Carmel posts decisive win over Mahopac

Carmel posts decisive win over Mahopac
By Roderick Boone
The Journal News

MAHOPAC - Bill Twardy didn't have to bust out his rule book this time.

"Thank God," the Carmel wrestling coach said.

Last year's marathon duel against Mahopac forced Twardy to head into the coaches' office and crack open the rule book looking for tiebreaking guidelines.

The rivals were forced to the sixth criteria, something Mahopac coach Sal Imbimbo never had to do in his previous 19 years as a head coach.

Last night, though, the Rams made sure that wasn't necessary.

Trailing by two points with five matches left, Carmel put a stranglehold on the Indians, winning four straight bouts and claiming a 42-31 League I-C victory in the latest chapter in this spirited rivalry.

"Sal and I have been friends for years," Twardy said. "We always get up for the match and it's always an exciting match."

Excitement abounded for just about everyone, whether they were holding a clipboard, wearing a singlet, or simply perched in the stands.

Eric Scafidi, for one, could barely contain his enthusiasm. Though both coaches agreed beforehand to include the 275-pound match in the overall scoring rather than counting it as just an exhibition match, Scafidi's victory at 189 virtually sealed it for the Rams (8-0).

Scafidi made quick work of Jake Schlem, pinning him in 1:01 to give Carmel a 13-point cushion with two matches left.

"It means the whole season," the senior said. "Winning out here and getting six points to seal the match is so big. And to win like that feels real good. Real good."

One of the major surprises came at 112, where Carmel freshman Kevin Davidson outlasted Steve Kasper for a 7-6 decision. A fourth-place finisher at 103 at sectionals a season ago, Kasper is one of the Indians' top wrestlers, so even Davidson was taken aback somewhat by his accomplishment.

"He's a good wrestler," Davidson said. "He's ranked fifth or something in the section, so I knew he would be hard to wrestle. I just went out physical, and it worked out today."

Ken Spost was wired, ready to show all his friends seated in Mahopac's stands just how good he is. Needing one more win to collect 100 in his career, Spost was hyped as he stepped onto the blue mat, primed to stare down his 145-pound opponent - except for one thing.

There was nobody to eyeball.

Mahopac forfeited the match, making for an anticlimactic moment for the Carmel wrestler.

"Before the match, I was really pumped," Spost said. "Then when I didn't see anyone come out, I was like, 'No, they are not forfeiting.' Then he raised my hand and I was so angry."

But one thing did make Spost happy: beating Mahopac for a second straight year, which gave the Rams a leg up in the chase for the league crown.

"Carmel wrestled real well today," said Imbimbo, whose team dropped to 5-2. "A couple of upsets, and they won a couple of close matches and a couple of situations. Coach Twardy had the kids ready to wrestle today, and they did a nice job."

Reach Roderick Boone at rodboone@lohud.com.