemingly in control from the top position ahead 6-1 — pulled back a little too far in search of another scoring opportunity and, in turn, ended up on his back with Sowers pulling a win out of nowhere with six seconds left.

The Pirates closed to within three points, 21-18, after wins by Caleb Aguilar (132) and Malaciah Cook (138).

However, Sergio Guzman’s win preceded pins by Karson Voss (152) and Levi Carlos (170) to increase the margin.

“I’m hoping that over break we can capitalize on the help that we have and the guys wanting to use that as a learning moment and a way to get better,” Garza said. “I’ve seen some big gains in athletes in the past.”