On January 16th the 5A #3 Skiatook Bulldog wrestling team traveled east on Highway 20 to compete with the 5A #2 Collinsville Cardinals. The Bulldogs knew going in that the Cardinals were tough in the lower weights so not giving up bonus points was very important and getting bonus points in the upper weights was just as important. The Bulldogs were able to accomplish that with two big wins from Josh Taylor at 120lbs and Brodie McNutt at 126lbs.

Skiatook was not through yet as 145lb Cougar Andersen won by a fall. The upper weights did their job too adding two falls by 170lb Brian Pollard and 220lb Korbin McLaughlin plus 160lb Hunter Hall won by decision. Skiatook received forfeits at 182lbs, 195lbs and Heavy Weight making the final dual score 45-24 and Highway 20 bragging rights.

At 106lbs Skiatook’s Kyle Bowman (Fr. 10-9) lost by technical fall to Garrett Strickland.

At 113lbs Skiatook’s Trey Bowman (So. 8-8) lost by a major decision to Rocky Stephens.

The Bulldogs 120lb Josh Taylor (Fr. 20-1) wrestle the Cardinals Eli Benham. The two-grappler wrestled one of the toughest matches of the night and was tied three to three after the third period. In the sudden victory period Taylor was able to takedown Benham and put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard making the dual score 3 to 9.

At 126lbs the Bulldogs Brodie McNutt wrestled Cody Francis. McNutt was able to go into to the third period with a two to one lead and tilt the Cardinal for two more points in the final period making the score four to two. Francis was able to escape McNutt, but the mighty Senior Bulldog held on to a four to three win making the dual score 6 to 9 in favor of the Cardinals.

Skiatook’s 132lb Tyler Garrett (Fr. 1-4) was pinned by Caleb Tanner.

Skiatook’s 132lb Cougar Andersen (Fr. 16-5) wrestled Conner Henson in one of the most exciting matches of the evening. Andersen came out in the first period with a huge throw and put Henson on his back for a four-point move. Henson later escaped but it was the Bulldog that got another takedown and two more back points giving him an eight to one lead after one period. Andersen took bottom to start the second and was able to reverse the Cardinal late in the second to take a ten to one lead going into the third period. Henson took top to start the third period and Andersen quickly escaped. The young Bulldog went nose to nose with the seasoned Cardinal once again, but it was the mighty Freshman Bulldog that would once again perform another beautiful throw and pinned Henson early in the third period making the dual score 12 to 15.

The Cardinals would score three more points as Xavear Cullors would win by a four to one decision over Skiatook’s 145lb Cale Glover (So. 14-7).

Skiatook’s 152lb Jeran Seabolt (So. 13-8) was pinned by Tony Conner in the first period making the dual score 12 to 24.

That would be all the scoring that the Cardinal’s would do as the Bulldogs were able to get wins from the next six wrestlers.

Skiatook’s 160lb Hunter Hall (Fr. 18-8) battled all three periods with Blake Nation and won by an eight to two decision bringing the Bulldogs a little closer making the dual score 15 to 24 in favor of the Cardinals.

At 170lbs for the Bulldog’s was Brian Pollard (Fr. 18-7). Pollard wasted no time with Hayden Knight as he pinned him fifty seconds into the first period making the dual score 21 to 24 bringing the Bulldogs within three points of the Cardinals.

182lb Blake Watkins (Jr. 16-8) and 195lb Johnathan Martin (Jr. 3-10) received forfeits.

Skiatook’s 220lb Korbin McLaughlin (Jr. 17-3) wrestled Zach Morris. McLaughlin made short time of the Cardinal pinning him in one minute nineteen seconds in the first period. With that win the Bulldogs locked up the victory making the dual score 39 to 24.

Heavy Weight Dylon Carnagey (Sr. 14-6) received a forfeit.

Skiatook wins the Highway 20 rivalry 45 to 24. The next home action for the Bulldogs will be Senior night January 30th. Junior High starts at 6:00 p.m. with the High School following. We will also be holding a reunion for all the past Skiatook Bulldogs State Champions that night so come out and see all the great Bulldog wrestlers from the past and cheer on the present Bulldogs.
