photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State's Zane Shaw, right, shoots at the legs of Jadin Harrell during Free State's 65-9 dual win over Lawrence at FSHS.

Free State and Lawrence High took to the wrestling mat at FSHS on Wednesday evening in a dual that swung in the hosts’ favor, 65-9.

The dual doubled as senior night for the Firebirds. Coach Randy Streeter has coached many classes throughout their high school careers, but he said this class was unique in its camaraderie.

“This is the most solid, deepest, tightest group I’ve ever had,” Streeter said. “Whether I’ve known them for four or five years or most that I’ve known since they were little, it’s going to be sad to see them go. They’re pretty fun to watch.”

The dual started with the 175-pound weight class, where the Lions’ Reece Meyer won in a 12-6 decision over Kael Robinson. The Firebirds tied the total score at 3-3 with a 4-0 decision win in the 190-pound bout, as Zane Shaw defeated Jadin Harrell.

It was the second time in a week that Shaw and Harrell faced each other, and Shaw avenged his prior loss to Harrell with the close decision win. All four of Shaw’s points came in the second period, with an escape to start the period and a takedown later.

Blaine Larkin provided the first pin of the night over Jace Schofield in the 215-pound bout. Larkin got the pin in 1 minute, 40 seconds. The Firebirds jumped to a 15-3 lead, with Free State’s Xander Swoyer unopposed in the heavyweight class.

Free State won the two matches with pins in the lowest weight classes. Quinton Hice pinned Jacek Aber in the 106-pound bout, and Tosh Hernandez pinned Logan Druen in the 113-pound bout.

The Lions picked up their only pin of the night in the 126-pound weight class with a first-period pin from Lou Elsten over Brayden Wilcox.

The Firebirds won the next seven bouts to hit the 65-point total. Tristen Moore pinned Drennen Shorter in the third period of the 126-pound weight class bout, and Drew Streeter pinned Blaine Schwada for the 132-pound bout.

Drew Streeter was one of the seniors honored during the dual. Streeter has wrestled with many of his teammates since childhood, and this season is a home stretch as teammates. It gives the final six weeks a boost of importance, knowing that this is it for him and his friends as Firebirds.

“It means a lot,” he said. “I think we’re on pace to do well. We need to stay focused for the next six weeks, stay on track, and take home a trophy at the end of the day.”

Free State’s Coghlan Odom and Lawrence’s Logan Sheldon had a close bout that ended in a 4-1 decision win for Odom. The match was tied at 1-1 until Odom scored a takedown in the final second to secure the winning points.

The final four matches ended in first-period pins for Free State. Hudson Andrew pinned Jory Haas in the 144-pound bout, Otto Reese pinned Kenny Marcial in the 150-pound bout, Gabe Swoyer pinned Isaiah Shorter in the 157-pound bout and Grayson Hagen finished the night with a pin over Hunter Lown in the 165-pound bout.

The Firebirds are confident that the team is peaking at the right time to compete in the state tournament. Coach Streeter said it’ll be “an exciting six weeks” before the team finishes the season. Balance and keeping everyone in check will be key to keeping the momentum going forward.

Both teams won’t have much rest following the dual, as they will compete at Blue Valley Northwest on Friday.