Highland wrestling starts with mixed results

Highland High’s wrestling team has had two very distinct outcomes in its dual meets this season, edging Bountiful, 38-33, and losing to perennial power Tooele, 62-10.

The Rams secured three pinfall victories, four decision wins and one forfeit, en route to the victory over Bountiful. Though four of the Braves’ six individual victories came via pinfall, Bountiful had only one decision and one forfeit win, limiting its opportunities to earn valuable team points.

Highland’s Dyllan Holmes (103 pounds) won by forfeit, while Levi Rhodes (135), Christian Schulte (160) and Toi Taufa (285) each earned pinfalls. Schulte’s was the quickest, as he squared his opponent’s shoulders to the mat in just 45 seconds, while Rhodes won in 1:38 and Taufa in 3:02.

Skyler Lloyd (125 pounds, 19-6), Josh Smith (130, 8-6), Brandon Lloyd (145, 10-0) and Ephraim Schulte (171, 7-4) each won by decision for Highland.

Tooele took control from the outset against the Rams, as the Buffaloes garnered seven of their 12 individual victories by pinfall. Highland’s only wins came at 145 pounds, as Brandon Lloyd won a 12-2 decision, and at 285 pounds, where Hea Tuifua won by pinfall in 3:21. Tooele finished sixth in the state championships as a team last season, as Box Elder took home the 4A title.

Highland tied with Dixie for 19th place at last year’s state meet. Taufua had the best individual finish for the Rams, going 2-3 and taking sixth at 285 pounds. Skyler Lloyd (119 pounds) and Brandon Lloyd (140) each won two matches, and David Doane (125) and Sydney Lauti (145) won one apiece. Skyler Lloyd won each of his matches by pinfall, while Taufa and Brandon Lloyd won decisions.