By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
COMSTOCK - A year ago everything fell into place for the Dowagiac varsity wrestling team as it captured a surprising regional championship.
But on Wednesday night at Comstock High School nothing went right from the beginning.
Starting with the toss of the coin the Chieftains knew they were in trouble against No. 10 ranked South Haven.
In the end, the coin toss was the difference in the Rams' 33-30 victory over No. 8 ranked Dowagiac.
In the other semifinal, Constantine clawed its way to a 36-35 victory over Vermontville-Maple Valley.
South Haven then earned a trip to Battle Creek's Kellogg Arena with a 36-33 victory in the championship match.
The match opened at 152-pounds where Dowagiac was hoping to force South Haven into wrestling Kameron Jackson against Jeromy Northrop.
Unfortunately for the Chieftains the loss of the toss forced Dowagiac to put Northrop on the mat first which allowed the Rams to forfeit and move Jackson up to 160-pounds.
There he pinned Austin Lawrence, who was bumped up two weight classes.
After undefeated Drakkar Close edged Kyle Bennett at 171-pounds, 9-7, the Chieftains knew they had their work cut out for them.
Three straight victories at 189-, 215- and 275-pounds gave Dowagiac an 18-9 lead, however, it wasn't enough.
South Haven picked up pins at 103-pounds as Adam Bastow defeated Nathan Cottrell and Tyler Dotson defeated Justin Richter to knot the match at 18.
Dowagiac took a 21-18 lead on a victory by Richie Hutchinson over J.D. Morse, 12-5.
South Haven would win three of the next four matches to secure the victory.
Brad Keeny pinned Nathan Long, while Andress Alcauter decisioned Jason Krukowski and Michael Jackson decisioned Mike Kasper.
Dowagiac's lone victory over that strretch game from Terry Prowoznik, who decisioned Corey Hill, 12-8.
South Haven forfeited at 145-pounds to Justin Desjardin to end the match.
Dowagiac's wrestling team will now shift gears and head to the individual regional tournament on Saturday at Hamilton High School with seven grapplers.
The Cassopolis Rangers were defeated by Martin in the semifinals of the Division 4 regional tournament at Gobles High School Wednesday night. The Rangers fell to the Clippers, 43-18.