PORTAGE — With the postseason looming in the near future, the Niles wrestling team is beginning to put things together, according to veteran coach Todd Hesson.

The Vikings routed host Portage Northern 69-9 in a SMAC West Division match Wednesday night.

“We are starting to wrestle better,” Hesson said. “We are getting the kids back into the line-up and down to weights. Slowly, the pieces are falling into place. Our big guys did a nice job. At 171, Jesus Mango-Garcia; at 189, Darrian Sosa; at 215, Chase Andres; and Caiden Smith at 285, have been improving each week.”

Niles will return to the mat Saturday when it travels to Lowell, where it will face Detroit Catholic Central, ranked No. 3 in the nation, Lowell, the six-time defending state champions, Richmond, ranked No. 2, and DeWitt, ranked No. 4

“It should be an interesting weekend,” Hesson said.

Niles is currently 10-5 overall and 2-0 in the SMAC West Division.

Dowagiac wrestling

PLAINWELL — The Dowagiac wrestling team split a pair of Wolverine Conference matches at Plainwell on Wednesday.

The Chieftains dropped a 39-21 decision to the host Trojans, but defeated Vicksburg 72-6.

Winning two matches on the night for Dowagiac were Alex McIntosh (130), Chris Schultz (189), Mike Schlup (215) and Wyatt Bailey (285).

Dowagiac will travel to Stevensville, to compete in the Lakeshore Invitational on Saturday.