Heading into today's semifinals and championship rounds of the Group AA state wrestling tournament at the Salem Civic Center, eight-time defending state champion Christiansburg finds itself trailing nemis Grundy, 75 1/2 to 67 1/2.

Grundy has seven semifinalists to Christiansburg's five. Wrestling in the semifinals for the Blue Demons are returning state champions Devin Carter (130 pounds) and Rich Eva (152). State runner-up Brady Epperly (140), and newcomers Joey Dance (112) and Zach Epperly (135), both freshmen, who have made a name for themselves this season.

Blacksburg will have three semifinalists in Neal Kennedy (119), Zach Myers (152) and James Petersen (171).

Staunton River and Cave Spring each produced two semifinalists. Jeremy Tyree (140) and Dustin Kidd (189) advanced for the Golden Eagles and Andrew Benitez (135) and C.T. Talevi (140) continued on for the Knights.

Also advancing to today's semifinal rounds are Hidden Valley's David Williams (160), Jake Semones (215) of Salem and Northside's Ryan Moran (215).

Top 10 Team Scores

1) 75.5 Grundy
2) 67.5 Christiansburg
3) 55.5 Fauquier
4) 51 New Kent
5) 37 Brookville
5) 37 Millbrook
7) 29.5 Hidden Valley
7) 29.5 Sherando
9) 27 Blacksburg
9) 27 James Wood

Photo: Thomas Payne of Poquoson (top) works to put a hold on Christiansburg's Dane Peoples during the opening round of the 103 pound weight class at Friday's Group AA state wrestling tournament at Salem Civic Center. (Photo by David Grimes)