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Warriors cruise to big win over Vikings on mat
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Times photos: Mark Nesbitt Pecatonica-Argyle heavyweight David Cuevas works to turn Black Hawk junior Blake Wand. Cuevas pinned Wand in 2 minutes, 15 seconds, but the Vikings lost a dual match to the Warriors, 45-27 Thursday night.
SOUTH WAYNE - In dominating fashion, the Black Hawk wrestling team made short work of Pecatonica-Argyle, cruising to a 45-27 win Thursday night to remain unbeaten in dual meets.

Black Hawk (3-0) rode the momentum of four pins in the nine matches wrestled to catapult them to a victory. Black Hawk senior Dusty Weber at 125 pounds began the meet pinning Pecatonica-Argyle's Nathan Borcherding in 1 minute, 2 seconds.

Weber, a two-time sectional qualifier, has his sights set on qualifying for state in his final prep wrestling season.

"I was just in it to win it," Weber said. "I had to get it done. If you can get the pin, get it. We needed the points."

The Warriors also received pins from AJ Meligan (130), Kyle Stauffacher (140) and Carl Ruegsegger (215). Black Hawk junior Isaac Sigafus at 119 defeated Chris James 10-4.

"You could always use more conditioning," Black Hawk coach Jim Seffrood said. "When you are tired, you have to work harder in practice. It will all pay off at the end of the season."

The Vikings (0-3) forfeited four matches at 103, 112, 152 and 160. Pecatonica-Argyle coach Ike Campbell said three wrestlers are ineligible for various reasons. The Vikings are also without Zach Mick, who would have wrestled at 189 or 215 this year, but suffered a season ending torn ACL/MCL injury in the second round of the football playoffs.

"After Christmas, we should be at full strength," Campbell said. "I can't wait until then."

The Vikings did receive big wins from Riley Sigg (171), Tyler Francois (135), Ross Gilbertson (189) and heavyweight David Cuevas.

In one of the best matches of the night, Sigg defeated Black Hawk sophomore Bryant Luhman, 7-4. Sigg started the third period with a 5-2 lead, but withstood a late rally by Luhman fueled by a reversal.

Bryant Luhman was wrestling up at 171 for his brother, Jordan Luhman, who didn't wrestle due to a sprained ankle.

Sigg, who has been battling strep throat, had enough energy to hang on.

"I can't make excuses for anyone," Campbell said. "We needed a pin out of him and he didn't come through. He looked tired tonight."

Seffrood said he was hoping Luhman could get a turn and earn back points.

"The clock could have stopped about halfway through for us," Seffrood said.

Francois pinned Brittany Collins in 51 seconds. Gilbertson pinned Tyler Quinn in 5:34. Cuevas pinned Black Hawk junior Blake Wand in 2:15.

"He (Cuevas) has been aggressive lately," Campbell said. "He's getting better by the day. I simply said before the match, 'Can you give me all you got tonight? He really did."

Black Hawk wrestles a rescheduled match Dec. 23 at Wisconsin Heights and Pecatonica-Argyle will host Sugar River on the same night.