Stoughton’s Andrew Paredes a Heavyweight in the Hockomock

At the 2010 Hockomock League Wrestling Championships, Stoughton’s Andrew “Paco” Paredes, then a sophomore, was edged in the heavyweight finals by Mansfield’s Mike Trowbridge.

A year later, Paredes got his much-anticipated rematch, this time beating Trowbridge in the semi-final round of the heavyweight competition en route to winning the 2011 Hockomock Heavyweight Title January 29 at North Attleboro High School.

“I did a lot of work this offseason and I knew I couldn’t lose; I had to go all the way,” Paredes said. “It was a really long day, really tiring, but I managed to pull it out.”

His championship round win came against Franklin’s Mike Gill.

“It was a really tough match, he was really good,” Paredes said of his finals matchup. “Franklin’s a great school; he had great technique, he was strong, but I just out worked him, worked a little bit harder and got that win.”

Paredes, a 255-pound junior, beat Sharon’s Tyler Lainer in the opening round, before facing Trowbridge in the semis. 

“It was a great feeling,” Paredes said of his championship. “I worked all season for it.” 

Watch the accompanying video and take a look at pictures from his championship round win in the media gallery above.