The Dos Pueblos wrestling team got on a roll in the final five matches, scoring pins in each to rally for a 43-33 victory over Buena in a Channel League dual meet opener on Tuesday at Sovine Gym.
Down 33-13, Sylis Penniman started the comeback with a pin at 182 pounds. Following two DP forfeits at 195 and 220 pounds, Ivan Medina pinned his Buena opponent at 285 and Ray Razo (106), Francisco Espinoza (113) and Cody Pearce (120) won by fall to make Jesse Plowman a winner in his first dual meet as head coach of the Chargers
“This was one of the most exciting high school wrestling meets that I have been a part of,” said Plowman, who wrestled at DP. “It was back and forth at the beginning of the night. Then Buena looked like they were going to get the upper hand. But DP roared back in the final matches.
“Kudos to the Buena team for putting up a valiant fight.”
Buena’s Rylan Pedroza won the first match of the night on a major decision at 126 pounds. But Dos Pueblos came back with three wins: a decision by Shaun Vague at 132 pounds, a pin by Ryan Crawford at 138 and a decision by Sam Ramos at 148 for a 13-5 lead.
The Bulldogs responded with a forfeit win, two decisions and pin to take over the lead.
Penniman got the momentum back for the Chargers with his pin against Matt Homan.
Medina pinned Devin Avila with 40 seconds left in their bout, and Razo put Kevin Hong on his back to pull DP within two points, 33-31.
“I want especially to thank Ray Razo for stepping up when we needed him,” said Plowman.
Espinoza pinned Sebastian Perez and Pearce took down Gerado Guzman to complete the stunning comeback.
“Both Buena and DP wrestled with heart,” said Plowman. “Many matches could have gone either way. It was an exciting evening.”
The Chargers wrestle at Rio Mesa on Thursday and compete at the Camarillo Duals Tournament on Friday and Saturday.