The A.C. Jones High wrestling team went down to Corpus Christi earlier this week to take on the Carroll Tigers and Ray Texans. This dual had major district implications and ran high with emotion.

Some believe that the Texans are favored to steal district away in convincing fashion and the last time the Tigers faced the Trojans they found out what it means to do the talking on the mat and not in the stands.

Ray was up first against the mighty Trojan grapplers and both sides came out swinging. The girls team started the night off with a thrilling 30-18 victory with pins by Mikayla Boynton (95 pounds), Morrellia Villarreal (110) and April De Los Santos (119).

This set the pace for the men’s squad. The dual opened up with Paul Nguyen (112) holding on to a slim victory against Anthony Cruz. Mario Perez probably had the toughest match of the night going up against the heavily favored Alan “Red” Ramos. Ramos is a returning regional qualifier and one of the better wrestlers that the Texans have in their lineup. Perez, who has made huge strides this year, took Red to the third period but couldn’t quite hold on to a victory.

Beeville’s Oscar Perez (140) pinned Jacob Stiles within the final minute of the first period to add six points to the team score. Sophomore Cordell Aguirre continued his district domination with a pin against Joseph Stiles in the 145-pound weight class. Junior Brandon Jimenez (171) added to the team total with a pin against Mike Alvarez.

The stage was set for the last match between Beeville’s Brent Puga and Ray’s Fransico Presses in the 285-pound category.

The team scores were tied at 33 apiece and, after Puga locked up a cradle for the pin, Beeville came out victorious against the district favorite, 39-33.

Carroll proved to be a much easier opponent as the Trojans blew through the Tigers with a final score of 63-21.

The Trojans will travel back to Corpus Christi to enter a team dual tournament at Ray this weekend, looking to extend their weekend winning streak. While school is out, the wrestlers will be hard at work in the mat room looking forward to their 2011 debut against Corpus Christi King.

Editor’s note: This story was written and submitted by Trojan assistant wrestling coach Brian Wyman.