Masterful Performance Given by Eagles, Saints

Santa Ana’s Wyatt Howard had no idea that his final match would determine whether his team would take first or second at the Southern Section Division II wrestling finals at Moreno Valley Canyon Springs Saturday night.

Howard was focused on one thing: beating defending state champion Chris Lopez of Covina Northview and taking home a 189-pound individual title.

So when Howard pulled out a 6-4 victory in the final minutes of the third period, he helped clinch the Division II title with a team total of 215.5 points.

“No one told me. Maybe that was a good thing. But I had no idea where we were in the team standings,” Howard said. “I knew I had to beat him. It was my best match of my career.”

Chino Hills Ayala, which had four champions, finished second (206) and Northview was third (163).

“You have to take one match at a time. Now I need to focus on Masters where I hope to do well,” said Howard, who transferred from Irvine last fall.

Santa Ana Coach Scott Glabb, who couldn’t take the strain of coaching Howard’s match, stood near the stands while his assistant coaches handled the duties.

“I couldn’t go down there. I was so nervous,” Glabb said. “That match was the key to our victory. I guess I’m getting too old for this.”

Besides the title, Santa Ana advanced 11 of its 14 wrestlers to the Masters meet Friday and Saturday at Fountain Valley High.

“We only had five last year, so it’s good to get that many through,” Glabb said.

Ozvaldo Avalos, at 152 pounds, was Santa Ana’s other champion.

Laguna Hills, which finished fourth with 122 points, had a good showing, advancing five to Masters.

Hawk Coach Cliff Jarmie was particularly proud of his heavyweight, Jerod Simpson, who advanced to the final after pinning the No. 1 seed, Justin McDowell of Northview, in 5 minutes 45 seconds.

“He’s really surprised me,” Jarmie said. “He’s been hurt the last month, so he’s been working hard to get back in shape. But he’s been on fire.”

Ty Blair of Dana Hills won the 171-pound title, beating Santa Ana’s Jimmy Becerra, 4-3. And Brian LaMay won the 145-pound title with a 12-3 major decision over Craig Wilkerson of Northview.

Dana Hills advanced five to Masters and Irvine had three.