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By TERRY JONES
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 24, 2001
TAMPA -- Wharton's match with Brandon was over before it began Tuesday night.
That's because the Wildcats started the meet with eight forfeits, sealing defeat and offering no challenge to Brandon's consecutive win streak, which now stands at 345.
However, behind the performance of two-time state qualifier Tavaris Allen, Wharton was able to walk off the mat with some respectability despite the 80-0 score.
At the end of the full six minutes, Allen was still battling hard but yielded a 16-12 decision to Paul McCain at 154 pounds.
The two gladiators finished the match with decent records for this time of the season. McCain now is 17-1 while Allen is 14-2. "Tavaris is the strongest guy I have faced all season," McCain said. "He is the only opponent who has put me on my back all year."
Allen began with a quick takedown and rolled McCain to his back for a five-point lead. McCain responded with a two-point reversal and added two back points to bring the score to 5-4 at the end of the first period.
In the second, McCain took control with a reversal and a takedown. Allen scored a pair of escapes to finish the second period trailing 11-7.
At the final buzzer, Allen was still battling. He finished with another takedown to keep the score close.
Allen said he has been slow to accept the reality that this is his final season.
"I can't allow myself to go to a third state tournament without at least placing," Allen said. "I have allowed too many distractions, like girls, to keep me from really working hard. That is over, though. I am going to run and work hard at practice to be ready this year.
"I have a good coach who has been waiting for me to turn around. Coach (David) Mitchell is a good wrestler and coach. He will help me."