American Falls takes care of business at South Fremont competition

ST. ANTHONY – The American Falls wrestling team is ranked second in the state in 4A by IdahoSports.com and Snake River is No. 3.

And although South Fremont is not in the current rankings, the Cougars have been a state power, winning three of the past four (previously) 3A titles.

That may have established some drama or at least some heavy expectations heading into Thursday’s dual meet at South Fremont that featured the host Cougars along with the Beavers, Panthers and Sugar-Salem.

American Falls lived up to its billing, downing Sugar-Salem 65-16 and South Fremont 58-18.

South Fremont rallied past Snake River 42-39, winning its last three matches. Heavyweight McGregor Miller’s 18-0 tech fall proved the match winner.

Overall, it was an impressive outing for American Falls, racking up 123 points in its two matches with eight falls.

The Beavers featured seven wrestlers in the state rankings and each did his part with Chance Povey and Mason Aiken each picking up two wins.

One of the most entertaining matches of the night was between South Fremont’s Boden Banta, a three-time state champion, and American Falls’ Evan Simms at 132.

Simms, ranked No. 4 at 132, led Banta, ranked No. 1 at 126, early in their match. Banta trailed in the third period before scoring late for a 9-6 win.