True freshman David Taylor rocked his head shoulder to shoulder as he stared down the more-experienced Cyler Sanderson, who paced the mat.
The two 157-pounders shook in anticipation for their Intrasquad bout. People in the crowd began to murmur and turn their heads to others next to them -- signifying one of the most anticipated matchups of the night.
Taylor was the No. 1 overall national recruit of the 2009 class, and the No. 5 157-pounder Sanderson is an Iowa State transfer, who followed his two elder brothers to State College.
The showdown ended in an 11-4 win for Sanderson -- one point away from a major decision. Sanderson's brute force was on display. Early in the first period, Sanderson grappled Taylor's leg and walked from his knees -- powering up from the crouched position and muscling Taylor for a take down.
"We're workout partners, and he's tough -- one of the toughest kids I wrestle in the room," Taylor said. "I've got to work on keeping it closer and not giving up big points in the first period."
Taylor said he needs to focus on wrestling from the top. He said he likes to flip his opponents from that position, but Sanderson was too overpowering.
Sanderson thought both wrestlers knew what moves were coming from the other because they grapple together at practice.
"I need to work on some bottom positions," Sanderson said. "He's really the only one that rides me."
Sanderson received an ovation from the crowd after eluding Taylor for an escape in the second period. The spinning escape lasted several seconds, which warranted the cheers.
Standing on the sideline for his 165-pound bout with Dan Vallimont, true freshman Jake Kemerer thought experience worked in Sanderson's favor. Penn State coach Cael Sanderson pointed to the freshman-to-senior class differential from a different standpoint.
"Any time you have a fifth year senior and a true freshman, there is usually going to be a power difference," Cael Sanderson said. "Cyler's pretty explosive."
Cael Sanderson thought Taylor remained calm and was able to stick with a wrestler who is tough when holding a bottom position.
"In that first period, I got in those couple scrambles and gave up back points," Taylor said. "It's hard to come back from that against a guy that good."
