Boothbay Region wrestler Draco Peaslee was down, but definitely not out in his Jan. 9 match against a Lincoln Academy opponent. Peaslee trailed 11-4 in the final period before pinning him for the victory.

This was one of three Boothbay victories in six matches against Lincoln Academy as the host defeated them 36-18 in Mid-State League wrestling action.

Peaslee has been one of the strongest Seahawk wrestlers this season, according to coach Allan Crocker.

So far, Peaslee estimates this season he’s won as many as he’s lost. Peaslee, a second-year wrestler, is still learning how to wrestle. According to Crocker, Peaslee has shown steady improvement this year. His progression is attributed to his experience and endurance.

“I’m still a bit of a newbie to this,” Peaslee said. “This year I know more, so I’m having more success, but I still struggle against more experienced opponents.”

Crocker believes Peaslee was able to turn the tide against his Lincoln Academy foe due to his conditioning. The Boothbay wrestling team has several wrestlers lacking mat experience. So Crocker implores his wrestlers to overcome that disadvantage with superior fitness.

“There is no doubt about it. Draco won because he was in better shape,” Crocker said. “I tell them the score means nothing. If you’re behind, you’re going to pull it out in the end through endurance. And that’s exactly what happened.”

The Seahawks also lost their Jan. 9 match-up versus Erskine Academy of South China. The Seahawks’ main highlight against Erskine was Cameron Crocker earning his first varsity pin. Cameron Crocker, a sophomore, is participating in his first wrestling season. He nearly earned his second win against Lincoln Academy, but a mistake resulted in him being pinned.

“I really thought he should have won both matches,” said Coach Crocker. “Cam has been our most improved wrestler, but he still lacks experience. He had his opponent in a vulnerable position, but made the mistake of reaching back for his head. That exposed his back, and his opponent pinned him.”

With only seven wrestlers, Boothbay Region isn’t likely to win many meets. On Dec. 19, Boothbay Region lost, 41-18, to Monmouth. But the Seahawks nearly won the first meet of the year versus Madison. On Jan. 6, the Seahawks traveled to Lisbon for a tri-meet. Against Madison, only one match was contested. In the 182-pound division, Crocker faced last year’s Class C 170-pound state runner-up Jonathan Boardman. Crocker nearly had him pinned in the first period before time elapsed.

Boardman eventually pinned Crocker with 37 seconds remaining in the match.

Boothbay Region wrestlers who won by forfeit versus Madison were Nick Labonte, Dylan Peters, Draco Peaslee, and Connors Demmons. Madison won the match 25-24 by using a tiebreaker, according to Coach Crocker.

Against Lisbon, Cam Crocker won the Seahawks’ only a match, a forfeit, in the Seahawks’ 48-6 loss.

Boothbay Region’s next wrestling match is Saturday, Jan. 23 in York.