Looking like SHS of old, Bulldogs pound Branham 58-22
MORGAN HILL — Along with individual achievements, Sobrato wrestlers Drew Johnson and Ryan Brewer have enjoyed being a part of a program that nearly captured back-to-back league championships.
The seniors take pride in the success of their team — which is why neither slept well after the Bulldogs lost 39-33 Jan. 26 at Willow Glen, plummeting to 1-3 in the Santa Teresa Division. Memories of their impressive showing in the Mid-Cal Classic dissipated.
“It took a toll on us. We’re a young team this year, but we always expect to win. That’s the way it’s always been,” Johnson said.
“We weren’t wrestling like a team. It felt like we were individuals just going out there,” Brewer added.
Being a team captain isn’t always glamorous, especially in rebuilding seasons.
Trying to right the ship and set an example for their younger mates, Johnson, Brewer and the team’s few upperclassmen have trained their hardest since last Tuesday’s loss. The extra effort was on display in Wednesday’s 58-22 trouncing over Branham.
The Bulldogs’ varsity stalwarts delivered a perfect night in the Sobrato Main Gym, allowing first-year coach Moses Guillardo to sub in several junior varsity wrestlers for the later matches.
“I honestly like the effort I’m seeing now,” Guillardo said. “I think the guys are finally listening to me and buying in to the things I’ve been showing them. Tonight, I saw a lot of new moves we’ve been working on.”
Johnson put his team ahead for good when he stacked Peter Toth in the first round at 135 pounds. Nic Crawley put on a show against Antonio Bennetto of the Bruins at 140, scoring near falls with fluid combinations to win by major decision.
Freshman standout Zack Zhang took Justin Harm to his back with a single leg in the second round of the 145-pound bout. That pushed Sobrato ahead 16-4.
“I feel like I’m finally getting accustomed to the high-school level,” said Zhang, whose battled with making weight. “The season started out rough for us, but we’re looking a lot stronger now.”
Evan Enright (152 pounds) put Branham’s James Patly to the mat in one minute, 41 seconds, and Brewer used a reverse-half Nelson to pin Kyle Kraoymick.
“I’m working on new stuff, but, at the same time, I’m getting back to basics to stay sharp,” Brewer said.
Rickey Morrison (171) took down Bulldogs senior Brandon Maack six seconds into their match, but Maack scored a reverse and ended up on top of Morrison for a pin.
Sobrato junior Rafael Anaya (215) put Chris Watkins to his back with 14 seconds left in the first round.
Bulldogs heavyweight Gustavo Ramirez was thrown down by Leon Abdulmash in the second round — but rolled through and ran a half, extending Sobrato’s lead to 46-10.
Two matches later, sophomore Brian Gomes pinned Joshua Wata for the Bulldogs’ final win.
It felt like old times to Johnson.
“It’s definitely good to get back in the win column,” he said. “It’s all about improving right now and finishing strong. We’ve got some big tournaments coming up.”
For some, that includes the Central Coast Section Championships and state, but it all starts Feb. 13 with the Blossom Valley Athletic League Finals tournament, where the Bulldogs will wrestle in front of a home crowd at Live Oak High.
What better setting for them to salvage their league season?
