RallyNorth.net

METHUEN — When finally given the chance, junior Matt Cabezas and senior Dan O'Connell delivered big time Saturday afternoon at the Division 1 North sectional.

Thwarted by injuries for two straight years, and knocked out Wednesday from a blow in his match against Central, O'Connell delivered a convincing 9-3 decision over Westford's Jake Morash for the 182-pound title.

Methuen tuned up for a Wednesday showdown at Central Catholic by sweeping a quad-meet to remain unbeaten at 22-0, its toughest meet being a 45-30 win over a strong Westford club. Travis Manick stayed unbeaten with a pair of wins at 195 while Evan Stoddard (113), Chris Ramos (132) and Justin Sheehan (138) were all 3-0 on the day.

Undefeated Methuen wrestling (19-0) took down rival Lawrence, 52-24, to clinch a share of the MVC Large title. Femi Marquis and Evan Stoddard each had first-period pins in 39 seconds, and freshman Joe Gangi avenged his Methuen Invitational loss to Luis Mauricio by earning a 5-3 decision over the Lawrence sophomore.

METHUEN — Methuen senior Travis Manick gave notice to the rest of New England Saturday afternoon.

He proved that he's ready for all comers.

Facing unbeaten Sampson Wilkins of Mount Anthony, who entered the 195-pound Methuen Invitational finals match undefeated and was champion at the Lowell Holiday Tournament while being ranked No. 3 in New England, Manick was up to the challenge.

Methuen remained unbeaten (17-0) and tuned up for its MVC showdown at home Wednesday against Chelmsford tuned up by romping to three wins at Canton. Joe Gangi (106), Evan Stoddard (113/120) and Travis Manick were all perfect on the day with all first period pins. Junior Erick Lucas filled in at 182 and had two pins and a technical fall and Femi Marquis stood out at 160.

Trailing 30-6, Methuen won seven straight matches to remain unbeaten (14-0), defeating Haverhill 45-30. Joe Gangi, Bryce Smith, Travis Manick, Erick Lucas and Femi Marquis all had first period pins during the run for the Rangers.

Methuen won all five meets at Marshfield to remain unbeaten at 13-0. Among the highlights for the Rangers were a 4-0 day by 170-pounder Jose Diaz and 2-0 records for Nick Avellani at 126, CJ Brown at 160and Jay Ramos at 195, all of whom looked sharp.

Travis Manick beat Lowell Holiday Tournament finalist Andrew Desmarais and Bryce Smith had a 14-second pin as unbeaten Methuen (8-0) whipped Dracut 64-7.

Greater Lawrence senior Malib Pastrana not only won his weight class at the Chelmsford tournament, he dominated.

Pastrana started with three first-period pins at 195 pounds and then setled for a 12-2 major decision in the finals. With Abel Orta finishing second at 152 for the Reggies, Gr. Lawrence finished in 12th place, two places behind Whittier.

Methuen flexed its muscles with romps over Lowell (61-16), Tewksbury (54-4) and Andover (58-10). Joe Gangi (106), much improved Evan Stoddard (113), Matt Cabezas (138) and Dan O'Connell (182) were all 3-0 with first-period pins. Heavyweight Bryce Smith stayed unbeaten with three pins, one coming over Andover rival Patrick Heidtke, and sophomore CJ Brown came up from the JV team for a solid 8-4 decision over Andover's Kelvin Davilla.