Jackrabbits Dominate Air Force in Decisive 37-5 Victory
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The South Dakota State Jackrabbits wrestling team delivered a commanding performance Friday night, defeating the Air Force Falcons 37-5 in Brookings, South Dakota. The victory showcased the Jackrabbits’ depth and strength across multiple weight classes, setting a positive tone as they prepare to face Northern Colorado on Sunday.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
The dual began with a strong showing from Daniel Guanajuato at 125 pounds, who secured a major decision over NCAA Qualifier Tucker Owens. Guanajuato quickly established control, scoring an early takedown and extending his lead with four near-fall points. He continued to apply pressure, adding another takedown in the third period for a final score of 10-1.
At 133 pounds, Cale Seaton battled Gavin Caprella to a narrow 5-4 decision. Seaton secured an initial lead, but Caprella responded with a takedown in the third. Ultimately, Seaton’s earlier score and defensive resilience proved sufficient, contributing to the Jackrabbits’ growing lead.
A Single Setback Amidst a Wave of Wins
The Jackrabbits experienced their only setback of the night at 141 pounds, where backup Tyson Peach fell to Carter Nogle via technical fall, 20-3. Despite an initial score, Peach struggled to contain Nogle’s offensive pressure, allowing the Falcons to get on the board.
Jackrabbits Reassert Control
Following the loss, the Jackrabbits responded emphatically. Colin Dupill at 149 pounds secured a 4-2 decision over Bryce Shelton, demonstrating strong defensive wrestling and securing a crucial takedown in the first period.
Have a swensen then delivered a spectacular performance at 157 pounds, pinning EJ Beloncik in just 4:03. Swensen dominated the match with four takedowns and a decisive cradle, earning his first pin of the season and adding six points to the Jackrabbits’ total.
Ranked Matchup Adds to SDSU’s Lead
In the only ranked versus ranked matchup of the evening, No. 28 Marcus Espinoza-Owens faced off against No. 33 Logan Fowler at 165 pounds. After a closely contested first period, Espinoza-Owens secured a pivotal takedown, ultimately winning the decision 4-2 and extending the Jackrabbits’ advantage.
Espinoza-Owens and Fettig Deliver Key Victories
No. 14 Moses Espinoza-Owens continued the Jackrabbits’ winning streak at 174 pounds, overpowering Gunner Cramblett with a 20-5 technical fall. Espinoza-Owens showcased his offensive prowess, securing multiple takedowns, including a late one with just four seconds remaining in the bout, for his 23rd win of the year.
Brock Fettig at 184 pounds overcame Brian Burburija, 6-3, in a hard-fought match. Fettig, remembering his previous encounter with Burburija, secured an early takedown and maintained control throughout much of the bout, securing a crucial ride time point.
Dominant Finishes Seal the Victory
The Jackrabbits closed out the dual with consecutive technical falls from their 197 and 285-pound wrestlers. No. 5 Bennett Berge quickly dispatched Owen Heiser with a 17-2 technical fall, demonstrating his dominance with a first-period takedown and a second-period cradle for four near-fall points.
Finally, No. 24 Luke Rasmussen completed the shutout with a 16-0 technical fall over Antonio Ramos in the heavyweight showdown. Rasmussen utilized his preferred top position, securing multiple near falls and a reversal to seal the victory and the overall match for the Jackrabbits, 37-5.
The Jackrabbits will return to action Sunday afternoon, welcoming the Northern Colorado Bears to Brookings for another Big 12 dual.
RESULTS:
15 SDSU 37, Air Force 5
125: Daniel Guanajuato (SDSU) over Tucker Owens (AF) (MD 10-1)
133: Cale Seaton (SDSU) Over Gavin Caprella (AF) (Dec 5-4)
141: Carter Some (AF) over Tyson Peach (SDSU) (TF 20-3 7:00)
149: Colin Dupill (SDSU) over Bryce Shelton (AF) (Dec 4-2)
157: #15 Have a swensen (SDSU) over EJ Beloncik (AF) (Fall 4:03)
165: #28 Marcus Espinoza-Owens (SDSU) over #33 Logan Fowler (AF) (Dec 4-2)
174: #14 Moses Espinoza-Owens (SDSU) over Gunner Cramblett (AF) (TF 20-5 6:56)
184: Brock Fettig (SDSU) over Brian Burburija (AF) (Dec 6-3)
197: #5 Bennett Berge (SDSU) over Owen Heiser (AF) (TF 17-2 5:30)
285: #24 Luke Rasmussen (SDSU) over Antonio Ramos (AF) (TF 16-0 5:35)
-GoJacks.com-
