The palatal wrestling team knew they were going to face a tough challenge when the Pirates visited their Crosstown No.10 rival Fremd in a two-time Mid-Suburban League encounter on Thursday night.
And it certainly was, as the outnumbered Palatine had to give up four games against the powerful Vikings formation, costing the Pirates 24 points in the MSL West battle.
Fremd (12-0, 3-0) came out in full swing to remain undefeated in the 2021-22 season as the Vikings built a 39-0 lead after seven games before easily picking up a 65-3 victory .
Starting at 220 pounds, the Pirates (1-5, 0-4) were down 6-0 as Fremd’s Casey Bending posted a pin with 23 seconds left in the first period to get the game going.
The 285-pound fight was true aerial combat, but Fremd’s Cristian Gonzalez managed to post a narrow 3-2 decision over Gustavo Gonzalez for an early 9-0 advantage for the Vikings.
A double forfeit to 106 was followed by forfeit wins for teammates Fremd Wiley Jessup at 113 and elite rookie Evan Gosz at 120 to take the lead to 21-0.
Then the Vikings got pins from Jake Crandall at 126 pounds in 1:03, Maddox Khalimsky at 132 pounds in 2:45 and Jovan Gongora at 138 pounds in 3:32 to take the lead 39-0.
“It’s to their credit, we knew their kids were ready to take part in the relief program, and they make a good team,” said Palatine coach Javier Rivera. “We’re just looking to rebuild and maintain some consistency with the program.”
Palatine’s Joey Spizziri (10-2) broke the shutout with a 9-3 decision over Bryce Chierico at 145, but Fremd ran the table the rest of the way.
A technical fall from University of Illinois-linked Charlie Fifield to 152 and a forfeit win by teammate Matt Meehan (160) took the lead to 50-3.
Next, Fremd’s Peter Mondus won a 6-3 decision over Damian Nestor at 170 before Fremd’s AJ Delmar forfeited to 170.
“I just signed up (for U of I) last Wednesday, I’m very excited for this, I love the coaching staff and I love the energy and camaraderie of the program,” said Fifield, who will join former Libertyville star Danny Pucino. in the Illinois program.
“The goal (this season) is to be a state champion. I just came out of some pretty serious injuries (torn laces), and lost a few tough games. But I’m not where I know it. that I ‘I’ll be at the end of the year. “
A pin in just 41 seconds by Fremd’s Michael Kuehn (195) counted for the final score.
“We did what we were supposed to do tonight. We have a veteran team, and they have a lot of new guys there, ”said Fremd coach Jeff Keske. “I’m really proud of the leaders of this group. They care a lot about the team, they push each other, it’s a very tight-knit group and that’s the biggest difference compared to last year. . “
