SANFORD — The Sanford Spartans went into Wednesday’s wrestling match with Scarborough knowing they would get 30 free points from the Red Storm in the form of five forfeits. So with the match pretty much in hand before the first bout, the focus for the Spartans was to make a statement on the mat.

The Spartans did just that as they won seven-of-eight contested bouts – including four by fall – on their way to a 64-11 win over Scarborough.

“I thought they wrestled really well,” said Sanford coach Nate Smith. “Last time we wrestled Scarborough, we had a couple close matches within the meet. Today, they really went out and made a statement and went out and attacked. I was really very happy.”

Picking up pins for the Spartans were Kwan Chheang (126), Milton McCabe (145), Sam Anderson (170) and Nick Works (220).

Anderson, who finished fourth at states last year, was in control throughout his match with Scarborough’s John Stolz before picking up the fall midway through the second period.

“He’s a very controlled wrestler,” said Smith of Anderson. “That’s his style, he doesn’t win by a lot, he doesn’t get a lot of pins, but he’s always going to be in control in the match.”

Anderson has worked hard this year to improve his riding, according to Smith.

“This year, he’s worked a lot on top. That’s kind of what he’s been working on now, so he can get better on top and compete against some of the better kids,” said Smith.

The Spartans also got a dominant win from senior captain Mike Hurst at 195 pounds. The standout took a 3-2 lead over Scarborough’s Aren Dickman into the second period and then would continue to add points on his way to a 10-2 win.

“He lost to that kid at the beginning of the season, we beat him last time, so we were tied up head-to-head, so this was an important match for him and he dominated him,” said Smith. “The last time he wrestled him, he only beat him by a couple points, and this time he made a statement.”

Sanford also got wins on the mat from Jackson Nickerson (160) and Dennis King (138). Picking up forfeit wins were Alex Kirven (113), Travis Dionne (132), Isaac Plante (152), Khaalid Kakande (182) and Steven Genereux (285).

The Spartans improved to 9-1 on the season with Wednesday night’s win – and Smith is thrilled with where his team is at.

“I’m very pleasantly surprised with how well we are doing. We are young … nine out out 14 of my kids in the starting lineup are freshmen and sophomores,” said Smith, who has seen his team step up against some solid teams. “They are going out against some of these really good teams, Westbrook, Wells, Kennebunk, teams that a lot of people were saying were going to be top five teams to watch, and we are going out and beating them and beating some of them handily.”

Smith knows that the competition will only get tougher down the stretch.

“We are obviously going to have a test this weekend at the (Spartan Tournament) and we will be tested next week against Portland, who are tough this year,” said Smith.

With his team currently clicking on all cylinders, Smith is hoping they can make a statement when they take on a rival in a few weeks.

“Really, when we see Massabesic, that’s my goal, if I can beat Massabesic … and you know, this year, I think we have a good shot,” said Smith.

Sanford will host 17 other teams, including Biddeford, at the Spartan Wrestling Annual Tournament this weekend.

— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.