LAKELAND, Fla.—The Fire were close to two wins last weekend. They came away with one in their home opener.
Southeastern got bonus points in four of its seven wins for a 27-12 victory over No. 15 Campbellsville at The Fire Pit Friday night.
The Tigers held a 9-0 lead after the first two matches, but Ethan Owen turned the fortunes of SEU with a major decision victory at 141. A forfeit at 149 put the Fire on top and set the stage for the victory.
“Ethan getting a major right at the end got the crowd into it and motivated our guys to score points,” said coach Javier Maldonado. “I think the wins at 157 and 165 got us on a roll, but the turning point was Ethan’s takedown at the end to get a major.”
Kyle Kirkham scored a 6-3 decision at 157 and Dylan Chatterton, ranked fifth at 157, bumped up to 165 and scored a major decision.
The Tigers picked up a decision at 174 to get back within striking distance, but a decision by Jason Davis at 184 followed by a major decision by Jesse Pryor at 197 sealed the win.
Silas Root closed the night with a thrilling 3-2 win.
“We won five matches last week in both duals last week, but lost some bonus points,” said Maldonado. “Our guys realized it, and came back, had a great week of practice and came back focused and ready to fight.”
Next up for the Fire will be the Emmanuel Open on Saturday.
No. 18 SOUTHEASTERN 27, No. 15 CAMPBELLSVILLE 12
125: Jordan Martinez (CAKY) over Jaaziel Santana (SOEA) (Dec 9-3)
133: Marvin Galette (CAKY) over Edward Barratt (SOEA) (Fall 3:37)
141: Ethan Owen (SOEA) over Aaron Rugnao (CAKY) (MD 11-2)
149: Jake Watters (SOEA) over (CAKY) (For.)
157: Kyle Kirkham (SOEA) over Gavin Smith (CAKY) (Dec 6-3)
165: Dylan Chatterton (SOEA) over Raymond Williams (CAKY) (MD 12-3)
174: Mahlic Sallah (CAKY) over Carlos Diaz (SOEA) (Dec 9-5)
184: Jason Davis (SOEA) over Aaron Mosley (CAKY) (Dec 8-4)
197: Jesse Pryor (SOEA) over Kevin Schantz (CAKY) (MD 13-4)
285: Silas Root (SOEA) over Ashton Mutuwa (CAKY) (Dec 3-2)