Perrysburg High School sophomore Joey Blaze capped off a perfect wrestling season at the state championship March 13-14, finishing 45-0 and becoming the program’s seventh state champion.

Blaze’s tournament started with a fall over David Shue of Wadsworth in the opening round. In the quarterfinal match, he was victorious over Jacob Reed of Lancaster 3-0.

He posted a 1-0 victory in the semifinals over Collin Roberts of Austintown Fitch. His state finalist opponent was Jake Niffenegger of Cincinnati LaSalle. The match was 0-0 after the first period.

Blaze scored an escape to start the second period, and after the third period the match was tied 2-2. In the first tiebreaker overtime, he was able to score a reversal and eventual pinfall to secure his state championship.

“Joey did a great job all tournament,” said Coach Scott Burnett. “His focus and mental preparation was on point. When you set a goal and you’re able to do things people aren’t willing to go through to obtain that goal, it makes you a very dangerous person to compete against. I could not be more proud of Joey and our entire program. We brought down eight kids who all battled and won matches for our team. I know that this experience will be a building block for our program.”

The Yellow Jackets traveled with eight state qualifiers to the state tournament, tying a school record. As a team, they finished in sixth place.

Senior Alex Garee was third at 152 pounds, sophomore Ryan Avalos was fifth at 106 pounds, and freshman Diego Chavez was seventh at 113 pounds.

Also competing for the Jackets were sophomore Myles Takats, junior Allenson Denkins, senior Ryan Musgrove and senior Brayden Butzin.