Grapplers grab lead, but let it slip away

Clarkston grappler Erik Butterfield (160) started a trend when he outscored Davison’s Reyes Saldana 6-3, putting the Wolves ahead, 8-3.
In the next two matches, Adam Lauzun (171) and Bryant Craft (189) both earned points for Clarkston at the Davison-hosted meet, Dec. 18. After Craft won by major decision, he brought Clarkston ahead, 10-8.
But then, Davison’s Richard Kirksey (215) pinned Sloan Hadsall, shifting Davison into the lead, 14-10.
Jared Cowan (275) brought Davison further into the lead by pinning Mike Richmond. Both pins against Clarkston occurred in the second period.
With the score 20-10, Clarkston needed something to bring them up to Davison’s lead. Jeff Sloney (103) answered the call and pinned Dakota Thronson in 3:01 into the overtime period.
But in the next four matches, Davison led, winning their points by major decisions, bringing the team to 35-16.
Alex Popp (135) won his match by major decision, earning three points to Zach LaBelle’s one point.
In the final match of the night, Chris Burkhart (140) won one more match for Clarkston. His was also by major decision, as he took on Talon Hodgeson and won 3-2.
But it wasn’t enough, and Clarkston fell to Davison, 35-22.
Clarkston is currently ranked number six in Division 1 and Davison holds onto second place in Division 3.