Bentonville

The Tigers settled for second place, coming up just eight points shy of the home team in the Willard (Mo.) Tiger Pride Battle over the weekend.

But Bentonville coach Jason Adams said his team performed well despite being without a couple of starters because of injuries

Tristan Stafford (106), Jake Adams (132) and Brody Raines (145) each won their weight class, while three other Tigers finished second.

"We had a good weekend," Adams said. "We're going in the right direction. We have guys who are wrestling better and we want to keep building on that."

Walker Fox, a state medalist a year ago, should return to the lineup this week, Adams said. In addition, Connor Kneeshaw, a state runner-up as a freshman, hasn't wrestled all season because of an injury. But Adams is expecting him to return to the mat soon as well.

Quinn Graves is another who returned from injury in January. He finished second at 126 in Willard.

Stafford and Jake Adams, a pair of defending state champions, each took losses two weeks ago against stout opponents in Cushing, Okla. But both dominated the competition in Willard.

"Tristan lost a tough 6-5 match to a kid from Catoosa," Jason Adams said. "Jake finished third at Cushing and lost to a two-time state champ by a point."

The Tigers head to Sallisaw, Okla. this weekend for a tournament which should provide a good challenge, Adams said.
