Chiefs return to mat with one loss, three victories

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School Chiefs boys wrestling team returned to the mat last week for the first time in nearly a month, a hiatus head coach Jaime Garza attributed to COVID-19-related cancellations and delays.

The blitz of matches got off to a rocky start Thursday as the Chiefs lost to Sunnyside High School, 56-15. Chiefs Dayton Regan, Derek Grubb, Joey Freidig and Ashton Sanchez won their matches by decision.

“Though we lost, we wrestled with a significant amount of grit and desire,” said Garza. “Sunnyside currently is ranked second in the 4A state rankings and has 12 of 14 wrestlers ranked. I’m pleased with the effort that was displayed.”

Friday’s dual at home yielded better results for the Chiefs, with a 54-18 victory against Eastmont High School. Marcus DuVall’s loss by fall to Dominic Webb was the only defeat the Chiefs weathered. Cody Byers, Adrian Morales, Ashton Sanchez and Stephen Jackson won by fall, while Josh Grubb, Cody Byers, Joey Freidig and Jayro Guzman won by decision.

Saturday saw the Chiefs facing both West Valley and Davis high schools at Davis in Yakima. Moses Lake defeated Davis 40-33 and West Valley 63-12. Marcus Duvall and Joey Freidig beat their Davis opponents by fall, Derek Grubb and Cody Byers won by decision and Bryer Knowles won by major. Against West Valley, Josh Grubb and Adrian Morales won by fall, while Cody Byers won by decision.

“These guys had to make weight three days in a row,” said Garza on Sunday. “They regrouped and wrestled pretty well. There’s some positions that needed some work, and we’ll be shoring up some of the deficiencies this week in preparation for Thursday’s home match against Eisenhower (High School).”