FRYEBURG – After being on the brink, the Dirigo wrestling team was dominant and scored 194 points to repeat as the Class C Western regional champions ahead of Lisbon with 171.

More importantly, the Cougars also qualified all 14 wrestlers for the state meet next Saturday at Foxcroft Academy. Lisbon won regional championships from 2001 through 2005 and Dirigo had won the regional crown from 1996 through 2000.

Cougar’s champions included Brett Staples (119 pounds), Derek Daley (135), Jon Smith (145), Josh Palmer (160) and James Olsen (171). The frontrunners stated their case when 10 individuals each won semi-final matches.

“We knew what was necessary for us today,” Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert said. “Last week (at the league championships) we didn’t have one kid wrestle above their seeds, but Lisbon had some and they won. That was the difference today.”

Lisbon, which qualified all 12 wrestlers, started the finals off right as Forrest Cornell (103) pinned Patrick McInnis of Monmouth in 49 seconds. The Greyhounds’ Joel Pomerleau (112) followed by sticking Dylan Castonguay of Dirigo.

Staples turned the momentum around by coming out aggressively to upset Lisbon’s Matt Nicholson (8-1).

“I had confidence today,” Staples said. “I’ve been wrestling with Derek and Jon in practice and it has really helped. I’m using (technique) and not just trying to muscle people. Still, confidence is a key to winning in wrestling.”

Dirigo won four more crowns, begining with Daley who pinned Josh Garrett of Boothbay. Smith, two-time state champion, also used a grapevine to stick Cody Guzman of Monmouth.

“This is my third regional championship,” said Smith, who is unbeaten this season. “I was ready for the final, plus I had defeated a Lisbon kid earlier. I had wrestled Guzman two years ago and beaten him three times.”

Marcus Bubar won by pin at 140 and older brother Cam Bubar won by major decision against Alex Miele of Dirigo at 152.

The Cougars responded as Palmer and Olsen each decisioned Kyle Huston and Art Stambach 171.

“This was Dirigo’s day,” Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said. “They had a great round. Last week it went our way. Like at 119 and 171. Next week is where it all counts.”

Dirigo had disappointment as a trio of finalists were pinned, including Kevin O’Leary, who was ahead but was turned and stuck. Teammate Adam Getchell was pinned by Joe Doughty at 215. and A.J. Carrier 285

Zach Vickers of Hall Dale won at 125 and Mike Danforth repeated as regional champion with a 3-0 decision over Mike McManus of Lisbon. The Monmouth wrestler had escaped early in the second period and recorded back points at the final buzzer. “We just missed third place,” Monmouth coach Shawn Schultz said. “That would have done wonders for the team. We started five freshmen this year and there is more young kids coming up. Hopefully, it shows them what can be done with work and commitment.”