By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
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 stretch came 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.
Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.
Division 4
The Cassopolis Rangers were defeated by 2004 state runner-up Martin in the semifinals of the Division 4 regional tournament at Gobles High School Wednesday night.
The Rangers fell to the Clippers, 43-18.
Bronson defeated Olivet in the other semifinals before winning the regional championship with a 42-29 victory over Martin.
Dowagiac…30
South Haven…33
103: Adam Bastow (SH) p. Nathan Cottrell, 3:45
112: Tyler Dotson (SH) p. Justin Richter, 2:18
119: Richie Hutchinson (D) d. J.D. Morse, 12-5
125: Brad Keeny (SH) p. Nathan Long, 0:52
130: Terry Prowoznik (D) d. Corey Hill, 12-8
135: Andress Alcauter (SH) d. Jason Krukowski, 12-5
140: Michael Jackson (SH) d. Mike Kasper, 5-1
145: Justin Desjardin (D) wins by forfeit
152: Jeromy Northrop (D) wins by forfeit
160: Kameron Jackson (SH) p. Austin Lawrence, 3:42
171: Drakkar Close (SH) d. Kyle Bennett, 9-7
189: Shawn Rawson (D) d. Celic Bell, 12-10
215: Matt Behnke (D) p. Victor Hernandez, 2:45
275: Tony Stewart (D) d. Jake Simpson, 7-2
Cassopolis…18
Martin…43
103: Double forfeit
112: Spencer Bogdon (M) wins by forfeit
119: Double forfeit
125: Jeff Salmon (M) p. Josh Cole, 2:30
130: Steve Mena (M) d. Zach Duebner, 5-2
135: Justin Tucker (D) d. Curt Relka, 10-8
140: Seth Donley (M) d. John McCoy: 10-4
145: Kenny Brown (C) d. Josh reed, 4-2
152: Cody Fecrham (M) p. Randy Hemminger, 0:37
160: Joey Sobieski (C) d. Travis Buskick, 14-13
171: Josh Westphal (C) d. Casey Rickli, 9-7
189: Josh Duebner (C) p. Josh Gruser, 5:13
215: Chris Darrew (M) p. John Wirick, 1;02
275: Josh Steele (M) p. Josh Turnbow, 2:16