Coal City wrestling heading back to dual team state

It came down to Brendan Nevin's match at the 220 mark, as Coal City picked up a 40-29 win over Clinton during the Gibson City Sectional Tuesday night to advance to state.

The Coalers built a 34-17 lead heading into the 195 weight class, thanks to wins from Evan Rivera (major), Connor Huston (TF), Brandon Strnad(major), Alex Friddle (fall), Trevor McIntire (fall), Ryan Wasielewski (fall) and Daniel Jezik (dec.).

With a substantial lead, Coal City could have clinched the match with either a win at 195, or anything less than a pin. Unfortunately, Cole Garcia wound up getting pinned at the 5:05 mark, leaving the Coalers on the bubble with a 34-23 lead. Clinton was actually in a spot to be able to comeback, but they would need two pins.

Brendan Nevin didn't let the opportunity slip away at the 220 match though, making quick work of his Clinton opponent, jumping out to a 5-0 lead by the end of the first period. Nevin finally capitalized in the second period with a pin at the 2:47 mark, earning Coal City six more points for a 40-23 lead.

The lopsided score led to Coal City forfeiting at 285 and walking away with the Sectional championship. 

The Coalers will face El Paso-Gridley (No. 12 in the state) Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. The winner of the Class 1A Dual team quarterfinal will be guaranteed a trophy, as the worst they could do after that would be fourth.

Coal City 40, Clinton 29