LA JARA — Thursday saw a dual between Alamosa and Centauri. The Mean Moose controlled the lower weights and ran away with a 55-24 win.

Both the Falcons and Moose have garnered plenty of respect in the On the Mat rankings by Tim Yount. As a team, Alamosa was ranked first overall in the 3A class which Centauri held the No. 10 spot in 2A wrestling according to the week five rankings.

Alamosa has stayed busy picking up big wins in duals as well as seeing wrestlers get to the later rounds in both the Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas and also the Warrior Classic in Grand Junction. Thursday marked Centauri’s first action back from the Christmas break, before that they were on the road at the North Colorado Christmas Tournament in Greeley.

Before the boys hit the mat, everyone was clad in Leukemia awareness orange, bearing the statement ‘No One Fights Alone’ in support of Aundre Chavez. Both Alamosa and Centauri showed support for Chavez who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

When the action got underway Alamosa swept the lighter weight classes.

At 106 pounds was a competitive matchup as both boys ranked in the top ten of their respective classes. Alamosa freshman Kyler Liddell escaped Mario Vigil hanging on with a 7-5 decision that came down to the final seconds.

From 113 up things went quickly. Alamosa’s 113 pounder Dario Valdez scored a fall in the second period against Xander Lopez, at 120, 126 and 132 Alamosa’s Davion Chavez, Trevor Maestas and Colton Liddell respectively scored first period pins for the visitors. Both Chavez and Liddell are ranked in their respective weight classes. Chavez third at 120 and Liddell first at 132.  Going by weight class, the Moose led 21-0.

Centauri’s second-ranked 138 pounder Eyan Chavez put the Falcons on the board with a first-round fall for the home squad. Immediately following, a forfeit at 145 put the Moose ahead 27-6.

Freshman Erik Maestas and sophomore Zach Buhr started a run for the Falcons with two straight pins bringing Centauri closer, by weight the home team trailed 27-18.

Alamosa’s Hunter and Garrett Smith retook the momentum with two more falls credited to the Moose for a 39-18 lead by weight class. Alamosa’s Zeke Rangel would add a decision followed by a pin from All-American Austin Trujillo. A forfeit at 285 pounds to Centauri’s Remi Lucero sealed the dual at a 55-24 win to the visitors. 

Both teams will be back at it on Friday for duals in Alamosa. Alamosa will stay home for more grappling on Saturday as they host the Alamosa Classic Tournament.

To register for updates from On the Mat via Tim Yount visit http://www.cowrestling.com/OTMrankings.htm .

For more information or to make a donation in support of Aundre Chavez’s fight against Leukemia, be sure to visit www.gofundme.com/f/aundre-fight039s-leukemia.