Wellsville’s John Layfield lifts his opponent for a take down with three seconds left to win at the state wrestling tournament.
By JOHN ANDERSON
ALBANY — The incredible run for Wellsville’s John Layfield at states continues today after an exciting, last-second 5-4 win.
Layfield, the Section V champion at 189 pounds, in his fifth round wrestled Andrew Bailey of Chitteango (Section III) today.
With the match tied 3-3 in the third period Layfield had a great double-leg shot but both wrestlers went out of bounds with 44 seconds left.
The wrestlers went back to the middle in neutral position and with 14 seconds left, Layfield attempted the move again, this time bringing his opponent off the mat and down for the two points before the tumbled out of bounds and a 5-3 lead
In a wise move, Layfield let his opponent up for the one-point escape as the last three seconds ticked off and a 5-4 win.
On Friday in the second round, Layfield lost to Devin Beach from Section IV, 2-1.
Layfield then defeated Alon Alkeali of John Glenn (Section XI), 3-0.
Next up, Layfield will wrestle Troy Austin of Whitehall (Section II) as the long road to take third place continues.
The top eight wrestlers in each division are on the podium and awarded a state patch for their efforts.
