Broncos receive top honors at Madison invite

140 Gerald Cervantes in finals

The BAB Blackfoot Broncos wasted no time running away from the pack at last weekend’s Madison Invitational—building their lead to 75 points after one day of action. The Broncos were able to maintain that lead through the end of the event and place 13 wrestlers in the top four.

With so many placers, the Broncos were bound to run into themselves at some point. This happened Saturday night when Blackfoot’s Dakota Bitton met Blackfoot’s Coltin Hill in the 171 lb. finals in what proved to be one of the closest matches of the tournament. Bitton dominated the first round, scoring with a takedown and a near fall, but Hill eventually earned the 6-4 decision—securing the win with a takedown late in the third period. Although the two compete weekly for the varsity spot, it remains possible that both wrestlers could advance to the state tournament at 171 lbs.

Blackfoot’s Gerald Cervantes continued his streak of dominance, earning top honors at 140. Cervantes, a returning state champion, is quite explosive and incredibly quick. With just one loss on the year, it’s obvious he means business about winning a second state title.

“We know we have a lot to work on,” commented head coach Brian Barlow, “but I’m liking what I’m seeing in this team right now. They have what it takes to win.” Although most of the season is still ahead, the 2010 squad has already demonstrated that they have some serious talent.

This weekend they will compete at what is perhaps their greatest measuring stick of all—the 32 team Tiger Grizz Invitational.

Madison Invitational team scores
Blackfoot 251
Pocatello 170
Jerome 162
Bonneville 144
Rigby 106
N Fremont 98
Mtn Home 78
Hillcrest 71
Wood River 67
Ririe 52
Sugar Salem 38
Burley 37
Sandpoint 37
Century 27
Madison 9

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