Simi Valley Takes Down Newbury Park, 51-13

Simi Valley High survived a scare in the first match of the night Thursday and moved a step closer to capturing the Marmonte League wrestling title with a 51-13 victory over Newbury Park.

Most stress for the Pioneers came when Brandon Tomczak needed sudden-death overtime for a 7-5 decision over Robby Omoto in the 103-pound bout.

Tomczak could have won the match in regulation but was penalized for locking hands, allowing Omoto to tie the score, 5-5, as time expired.

However, Tomczak amended for his error by scoring on a takedown a little over a minute into the overtime.

“That really could have been a swing for them if they had pulled it out,” Simi Valley Coach Guy Greene said. “A match like that can be a big swing in emotion.”

Simi Valley (4-0, 4-0 in league matches) cruised from there, winning nine of the next 10 bouts.

Simi Valley needs one victory in its two remaining dual meets to secure at least a share of the Marmonte League title.

The Pioneers host defending co-champion Agoura and then travel to rival Royal the following week.

“We had a lot of real good efforts,” Greene said. “Our goal is to win league, and hopefully we can have it wrapped up by the time we get to Royal.”

Shawn and Robert Miller sparked Simi Valley early with consecutive pins.

Shawn Miller (112 pounds), who has been limited to seven matches this season because of a back injury, planted Nick Baca in 3:05.

Robert Miller pinned Zack Azavedo in 3:26.

Robert Gaytan followed with a 16-0 decision over Derek Shima and Simi Valley led, 20-0.

Simi Valley heavyweight Dan Kunkes and teammate Ryan Matheson continued their impressive individual seasons.

Kunkes (21-2) pinned Casey Curran in 43 seconds and Matheson (21-5) pinned Jeff Boscorino in 3:29.

There were some positive moments for Newbury Park (2-3, 2-2), which struggled in the past, including last season when only 16 athletes came out for the team.

The Panthers got victories from Justin Patterson (171), Dimitry Tsybulevsky (189) and Grant Smith (130). Newbury Park did not forfeit any bouts.