Last night, Central traveled to Longmeadow to face the Lancers in a league match. Every season there seems to be at least one match where a lot of guys are either hurt, banged up or sick. Last night was the match this season. The list of starters that were not wrestling was too long for comfort. Out was Danny Salgado (112), Anthony Brooks (152), Estavon Gonzalez (171) and Shaun Lockett (285). Last night saw the return of Manny Ocasio (145) and Nate Shea (189, 215)  who came into the match to raise their arm and take a forfeit. The match was tense at moments and the competition was high quality, but in the end Longmeadow had too many holes and Central won 33 – 23. Of actual matches wrestled, Longmeadow won 6 and Central won 5. Two of Central's wins (Peter Hager – 119 and Nate Collins – 215) came by pin. Longmeadow scored one pin at 135 when Gary Shea stuck John Lebron. The most exciting matches came at 140 lbs and 160 lbs, both of which Central lost. At 140 lbs, Bemnet Banks seemed to have the match in control up 4 – 2 with seconds to go when Matt shapiro scored to tie the match. In overtime, Shapiro got the quick takedown to shock the Central crowd and come away with the win. At 160 lbs, Anthony Williams was trailing Ian Altman 2-1 in the third period when he took a shot and seemingly took Ian Altman down with his feet in bounds. The ref called the take-down out of bounds in probably one of the worst calls I have seen all season. That certainly changed the tenor of the match and Anthony had to try a desperation take-down attempt late in the period and ended up on the bottom losing 4 – 1.

Central squeaked the win out and now has a week to get healthy to face off against West Springfield in the final league match of the season. Both teams are undefeated in league action and West Springfield is stronger this year than I have ever seen them. West Side has a legitimate opportunity to knock Central off this year and walk away with the Western Mass crown. If both teams are healthy, I would have to give the nod to Central. Thats a big IF and a small nod. It's gonna be a barn-burner and West Springfield will be hosting in their home gym. I expect this one to be packed to the rafters with fans as this is going to be the most competitive D1 league match in the valley since the days of the Agawam – Central rivalry. With the title up for grabs, I expect both teams will be flying high and pumped for the match. Make your plans early kids. You won't want to miss this one……..