Competing in the Colorado state wrestling tournament for the first time, Dolores High School sophomore Brandon Ward is making the most of his opportunities.

Ward (30-12) continued his impressive run through the consolation bracket in the Class 2A consolation bracket with a 6-1 victory over Hotchkiss High School's Colton Cordova (30-10).

With the victory, Ward guaranteed to finish no worse than sixth place.

"It feels great," said the sophomore, when asked to voice his thoughts about making the podium. "I worked so hard this season to get here."

After the first period of Ward's match with Cordova ended with the score tied 0-0, the Dolores sophomore fell behind 0-1 early in the second period.

Ward took Cordova down late in the second period to pull ahead 2-1 however, before dominating throughout the third period on his way to a relatively easy victory.

Once again, the Dolores sophomore's long limbs proved to be a difference maker in the match.

"With long arms and long legs, I can get their legs much easier on my ankle picks and I can leg ride," said Ward.

Ward will continue his quest for third place in the tournament with a matchup against Holyoke High School's Eric Rojo (25-9) later in the morning on Feb. 21.