Blake Peiffer, Jackson wrestling

Blake Peiffer's Saturday ended with a loss. But the Jackson junior hasn't had many of those this year.

Peiffer finished second in the 215-pound weight class Saturday at the Tiger Classic wrestling tournament hosted by Cape Central to lead the Indians to a seventh-place finish.

And his margin of defeat, 2-1 in the championship match, showed the progress that Peiffer has made against his nemesis, Seckman senior Jake Glore. Peiffer, who is 19-2 on the wrestling mat this winter, lost to Glore for the fourth time in his career but avoided for the first time being pinned.

"It was a great match and Blake almost got him this time," Jackson coach Steve Wachter said. "Blake was a lot closer [to Glore] this time. He's really improving."

Said Peiffer: "I'm glad I made it all three [periods] this time. I can't complain about it. I just wish it would have gone a little different. It boosts my confidence for next time."

Next time may include a state tournament appearance.

State-tournament play would be nothing new for Peiffer. This fall, he was the leading tackler from his middle linebacker position for the defense on the Jackson football team, which made the Class 5 state semifinal round before losing to the eventual champion to finish an 11-1 season.