RallyNorth.net

FRAMINGHAM — They're becoming "The Big Three" for the Methuen wrestling team.

Zabian Cruz (145), Dan O'Connell (182) and heavyweight Bryce Smith all placed first for the third tournament of their still-young season as the Rangers finished third at the 22-team Framingham Tournament.

Bryce Smith won in 17 seconds and Justin Sheehan had a pin in 31 seconds to highlight Methuen's 57-21 win over Greater Lawrence.

Methuen had five pins within a minute as the Rangers overpowered Billerica 49-30. Travis Manick had the fastest fall, in 17 seconds. Freshman Joe Gangi and Dom Demaio had two of Methuen's seven overall pins.

Methuen captured its second tournament title in two weeks, routing the 16-team field at Wakefield behind four individual titles.

Placing first for the rangers were much-improved Zabian Cruz (145), Dan O'Connell (182), Travis Manick (195) and heavyweight Bryce Smith.

First-year wrestler Nick Avellani, a freshman, earned his first varsity win, a 14-11 decision, to help Methuen defeat Xaverian, 43-29. Seniors Evan Stoddard, Jack Kraunelis and Dan O’Connell had first period pins.

Methuen showed final-match grit Saturday to pull away and take top honors at the Oliver Ames Tournament.

The Rangers were leading Plymouth South by just two points heading into the finals but then went 5 for 5 in the championship round (including three wins against Plymouth South wrestlers)  to wind up winning by more than 30 points in the 13-team field. And the wins in the finals were convincing.