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Eagles Win 35th Straight District Title

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By STEVE CAMPBELL, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 3, 2008

TAMPA - Brandon rolled to its 35th consecutive district title, more than doubling its nearest competitor with 282.5 points in the Class 2A-District 7 meet Saturday night at King High.

District runner-up Lake Gibson finished with 131 points as the Eagles won 11 of the 14 weight classes.

Eric Grajales, a two-time undefeated state champion, broke a state record for most pins in a season with his win in the 130-pound division. Grajales (49-0) notched his 45th pin when he used a figure-four headlock on Leroy Minley at 3:08. Grajales, while aiming for his third state title in a row, is keeping focused at what's in front of him.

"Every tournament in the state series is important, so you can't look ahead. You never know what wrestler is going to come out of the woodwork and surprise you" Grajales said.
Kevin Timothy also had an impressive showing at 135 pounds. Timothy, who lost in the state final last year by one point, pinned Chance Smith of Lake Region at 3:16.

King's Jeff Moody pulled off the biggest upset of the night when he pinned No. 1 seed Ryan Kuell of Lake Gibson in the 152-pound final. Moody also upset No. 2 seed Mike Ettore of Brandon in the semifinals.

Despite the lofty goals of the Brandon program, the district title is very important to Coach Russ Cozart.

"It's easy to stay focused, because the competition is so good. We can't overlook anybody. There are some good kids here," Cozart said.

Brandon will look to continue its run to another state title at the Class 2A-Region 2 meet at Kissimmee's Poinciana High School next weekend.

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