The varsity wrestling team defeated the Paint Branch Panthers, 55-15, on Dec 21, improving their record to 4-1.

The Vikes took an early lead, with wrestlers Harriet Symington, Jacob Rosenblum and Ned Daryoush defeating their opponents, giving the team an 18-0 lead.

Paint Branch was then able to score off of a 10-2 win, bringing them within 12.

With a forfeit of their 125 pound class wrestler, the Panthers trailed the Vikes 24-6.

Soon after, the Vikes took the mats by storm, receiving 16 consecutive points. The Panthers responded back immediately, scoring three points off of a near fall. However, Bradley Taylor increased the lead to 37 for the Vikes after defeating his opponent 15-7. Max Sessions defeated his opponent 7-2, essentially sealing the victory for the Vikes.

Head coach Derek Manon attributes the team’s success to the pressure they put on the Panthers throughout the entire match.

“The guys wrestled aggressively and with confidence. We pushed the action in all three positions, and our guys capitalized on their mistakes,” he said.

The team will travel to Northwest to face the Jaguars on Dec 23.