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NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Timberlane wrestling team celebrated Senior Night for the second time last night. With a little help from junior star Zach Bridson, who finished third at 112 after a heartbreaking loss in the semifinals, the Owls cemented their way into the record books by capturing their fourth straight New England title. Until last year, no team had ever won more than two straight crowns.

NEW HAVEN — Despite suffering a major disappointment, Timberlane took the lead after the first day of the New England wrestling tournament at Hill House High School last night.

PLAISTOW — A little bit of history, a little added depth and a lot of tourney-ending drama.

Those were the key components last night as the Timberlane wrestling team rolled to its 12th straight Division 1 state title.

Despite missing three starters with injuries and another three with sickness, Timberlane rolled over Concord 69-9 in a battle of undefeated Division 1 teams.

Surging Timberlane senior Andrew Tanner moved up a weight class and defeated Lowell Holiday Tournament finalist Tyler Ellwood 2-1 at 152 pounds to earn Wrestler of the Meet status and spark the Owls to a 57-3 victory over Nashua South. Freshman Tim McLinden (112) and sophomore heavyweight Jordan Eastman were among the winners for the Owls (16-1).

Zach Bridson scored a pin in just 31 seconds as Timberlane topped Pinkerton 51-19.

Junior Luke Morrier had a stunning pin in the first period and was named "Wrestler of the Meet" as Timberlane crushed undermanned Salem 61-9. Also for the Owls (9-0), Zach Bridson handled Jon Rheaume at 112 with a 26-11 technical fall.

Timberlane's B wrestling team finished fourth at the Keene Tournament that was won by Vermont power Mount Anthony, which placed first in all 14 weight classes. The JV Owls, who captured the Pentucket tournament Tuesday, had eight placers, including three runners-up. Junior Efrain Rolan was most impressive, losing 7-6 in the finals. 

Timberlane senior standout Matt Morris made a rousing return from a wrist injury with a pair of pins in a 60-0 rout of Exeter and 16-0 shutout of Sanborn. Andrew Tanner also wrestled well for the Owls (8-0) with a 43-second pin and 9-0 major decision.

Sophomore Josh Burnham charged back from a 6-2 deficit to beat Bishop Guertin ace Mitch Fokas with a 14-6 major decision to highlight Timberlane's season-opening 62-16 victory.