A trio of ninth-grade wrestlers delivered impressive performances during Upper Perkiomen's non-league match against West Chester Henderson. Joe Reed and Ben

Branden Rozanski wrestling at 127-pounds, earned a major decision over Chester Henderson's Alfie Overton.

Godshall posted victories, but Drew Bennett suffered a last-second defeat as the visiting Warriors won seven of the final eight matches to post a 33-26 victory on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

            Bennett's 7-6 loss at 172 pounds in the feature bout capped the Warriors' comeback from a 20-0 deficit.The Tribe's fast start – which included five victories to open the match – appeared to surprise West Chester Henderson, according to Adam. He said consecutive victories by Branden Rozanski (127) and Brandon Godshall (133) had the opposition reeling.

            Reed (5-3) opened the bout with a 39-second fall at 107 pounds. He caught Alex Jackman in a headlock on his initial attack and quickly recorded his fourth pin of the season.  "Joe has no fear," Adam said. "When he sees an opportunity he takes it."

            Gabe Tulone (9-2) dominated the bout at 114 pounds, posting a   10-2 major decision victory over Jack Overton. The coach said he wasn't expecting the Indians to win both bouts.

            Ben Godshall (5-4) followed with a hard-fought win at 121. His first-period takedown against Ryan Schalleur, a returning regional qualifier, provided the decisive points in a 3-1 victory.  "Ben is so fundamentally sound," Adam said of Ben Godshall, who weighed in at 108 pounds.

            At 127, Rozanski (7-2) dominated Alfie Overton. The junior registered a 17-4 major decision victory.  "Branden put on a clinic," the coach said.

            Brandon Godshall (7-2) followed with an 8-5 victory over Angus Whittaker. He utilized a five-point performance in the third period to overcome a two-point deficit.

            However, Henderson – which reached the semifinals of the District One Class AAA team duals last season – won six consecutive bouts to secure the victory. Carmen Cortese (139) started the flurry with a second-period fall over Shane Freeh. Brien Wildermuth (145) and Xavier Hawkins (145) followed with decisions.

            At 160, Jackson McMonagle, a two-time returning state qualifier, pinned Tyler Hoffer before Bennett's hard-fought loss to Hayden Baldwin. Down 5-3 through two periods, Bennett rallied for three points in the third period. After gaining two penalty points, he utilized an escape to take a 6-5 lead with 1:12 remaining in the match.

            Needing only to stay on his feet, Bennett appeared poised to register the victory. However, Baldwin spun around him near the edge of the mat and recorded the decisive takedown with two seconds left.

            "Drew's going to take this really hard," Adam said. "But he will definitely learn from it. He's very resilient."

            Bennett got caught in a scramble and momentarily lost his bearings on the mat. He described the situation as a significant challenge for most ninth graders.

            "It's a huge ask for a freshman," Adam said. "Drew didn't panic. He's always calm, cool and collected."

            Tommy Flud (6-5) added a first-period pin at 215 pounds for the Tribe, which will compete in the Governor Mifflin Tournament on Dec. 29-30. The team resumes its dual meet schedule on Jan. 4 against Pope John Paul.

            "I'm thrilled with the way we are wrestling," the coach said. "Our high level of conditioning is paying off. You can see the opposition fade in the third period."