By DAVID WALSH - The Herald-Dispatch
 

Randy Snyder/The Herald-Dispatch Huntington’s Kenny Hutchinson, left, ties up with Cabell Midland’s Marty Emerson during their heavyweight match on Saturday at Huntington high School. Hutchinson won by decision, 4-1.

HUNTINGTON -- Huntington High got another win over Cabell Midland and some payback against John Marshall in high school wrestling Saturday at Huntington High.

Sheldon Clark, the fourth team in the mix, left with a 2-0 record while Cabell Midland departed 0-3.

"Coach (Bill) Archer influenced us to do a lot better," said senior Jeremy Ray, who competes at 140 for Huntington and took the mat first in each match and won both. "The first match is important. It sets the tone."

Huntington beat Cabell Midland, 57-15, to keep possession of the Cabell County Team Championship Trophy for a third straight year. The Highlanders came back to defeat John Marshall, 43-16, to atone for its only dual loss a year ago.

The sweep helped the Highlanders, ranked No. 4 in Class AAA, get over a runner-up finish in the Nitro Invitational last weekend. They had the lead going into the final round in the 24-team tournament.

"People didn’t do the job they were supposed to do," said Kenny Hutchinson, who won at 215 and 275 Saturday for the Highlanders. "It hurt and we were pumped up today."

"We didn’t have a good day," Ray added. "It hurt pretty bad. You forget it and go on."

Sheldon Clark handled Cabell Midland, 42-30, and John Marshall, 42-39. The Cardinals came in ranked No. 1 in Kentucky in Class AA-A and No. 3 overall. Their only loss in duals came to Huntington High back in December.

"It was a tough day and a good day," Sheldon Clark coach Jim Matney said. "We’re a small school. It’s great competition and it makes us a lot better."

In the final match, John Marshall topped Cabell Midland, 50-21, to make the long ride back to Glen Dale (northern panhandle) a bit more enjoyable.

"We’ve got to find some fight," Knights coach Ernie Sparks said. "Our guys are just satisfied to be here."

Sparks knew the odds were against his team Saturday.

"Huntington High came in for a fight," he said. "Our guys were back on their heels and they took it to us. Against Sheldon Clark and John Marshall, we were in both. We lost the last four (against John Marshall)."

Archer said his team mustered a much better effort Saturday.

"We wrestled better," he said. "Against Cabell Midland, it’s a chance to go head to head. We were up for John Marshall."

Senior Chris Gibbs was one of the bright spots for Cabell Midland. At 160, he won twice by pin and once by forfeit. His only loss this season came in the finals at Nitro.

"We’re a young team and the guys do their best," he said. "It’s tough losing (to Huntington). We have potential, we just need work. I thought we could win against Sheldon Clark. The heavyweight match swung it."

In that match, James Eason, seeing his first action for Sheldon Clark, beat Adam Richardson, 8-6 in overtime. Richardson scored three points late in the third period to get even at 6-6 and force OT.

Next up for Huntington, Cabell Midland and Sheldon Clark is the WSAZ Invitational scheduled Friday and Saturday at Veterans Memorial Field House. Parkersburg South, defending state champion in Class AAA, is entered along with East Fairmont.

"That’s pretty good competition," Archer said.

Champions are crowned in Class AAA and Class AA-A for high schools. There also are divisions for junior high, middle school and freshmen teams.