El Dorado Leads County Teams at Tournament

El Dorado’s P.J. Montano defeated Sam Nolasco of Corona Centennial in the 215-pound final Saturday at the Estancia wrestling tournament, helping the Golden Hawks finish third among 32 teams at Estancia High.

Montano was one of two Golden Hawk wrestlers to win five consecutive matches Saturday and go home with an individual title.

El Dorado finished behind first-place Corona Centennial and second-place Payson, Ariz.

Montano lost to Nolasco at the Southern Section dual meet finals last season, then defeated Nolasco a week later at the section’s individual finals. His 4-2 victory Saturday showed he was gaining the upper hand.

After a scoreless first period, Montano scored a one-point escape early in the second period, then followed with a two-point takedown.

Montano kept Nolasco from making any decisive moves in the third period, then rode his lead into the fourth period, neutralizing Nolasco with a variety of arm bars and leg holds.

“I felt a little stronger out there,” he said. “Hopefully it will stay with me in the coming weeks.”

El Dorado, ranked third in the county, also scored key points from Chuck Rust, voted most valuable wrestler of the lower weights. Rust pinned Mike Brathold of Payson (Ariz.) with 21 seconds remaining in their 130-pound final.

Matt Schumm (119 pounds), Chad Dey (135), Mike Schumm (145), Josh Williamson (152), Cory Campbell (160) and Jeff Webster (189) won titles for Centennial, which cliched the team title. Campbell’s 7-5 victory was also Gamboa’s first loss of the season.

Other winners included Reyes Padilla of Saddleback, who defeated Art Santellan of Magnolia, 5-2, to win the 125-pound final, and E.J. Chanda of Trabuco Hills in the heavyweight division.

In the Chino Hills Ayala Brute Classic:

County teams fare well--With 257 1/2 points, Calvary Chapel won the team title and host Chino Hills Ayala was second with 241 points. Santa Ana (239) finished third and El Modena (154) placed fourth.

Loara’s Orlando Galvan scored a major decision in the 112-pound weight class to win the individual title. His brother Josh Galvan won the title at 119 with a major decision.