DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — While Graham High School is starting to run away with the Division II race, the D-III chase is as much of a nailbiter as last year.

The Falcons advanced 11 of their 13 qualifiers to the quarterfinals at the state wrestling tournament during the Thursday, Feb. 28, opening day to take a 15-point lead over Walsh Jesuit with 31½ points in Division II.

Troy Christian, meanwhile, enters today 2½ points behind Marion Pleasant (33-30½) in Division III.

"I'm feeling good about it," Troy Christian coach Steve Goudy said. "It is going to be fun.

"(Today) is the day we'll win it or lose it in my opinion. It is going to happen in the semis and as long as we do our job, we'll be OK."

The Eagles advanced eight of nine to the quarterfinals while Marion Pleasant advanced 10.

"We just have to keep our heads on straight," said defending state champ Zach Toal after posting a first-round win at 145 for the Eagles. "We have to do the right things. We know we did the right things to get here."

The day's big upsets came when Graham's projected state champ, Brian Stephens, dropped a 4-2 overtime decision in the first round and was eliminated with a 6-2 defeat in the first round of wrestlebacks.

Miamisburg sits in sixth place in D-I with nine points after Greg Roeth (119), Shawn Fayette (125) and Brett Ewing (152) advanced to the second round.

Miami Valley's Daniel Kolodzik kicked off his title defense with a 16-0 technical fall, while Miami East's Ryan Gambill took the first steps in defending his title with a 15-0 tech fall in first-round action in D-III.

"The first match is always tough," Kolodzik said. "You go in every match ready and thinking you can win. It is more fun that way.

"With your adrenaline going, there is nothing like going through the tunnel for the first time each year."

Valley View's Zach Pummill scrambled for a 9-7 win in the first round at 215 in D-II. After placing fourth last season, Pummill expected more in the first round.

"I expected to wrestle better," Pummill said. "The jitters are out now, so hopefully I will come back and wrestle better."

Northmont drill partners Casey Newburg (189) and Matt Prichard (285) also claimed first-round wins in D-I. Prichard secured a fall in the second period, while Newburg scored late for a 6-5 win.

"We really help each other a lot," Newburg said. "It is a lot of fun being here with someone you are good friends with and work with every day. It is a lot of fun to see them win."

Fairmont sophomore Jake Sage moved into the second round with a 6-5 win over Marion Harding district champ Mike Varga of Olmsted Falls. Centerville's Nick Miller (189) and West Carrollton's Jordan Beverly (285) also won their opening matches.

Sage secured the win with a takedown late in the match to take a 6-4 lead.

"He started slowing down a lot," Sage said. "I knew I had to mess his stance up to get my shot in because he had the leg I like to shoot to back.

"I knew if I could move him a little more, I could get my shot."