DIXFIELD – Andrew Dubois pulled out a 4-1 decision over Adam Getchell at 152-pounds for a meet-clinching win, as Lisbon rallied back for a 37-33 triumph against Dirigo in a battle of the top four Class C wrestling teams at DeFoe gymnasium on Saturday.
The Mid-State League rivals put forth a superior effort before a huge crowd as the lead changed sides several times during the event.
“We had some crucial wins,” Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said. “Some kids stepped up and we found out some things about ourselves. Dual meets like this are good because today we beat Foxcroft, and even though they finished ahead of us in the state meet, some of our kids will be seeded above them at McDonald’s (Tournament) next Saturday.”
Lisbon won three meets, including 36-35 over Foxcroft Academy behind some unanticipated help by Cam Bubar and Mike Bolduc. Dirigo also delivered a blow with a 52-23 win over Dexter, but the Cougars were humbled by Foxcroft, 54-27. The action featured two-time defending state champion Foxcroft. This was a highly anticipated test because all three teams each finished ahead of Dirigo at the state meet last winter.
“Not really,” Dubois said, regarding feeling any extra pressure. “I’ve been in it before. We did it in the state football game, when our backs were up against a wall and we pulled it out. I felt strong and confident during the match.”
Dubois had jumped ahead on two takedowns, knowing it was important to keep Getchell on the mat in the third period.
Dirigo (1-2) had taken leads on a surprising pin by Tom Hines with a head and arm at 125 and then again by Jon Smith (3-0), who out executed Bubar, 14-1.
“I felt pretty good about my performances today,” Smith said. “I don’t get mad prior to a match, but once I get on the mat then adrenaline starts flowing. All the hard work in practice during the week paid off today.”
The Cougars had taken a 9-0 lead on wins by Devin Brann and Kyle Meile at 160 and 171, respectively. Brann (3-0) executed a five-point move in the second period and decisioned state finalist Nic Adams 8-1. Meile pinned Brandon Riordon with a reverse half nelson and also had a 20-second stick.
Lisbon erased the deficit quickly with pins by Rob Tietjen (189), Mark Stambach (215) and Elijah Trefts at 275. Tiejen had been trailing against Kevin O’Leary. The Hounds’ Tyler Clark used technical fall to beat Josh Ronan (19-3) at 130, and teammate Ryan Guisto scored 12 straight points in a 14-5 decision over Mike Jonaitis of Dirigo.
Dirigo was pinned by Foxcroft, but earned a big win from freshman Josh Palmer, who beat Alan Whittemore 2-1 in overtime. Brett Staples lost on a near fall with 10 seconds left to Ray Benson of Foxcroft.
Against Dexter, O’Leary recorded a head-and-arm pin, and teammate Derek Daley utilized a cradle. James McPhee of Foxcroft cruised past Stambach.
Two-time state champion Jeremy Barkac of Dexter easily won three matches, and state champion Vinny Greene beat Dubois 14-12 in overtime.
“The fast start against Dexter helped,” Dirigo wrestling coach Doug Gilbert said. “The kids feed off each other, and they need to have some confidence. (Kyle) Meile is ready this season, and Kevin O’Leary’s head and arm was big at 189.”
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