Brandon Ward just keeps winning and as a result, the Dolores High School sophomore will wrestle for third place in the 106-pound division in the Class 2A state tournament in Denver.
Ward's latest victory came over Holyoke High School's Eric Rojo (25-10) in the consolation semifinals when the Dolores sophomore pinned his tough opponent with 1 minute and seven seconds left in the second period.
Early in the match, it appeared as if Ward would have a hard time scoring as Rojo caught the Dolores wrestlers legs with well-timed shots. Ward trailed 2-0 at the end of the first period.
The dynamic of the match changed midway through the second period however, when Ward jerked Rojo to the ground and pulled him onto his back. The Dolores sophomore then worked to improve his position and pinned Rojo roughly 15 seconds later.
"(Rojo) was way stronger," Ward said. "I think he just came out cocky thinking he was going to walk all over me. It caught up with him."
With the win, Ward advances to a third-place match against Merino High School's Trevor Eliot (32-8), which will take place in the afternoon on Feb. 21.
"I'm going to eat and I'm going to rest and think about the match," said Ward when asked about his plans for the early afternoon.