Wrestling: Moreno, Ayres knocked out on Day One of State

The wrestling season came to a close for the local 145s duo that qualified for the state meet at Bakersfield’s Rabobank Arena.

Newport Harbor High’s Xander Moreno recorded the area’s only victory, defeating Los Angeles Fremont’s Emmanuel Zepeda in the first round by major decision, 16-7.

He ran into No. 2 seed Jacob Wright of Dinuba in the next round, who dismissed the Sailors junior from the championship bracket.

Moreno’s tournament was ended when he was pinned by Elk Grove’s Roger Monroe midway through the second period of his consolation bout.

Fountain Valley’s Karson Ayres had a tough road from the beginning. He suited up against last year’s state champion in the 138s, Navonte Demison of Bakersfield.

The Barons senior lost to Demison by fall before being eliminated by Villa Park’s Caleb Reynolds, 10-3, in the consolation bracket.

— From staff reports