After two scoreless periods in the semifinals, Geneseo's West Cathcart escaped from the down position only four seconds into the third period for a 1-0 lead over George Canales of Dixon on Saturday morning at the state tournament in Champaign.
Cathcart held on to the lead, and the decision powered him into the championship round at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
Early in the third period, the Maple Leaf appeared to have a takedown at the edge of the mat. After the referee discussed whether Cathcart had scored, and whether Canales had escaped, they left the score at 1-0. Canales' coach received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.
With a state championship on the line tonight, Cathcart (43-1) will challenge junior Austin Marsden of Crystal Lake Central (44-2).
