Villa Park’s Yadon Wins Memorable Match in OT

Villa Park High’s Doug Yadon shows plenty of determina-

tion and concentra-

tion when he wrestles.

That’s one big reason why he’s ranked first in the county at 119 pounds.

But Yadon, a junior, was tested Saturday in the Orange Glenn tournament in Escondido, where he trailed Jose Navarro of Ramona, 7-2, in the third period of the championship final.

“I got a reversal and took him down on his back,” Yadon said. “But the other ref called an illegal headlock.”

As a result, the five points he thought he earned with the move were taken away and a point was awarded Navarro to make the score 8-2.

Yadon remained determined, pulling a reversal for two points. But Navarro also got a reversal to make the score 10-4.

With 40 seconds remaining in the match, Yadon got Navarro in a headlock and put the two-time San Diego Section champion on his back to earn five points for a near fall.

Navarro scored a one-point escape for an 11-9 lead, but Yadon countered with a takedown to tie the score, 11-11, and send the match into overtime.

Each took a neutral position, circled the mat and looked for his moment to strike.

“It was a single-leg takedown,” Yadon said. “It was quick and got me the win.”

And what a win it was.

“It was an incredible match,” Villa Park Coach Steve Stewart said. “To come back like that. . . . I was going berserk on the side, but he kept his cool.”

Yadon was chosen wrestler of the meet for the lower weights.

“There was a moment when I thought it was over,” Yadon said. “But when my teammates started to chant ‘Yadon, Yadon,’ I got pumped up and knew at that point I would win this.”

Besides Yadon, the Spartans had two other champions: Tommy Peralta at 112 pounds and Willie Parks at 152. In all, eight Spartans won medals, resulting in a Villa Park victory with 220.5 points. San Diego Mt. Carmel finished second with 203.

WEBER WINS TITLE

Coming into the Orange Glenn tournament, unranked Laguna Hills wanted to make a statement. And judging by the Hawks’ fourth-place finish, they certainly have been heard.

Dana Hills, which is ranked third in the county, finished sixth.

The Hawks had one champion, Brian Weber, who won at 130 pounds and is 26-0 this season.

“This was a very tough tournament,” Laguna Hills Coach Cliff Jarne said. “There was a lot of talent at this meet, but not one guy that Weber faced was able to score a point on him.”

Mike Brown, at 145 pounds, also had a big meet for the Hawks. He finished second, losing in the final to Mt. Carmel’s Mike Champane, the two-time San Diego Section and Masters champion.

Brown, unranked in the county, had pins in all but his last match.

Also placing for Laguna Hills was Nathan Smith, who took third at 171 pounds.

LOOKING AHEAD

Five Counties, perhaps the toughest tournament in the state, begins Friday at Fountain Valley High.

The two-day tournament features 64 teams, including top-ranked Calvary Chapel, and Santa Ana, Villa Park, Irvine and Dana Hills.

Wrestling starts at 3 p.m. Friday and concludes Saturday with the championship finals scheduled for 7 p.m.

In other action this week, Villa Park will host former Brethren Christian Coach Steve Glassy and his New Mexico team, Rio Rancho, Thursday at 7 p.m.

If you have an item or idea for the wrestling report, you can fax us at (714) 966-5663 or e-mail us at erik.hamilton@latimes.com