Harrison Township, Rochester, Rochester Hills

Rochester High wrestling falls to Oxford High in regional final

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Patricia O'Blenes Rochester High's Aaron Morgan goes for a pin against Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse's Peter Barone Feb. 15 in a Division regional semifinal. The Falcons won, but fell to Oxford High 31-27 in the final Photo by Patricia O'Blenes Rochester High's Aaron Morgan goes for a pin against Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse's Peter Barone Feb. 15 in a Division regional semifinal. The Falcons won, but fell to Oxford High 31-27 in the final

Oxford High is returning to the wrestling team finals after edging Rochester High 31-27 in a Division 1 regional final Feb. 15 at Utica Ford II.

"We always knew it'd come down to this," Oxford coach Brandon Rank said. "We've seen Rochester countless times and knew we had the firepower to win out. Rochester has one heck of a team."

The Falcons beat the defending state champions in their only dual match earlier in the season, but coach Frank Lafferty said the difference this time came down to bonus points.

"I knew it was going to be close and it was their night," he said. "The kids have nothing to be ashamed of."

Rochester senior captain Cody Devoe agreed.

"To even get this far is an accomplishment," he said.

Neither team established a substantial lead, as the squads were tied at 27 heading into the final bout. Each team won seven matches and had two by pins, but Oxford had an additional six points come from a void.

In the semifinals, Oxford beat Anchor Bay High 47-18. Rochester downed Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse 66-12.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062. Follow Christian on Twitter.