Gunnison senior Josh Roper and Rye sophomore Brandon Padilla wrestled next to each other Thursday and practically synchronized their victories by pin.
Today, as the Class 3A state tournament continues at the Pepsi Center, the two 140-pounders will tangle in an unusual quarterfinal matchup of top-three standouts.
Roper (36-5), who was ranked No. 1 most the season by On the Mat, was pinned by Grand Valley senior Jared Tonder in last week’s Region 1 final, putting Roper in the thick of the bracket.
“I’m just working on cleaning up the little mistakes,” Roper said after pinning Strasburg’s Jordan Ross in 3 minutes, 11 seconds. “That’s what happened in regionals — I made a little mistake. You have to beat the best anyways, so it doesn’t matter who you wrestle.”
Roper, who first made the state meet as a freshman and placed fifth last year, said the nerves have calmed significantly over the years, but his attention has been locked in since losing to Tonder, someone he has battled often and defeated. Plus, Roper said, the prospect of reaching the finals Saturday is all the more satisfying with a harder draw.
“You do have to bring your best,” Roper said.
Padilla (34-2), who was ranked No. 3 for much of the season and into regionals, started his match against Peyton’s Josh Floyd a few minutes after Roper’s bout, but stuck Floyd with 11 seconds left in the first period. Bouncing around before the whistle and aggressive from the get-go, Padilla wasn’t looking ahead, but well aware that Roper was probably looming in the second round.
“He’s going to be a tough match,” Padilla said. “He’s going to be in way better condition than me, but I think I’ve got the technique.”
One of Padilla’s losses this season came via disqualification to Florence’s Cody Mathewson, whom Padilla defeated in last week’s regional contest. A victory over Roper could set up a revenge match against his other loss this season — Lamar senior Kenneth Montoya.
“I just try not to worry about it,” Padilla said of getting past Roper. “I just try to wrestle the kid like it’s a kid that just barely started. That’s how I just try to keep myself strong in the mind.”
Schedule
Site: The Pepsi Center
TODAY
10 a.m. — Classes 3A-2A quarterfinals; first-round consolation immediately after
1 p.m. — Classes 5A-4A quarterfinals; first-round consolation immediately after
5:45 p.m. — Classes 3A-2A second-round consolation
7:15 p.m. — All classes semifinals; Classes 5A-4A second-round consolation as mats become available
SATURDAY
11 a.m. — Classes 3A-2A third-round consolation; semifinal consolation after
12:30 p.m. — Classes 5A-4A third-round consolation; semifinal consolation after
2 p.m. — Classes 3A-2A fifth place; third place immediately after
3 p.m. — Classes 5A-4A fifth place; third place immediately after
6:30 p.m. — Parade of Champions
7 p.m. — All classes championship matches
