The Durango Demons may have won their wrestling dual, but it was a loss that provided the most excitement.

Durango High School’s wrestling team visited regional rival Montezuma-Cortez for a dual-meet Thursday night. The Demons came out on top 47-28 in the final team score, though that result was skewed by forfeits by the Panthers at six of the 14 weight classes. DHS won two of the matches actually wrestled, while the Panthers earned four.

“It’s always great going up against a rival and coming away with a win, but our goal always is regionals and placing in the top four,” DHS head coach John Gurule said. “We’re still striving for that every day.”

The match of the night came at 182 pounds, where DHS senior Patrick Cunnion took on a defending state champion, Seager Oliver. Oliver was able to claim a 13-3 major decision, but Gurule was impressed with the performance of Cunnion, who placed fourth at state a year ago.

“It was a well-fought match on our end. Pat came up short, but I honestly felt that the match was closer than the score appeared,” Gurule.

DHS received five team points with a technical fall victory from Hunter Hall at 126 pounds. He defeated his opponent 16-1.

At 145 pounds, Cole Gustavson was able to pin his opponent to earn six Demon points.

The Demons will head north to the Arvada West Invitational at Arvada West High School on Saturday.

jlivingston@durangoherald.com