El Camino Real Escapes When Big Men Weigh In

The upper weights gave El Camino Real High the upper hand over San Fernando on Thursday night in a battle between the City Section’s best wrestling teams.

Forced to forfeit two bouts, the Conquistadores rallied for a 41-32 victory, winning six of the final seven bouts, including five by pins.

El Camino Real (28-5, 5-0 in City meets) figured to be challenged this season by San Fernando (9-3, 4-1), which came within four points of dethroning the Conquistadores in last season’s City finals.

While El Camino Real has won four of the last seven City titles, including the last two in a row, San Fernando has not won a City title since 1991.

“They look stronger than they did last year, but not by much,” said Eugene Korchmarev of El Camino Real, who pinned Nicho Lopez in 1:55 at 160 pounds.

“They’re definitely a tough team.”

San Fernando jumped to a 26-8 lead, aided by forfeit victories at 103 and 140.

Andy Moro, a three-time City champion, gave San Fernando its first of two pins with a victory over Danny Maucilla in 3:45 at 135 pounds.

Eddie Moro, Andy’s twin and two-time City champion, won by forfeit 140. But the tide soon turned.

Moshe Levi, moving up from 140, pinned Willy German in 4:49.

Levi, 5 feet 3, said he is accustomed to dealing with bigger opponents.

“It’s a little harder against the bigger guys,” Levi said. “But I want to be aggressive.”

Korchmarev, Anthony Thomas (171), Jamar Carco (189) and heavyweight Shaheen Jahangard followed with pins.

Manuel Gonzalez kept the winning streak alive with a 10-7 victory over David Ventura at 215 pounds.

“What you saw was a very good San Fernando team,” Coach Terry Fischer of El Camino Real said. “It’s not that they aren’t good at the upper weights, they are. They’re just tougher at the lower weights.

“Our lineup is strong from bottom to top.”

Korchmarev and Thomas are poised to defend their City titles.

Korchmarev (22-6), who won last season at 160, polished off Lopez with five seconds to spare in the first period.

Thomas (35-1), champion at 171, struggled through a difficult match before pinning Jose Meza in 5:38.

Thomas, at 160 much of the season, moved up for the bout.

“I’d rather wrestle 160 but it’s to help the team out,” Thomas said. “As captain, I want to make sure we are the strongest team.”

Anthony Rico, who stopped Sal Flores at 152 pounds, gave the Tigers their other pin.

Andy Moro (27-2), who has three City titles and as many unsuccessful trips to Stockton, has his sights set higher.

“I’m tired of coming home with nothing,” Moro said. “Hopefully, this year I’ll change that.”