Frank Notarangelo contributed reporting to this story.
Oakton wrestling faced Westfield on Wednesday, dropping most of its matches but offering a good preview of what fans will see next week in the Concorde District Tournament.
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Oakton entered the night light-handed with only six of fourteen healthy wrestlers.
The night's premier match-up was at 170 pounds with Frank Aiello of Westfield and Matthew Notarangelo of Oakton. Both are ranked in the top 4 in Virginia and will more than likely wrestle each other at Districts, Regions and States.
The first period started as expected with both wrestlers taking many shots and heavy hand fighting, but ended 0-0.
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Notarangelo took bottom in the second period, and though he had many chances to escape, he was ridden out, and the score remained 0-0.
Aiello chose bottom in period 3 and earned a temporary upper hand to bring the score to 1-0, as Aiello shot in deep on a single leg. But after 45 seconds of scrambling, Notarangelo received his first points of the match with a take-down, earning the advantage with a 2-1 score.
Notarangelo had Aiello flattened on the mat and was riding well with about 45 seconds left in the match. Aiello and Notarangelo battled to 5-4, with Aieloo leading and 20 seconds left in the match. Notarangelo was attempting to turn Aiello when the buzzer went off, ultimately dropping the match but offering a glimpse of what might happen when the two meet again next week.
Other top Oakton performances:
Eddie Gerow (126 Oakton) dominated his opponent, Justin Yorkdale with a 12-1 major decision.
Austin Kendall at 195 and Alex Pehrson at 132 both wrestled tough for Oakton.
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