Two intense matchups unfolded on the mats as Spring Creek Gators battled Fike Golden Demons, followed by Southern Wayne Saints taking on North Johnston Panthers. Both meets delivered memorable performances, dramatic comebacks, and standout individual efforts.
Coming into this matchup, I had the chance to speak with Spring Creek Gators Head Coach Joseph Borgquist along with Assistant Coaches Channing Rouse and John Denham. The staff emphasized the growth of a program that continues to surprise both their own team and their opponents. “We hope to see improvement for everyone out there on the mat today,” they shared, noting that continued development throughout the season is the priority. Compared to last year, the team is facing many new challenges, but the coaches expressed confidence in their progress.
Spring Creek is also excited to introduce women’s wrestling into the program another step forward for the Gators as they continue to build momentum. They enter today’s match with a 6–2 record.
I also spoke with Southern Wayne Saints Head Coach Antorio King, who discussed the new season and the youthful makeup of his roster. “We are growing, but we are very young,” Coach King said. The Saints are battling injuries and conflicts with other sports, leaving them with “six of the fourteen we do have,” but he remains optimistic about their potential once the team is back to full strength.
Coach King noted that the program is in a rebuilding phase, but expectations remain high “We’re still expecting to do our very best on the mat every time we’re out there.”
Spring Creek Gators vs. Fike
106 lbs — Rose Flores (Spring Creek) vs. Camilia Jones (Fike)
Rose Flores fought hard through every second of the match, but Camilia Jones controlled the tempo and secured a 7–0 victory for Fike.
120 lbs — Ronnie Frizzelle (Spring Creek) vs. David Bridgers (Fike)
David Bridgers struck early, scoring three quick points and taking control of the opening sequence. Ronnie Frizzelle battled back, countering effectively to earn a point and close the gap. Bridgers maintained a 6–4 lead late, but Ronnie Frizzelle surged with a strong comeback, earning the win after David Bridgers fell to a pin. Spring Creek takes the win.
120 lbs — Estefany Gonzalez Sanchez (Spring Creek) vs. LaJarvis Shelley (Fike)
Estefany Gonzalez Sanchez dominated from the opening whistle, taking early positioning and commanding the match throughout. Estefany Gonzalez Sanchez secured a decisive 14–2 victory over LaJarvis Shelley.
144 lbs — Alejandro Flores (Spring Creek) vs. Jacob Thomason (Fike)
Alejandro Flores quickly established control, taking Jacob Thomason to the mat and maintaining pressure. Alejandro Flores rolled to an impressive 11–1 win for the Gators.
285 lbs — Matthew Summerlin (Spring Creek) vs. DeShone Dickens (Fike)
In a close heavyweight showdown, DeShone Dickens earned a key 3–0 win for Fike.
Final Score: Spring Creek Gators 42, Fike Golden Demons 36
Southern Wayne Saints vs. North Johnston Panthers
126 lbs — Gerardo Saunda-Diaz (Southern Wayne) vs. Sawyer Schenk (North Johnston)
Both wrestlers exchanged strong moments, but Sawyer Schenk edged out Gerardo Saunda-Diaz with a 5–3 win.
175 lbs — Cris Lopez-Cabrera (Southern Wayne) vs. Gabe Bullock (North Johnston)
Gabe Bullock came out aggressively, controlling the match early and building a 6–1 lead. Cris Lopez-Cabrera fought back, narrowing the gap to 6–4, but Gabe Bullock kept his composure and finished with a 7–4 victory for North Johnston.
215 lbs — Samuel Phillen (Southern Wayne) vs. Richard Best (North Johnston)
Richard Best dominated from start to finish, not allowing Samuel Phillen room to recover. Richard Best claimed a commanding 10–1 win.
285 lbs — Bryce Sanders (Southern Wayne) vs. Adrian Jones (North Johnston)
Bryce Sanders opened strong with skilled moves that put him ahead 5–2. Adrian Jones mounted an impressive comeback, tying the match 5–5 late. With a final push, Adrian Jones completed the rally and secured an 8–6 win for North Johnston.
Final Score: Southern Wayne Saints 12, North Johnston Panthers 66
