Newton Citizen

Lilburn — Rockdale’s wrestling team passed a big test Wednesday in Gwinnett County. Eight wrestlers won matches as the Bulldogs defeated Parkview, 45-33 in a mid-week dual.

Rockdale, which was coming off a runner-up finish at last weekend’s Takedown Sportswear Duals at Archer High School, got victories in the lower weights from 106-pounder Brandon Dodd (forfeit win), 113-pound Stephen Hart (first period pin) and Ronzell Teague (forfeit win). Middle weight Dakota Lewis won with a first-period pin at 145 pounds, and the Bulldogs pulled away with wins at 170 pounds by Anthony Banks (first period pin), 182 pounds by Luis Galindo (6-5 minor decision), 220-pound Francisco Robledo (first period pin) and heavyweight Mike Mason, who picked up a forfeit victory.

“It was a good dual for both programs. (Parkview has) some solid wrestlers in their lineup,” said Rockdale coach Craig Hargrove. “We had a couple kids that were (injured), we weren’t full strength, but good effort. It was definitely one of those matches where you’re looking to get individuals tough matches (and) really, across the board, they were really all tough matches.”

It was also a chance for Hargrove to try some different things with his lineup, like moving up a weight class two-time state runner-up Alonzo Allen. The junior lost a major decision at 120 pounds.

“Definitely a good match for him…definitely by design, giving him those tougher matches,” said Hargrove.

Rockdale returns home Friday for a match with county rival Heritage beginning at 5:00 p.m.