The State Junior High Wrestling Championships began with a close match between once-beaten wrestlers Saturday night at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe.

(Complete brackets, click here!)

(Tournament photos, click here!)

Merrit Taylor of Safford Middle School and Jacob Rios of the Desert Devils had lost just once in the 68-pound weight class. Taylor emerged the victor in a close one, 2-1.

The 73-pound weight class was won by Jacob Forsman of Sunkist over Quincy Reece of Sunkids, 6-3. Tristin Decker of the Desert Devils posted a powerful performance in beating Anthony Montano of Safford Middle School by 7-4 in the 78-pound division.

Undefeated Johnny LaFountain of Barney Newell School defeated Giovani Diaz of Eloy Junior High 4-2 in the 83-pound final. Angel Montano of Safford Middle School won his match against Travis Matt of Sunkist in the 93-pound weight class.

Dajour “Spidey” Reece of Sunkids turned in one of the best performance of the night in his match against Heath Motes of Safford Middle School in the 98-pound final. Reece spent most of the second period trapped by Motes, and he started the third period looking seriously winded. Despite that, he finished strong and recorded a 6-0 shutout.

A close 4-2 finish followed between Ted Rico of Sunkids and Glenn Farina of Sunkist Academy in the 104-pound division. Farina emerged the victor. Kiefer Taylor of Safford Middle School was shut out by Luis Nunez of Chain Gang 6-0 in the 111-pound final. Daniel Cartagena of Sunkist blanked Pierre Gaud of Chain Gang 9-0.

Gabriel Coronado of the Desert Devils won 2-1 over Amyer Armstrong of Deer Valley in the 125-pound final.