I-A WRESTLING: Pahrump’s dynamic duo registers quick pins

The Pahrump Valley duo of Jaxon and Jace Clayton has been wrestling their entire lives.

Head coach Craig Rieger says the identical twins have “uncanny” strength.

It’s that natural ability and solid coaching that allowed the seniors to go undefeated in Sunset League competition.

Both of the Claytons agree that there’s work left to accomplish, after both notched quick pins at the Division I-A Southern Region tournament at Boulder City on Friday.

Jaxon Clayton needed 1 minute, 38 seconds seconds to pin Spring Valley’s Joe Madrid in the 195-pound class. Moments later, Jace Clayton defeated Jesus Olivas of Del Sol in only 36 seconds at 285.

“It was a long wait before finally getting on the mat,” Jaxon Clayton said. “But once you’re on the mat, its all business. I wanted to go for the pin as quickly as possible.

“We want to come out and set the tone physically. We take pride each day to be the best.”

Coach Rieger knows how had the Clayton brothers work.

“I’ve known these kids their entire life,” Rieger said. “They are truly hard workers and have uncanny strength. They certainly lead by example.”

Even though the Clayton brothers were impressive, host Boulder City leads after the opening day. The Eagles have 98 points, 7½ points ahead of defending region champion Pahrump.

“Points are going to be very critical during the semifinals,” Rieger said. “There’s several teams that could take the crown, so we will have to be ready.”

Jace Clayton, who earned his second win over Olivas this season, says winning at the top level is the main goal.

“Winning state is all that matters,” Jace Clayton said. “Nothing else is acceptable. We have the talent to win, we just need to go out and do it.”

The Trojans will send seven others besides the Claytons into Saturday’s semifinals.

Boulder City will send nine wrestlers to the semifinals. Virgin Valley (75) and Spring Valley (69) still are within striking distance.

“It’s going to be a fight between Boulder City, Virgin Valley, Spring Valley and us,” Rieger said.