Johnson Eats Up Rivals in Gritty Win

A member of Larry Johnson’s family jubilantly explained the success of the Antelope Valley High wrestler at the Southern Section Masters Meet at Fountain Valley High on Saturday night.

A steady diet of grits and “good old-fashioned soul food” have fueled Johnson’s accomplishments.

Based on his effort in the final of the 160-pound division, others may be asking for the Johnson cookbook.

Johnson, a senior, pinned Bill Teed of Corona Centennial 45 seconds into their championship bout to highlight a group of 12 regional wrestlers who qualified for next week’s State meet in Stockton. The top eight in each weight class advanced to Stockton.

“I’m going to take care of some unfinished business,” said Johnson, who is 52-1.

Last year Johnson qualified for the State meet but defaulted because of an injury.

Quartz Hill wrestler Jacob Waasdorp also claimed a title, winning the 215-pound division when Andrew Murphy of Brea forfeited.

Camarillo’s Ron Peterson nearly brought home a title, losing in the 119-division final to Matt Azevedo of Calvary Chapel, 12-11.

Alemany and Royal each had two wrestlers place in the top eight.

Alemany heavyweight Anthony Vitale finished fifth and is the region’s lone section qualifier from that class.

Teammate Joe Guardado placed eighth at 112.

Royal’s Rey Torrez finished fourth at 160, and Ryan Montanez placed fifth at 130.

Ventura’s Cristobal Gonzalez at 171 pounds became the first sophomore in the school’s history to qualify when he placed seventh.

At 189 pounds, Palmdale’s Mike Calhoun rebounded from a season-ending injury last year to take fourth place.

Oxnard’s Danny Ramirez placed sixth at 215 pounds, defaulting his fifth-place match to rest his injured left knee.

Other wrestlers from the region who advanced to Stockton were Westlake’s Beau Taylor, who placed fourth at 135, and Thousand Oaks’ Mike Bonebright, who placed seventh at 125.