Ninth-graders find faith and finesse in final hour, forge a fine finish vs Henry Franklin's firey team 

In what Boys' Latin coach, Drew Haugh, called, "a barn burning finish," his Lakers' wrestling team came from behind to defeat MIAA A Conference rival, Gilman, 34-31, on Friday night.

Down, 31-28, with two bouts left, the Lakers received a poised effort from freshman Alex Malinowski and freshman Michael Floccare at 112, and, 119 pounds, respectively.

Malinowski, whom coach Haugh said he "bumped up from 103 to 112," ground out a 6-2 decision over the Greyhounds' Cal Riorda to tie the overall match score at 31-all.

But an already thrilling moment only intensified.

Floccare, returning for his first match since suffering what Haugh called, "a substantial concussion" on Dec. 8 during the Quaker Duals at The Friends School, was called upon to complete the Lakers' comeback against Greyhounds' sophomore Jason Park.

Floccare led, 6-4, entering the third period.

But after choosing the bottom referee's position, Floccare nearly was turned for the nearfall by Park.

In the nick of time, however, Floccare reversed Park to his back -- a maneuver worth five points to the Laker -- and held his rival there until the final buzzer for a match-clinching, 11-4 decision that set off a wild celebration by Boys' Latin's wrestlers and fans.