Marion takes down Herrin in wrestling dual

HERRIN -- It's always a good time when Marion and Herrin get together for any sporting event, but wrestling has always had a few extra storylines and this year has more than ever.
Marion's new head coach, Darren Lindsey, has been involved with Herrin wrestling for decades, including a season as head coach, but was on the other bench for the first time as the schools met for a dual Tuesday night.
And with every weight class filled by both teams, all points were decided on the mat and Marion came out on top, 46-28, to improve to 19-10 for the season.
The dual started at 160 pounds with Marion's Clayton Tanner winning by a 15-0 technical fall over Skyler Chandler. Then at 170, the Wildcats got six points as Noah James got a late pin of John Coates.
Herrin got on the board when Brylan Mezo won a 13-6 decision over Ben Parks at 182.
Marion's River Flute, usually a 170-pound entry, bumped up to 195 and pinned Matt Juvers with four seconds left in the first period. Flute is state-ranked at 170 and is now 33-2.
Herrin's Dewey Hendrix and Larry Coats won the next two classes before it rolled over to the light weights and Marion took control.
Gage Kent (106) and Lydell Hoskins (113) both worked quick pins, then state-ranked Gaige Owens won a 19-4 major decision over Ruben Pullum at 120.
The Wildcats' other state-ranked wrestler, freshman Nate Dampier, pinned Isaac Shepard in 2:38 during their 138-pound bout. Dampier is now 32-3.
Marion's Landon White pinned Anthony Bowling at 126, then Herrin got wins from senior Damon Bordner at 132, state-ranked senior Jace Hahs at 145 and Eric Hosman at 152.
Marion also wrestles Harrisburg on Thursday and is slated to compete at the Olney Duals on Saturday.