Heading into the quarterfinals of the OHSAA state team tournament, Craig Murnan knew his Mason High School team had their work cut out for them.

The Comets, who had battled through Centerville to claim their first regional title, were squared off against nationally ranked Brecksville last week in the first round at St. John Arena.

We thought we could win six matches if things went well, Murnan said after the Comets were eliminated 36-25 by Amateur Wrestling News 21st-ranked team. We got five. We thought if we could win six and eliminate bonus points where possible we could score enough points to get by them.

Early on, it looked like the Comets were going to pull off an upset.

Freshman Zach Donathan and junior Patrick Kearney opened with back-to-back pins to give Mason quick 12-0 lead.

Brecksville, however, recorded bonus points in four of the next five matches to take a 20-12 lead before Jordan Collins recorded a 13-7 decision at 152. Mason didnt win another match until Austin Morris claimed a 12-4 major decision at 220 and Kyler Wilson won by forfeit at 285.

Our ranked kids beat their ranked kids where we matched up against each other and that is encouraging, Murnan said. We didnt wrestle scared. We went out there and wrestled well. I was pretty happy with the kids.

Brecksville went on to beat Moeller 45-21 before falling to Massillon Perry 48-9 in the finals.

I dont know if we woke them up or what, Murnan said. But they were pretty dominant. They wrestled pretty well against us and Moeller.

The Bees convincing win over Moeller also woke up the Comets a little as they watched the match unfold.

Read the original post:

Comets fall to Brecksville in state duals