Same Old Thing in 112-Pound Title Tilt

Sky View's Mike Larsen puts the finishing touches on his victory over Jason Ray of West during the State 5-A and 4-A Wrestling Championships on Friday night at the Golden Spike Arena in Ogden. (Tim Kelly/ The Salt Lake Tribune)

OGDEN -- Just like always, Orem's Aaron Holker and Brighton's Brady Jones will square off in tonight's Class 5-A boys state wrestling finals.

Holker and Jones are facing each other for the title for the third consecutive year. Holker won last year after losing when the two were freshmen in 1995.

''It's going to be a great match,'' said Jones, of the 112-pound event, which could be tonight's best. ''I thought it was a good possibility we'd meet again. A lot of people counted [Holker] out but he just finds a way to win.''

Holker acknowledges losing the majority of the 12 matches with Jones over the years, but that won't deter him. ''I'm just going to go aggressive against him.''

A win by Jones would certainly help the Bengals in their quest for the team title. They trail the West Jordan Jaguars by just 125.5-122.5. Mountain View moved into third (102.5) while Taylorsville dropped to fourth at 99.5 points.

West Jordan coach Larry Jaramillo, trying to lead the Jaguars to their first wrestling title, was in no mood to analyze his team's chances.

''I have nothing to say,'' said Jaramillo. ''It's not over yet.''

Brighton coach Tim Blatter guessed the Bengals would be first after Friday's semifinal round, but now doesn't think they can catch West Jordan.

''I just don't think we'll have the depth,'' said Blatter. ''Taylorsville is the same as us; they don't have depth either.''

Holker, Jones, West Jordan's Gabe Vigil (125 pounds), Brighton's Steve Burton (171) and Taylorsville's Justin Ruiz (189) are trying to repeat as state champs, while Layton's Jake Noyes was upset by Mountain View's Kevin Oliver (175) and the Jaguars' Rad Martinez was defeated by Holker.

Holker's older brother, Dave, lost in the semis last year, but the senior has reached the finals despite his battle with Poland Syndrome. He was born with his left hand webbed together, without bones. Doctors separated the left hand into fingers but he still has no grip and little strength in his left arm.

''I feel like I've finally accomplished something,'' said Dave Holker. ''I try not to look at it as a disadvantage. I try to compensate with my other strengths.''

He's looking forward to a rematch against Vigil, to whom he lost in double overtime last year.

Finals begin tonight at 6:30 at the Golden Spike Arena.