Coming off a close loss to Buhach Colony a week prior, Turlock dusted off their Central California Conference opener with a win in their second contest after defeating Atwater at home on Wednesday, 67-7.

“Everybody just went out there to make a statement after that close loss,” said Turlock head coach Anthony Gonzalez. “We wanted to make sure that people realized that it was no fluke that we hung in with Buhach.”

The Turlock Bulldogs won 12 of their 14 matches for the night and are 1-1 in the CCC after two dual matches.

“This is a confidence booster and the kids believe in themselves; its true and it was good to see them come out and do what they did to solidify what we been trying to preach,” said Gonzalez.

Turlock dominated Atwater for the second straight year from start to finish.

Andy Orozco (160) had one of the most impressive performances of the afternoon after sustaining a hand injury less than a week ago, but he did not let it handicap him. Orozco came out and won via pin in the first round.

“I was not sure how he would do but he really showed that he wanted to wrestle,” said Gonzalez of Orozco's effort.

Uriel Villasenor (170), Breck Jeffus (220), Michael Jeffus (285), Manny Conde (126), Alex Olivera (132) and Alex Ceja (138) all won by pins.

Turlock also managed to come away with three forfeit wins.

Atwater would only win two matches for the night but really found it tough competing against a well-rounded Bulldogs squad.

“I told the kids that this was a step in the right direction towards our goal for a league title,” said Gonzalez. “The kids did what they needed to do to let everyone know we are still in this.”

The next dual for Turlock will be at home against Golden Valley at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

“Anything can happen and if you go out there and don't overlook anybody we have a chance,” Gonzalez added. “After last week it humbled the kids, so not worried about overlooking people.”