ROCHELLE — Ben Harvey learned the hard way how quickly a wrestling match can turn during the IHSA 2A Sycamore Regional this past weekend.

Harvey had full control over Aurora Christian’s Alex Knauf in the 182-pound finals, taking a 6-1 lead into the second period before Knauf threw Harvey to his back for a quick pin, ending the bout in a matter of seconds. The loss humbled Harvey, who will be looking to see Knauf again this weekend, this time in the final round of the IHSA 2A Rochelle Sectional.

“It showed me that anybody can win at any point in time, which is a huge part of wrestling,” Harvey said. “I need to stay out of more dangerous situations. I was high and I put myself in a bad position… I need to focus on what the best situations are for me during each match.”

Harvey (38-3) opened the sectional tournament in the first round Friday afternoon, pinning Joliet Catholic’s Caden Moore with only six seconds remaining in the first period. Harvey advanced to face Richwoods regional champion Jaivione Stowers in the quarterfinals, where he scored a 3-point near fall before pinning Stowers with four seconds left in the second period.

“I approached the match like I was facing any other kid,” Harvey said. “I went out there and found what I could. I didn’t want to exert myself too much over the first two periods, but I was happy to get the pin. I thought I performed how I envisioned I would today.”

Harvey will begin the second day of the sectional tournament with a semifinal bout against Freeport regional champ Matthew Chavers, who Harvey defeated twice this past season. A victory would boost him into the championship match, where he could potentially see Knauf in what would be a rematch of the Sycamore regional title bout.

“I learned that [Chavers] is really everywhere and he’s really loose and flexible,” Harvey said. “I need to be really technically sound. He throws a lot, so I need to work on keeping my hips back and defending him. If I go out there and perform how I know I can, I think I can win.”

Harvey was one of six Rochelle wrestlers competing in the sectional tournament Friday. Four Hubs grappled in the first round including seniors Keegan Davis-Carter (29-10) and Gavin Ansteth (25-11), who each won their opening bouts. Davis-Carter defeated Rock Island’s Aime Iraniybutse 15-8 before falling 12-1 against Joliet Catholic’s Jack Finnegan in the 138-pound quarterfinals. Ansteth recorded a first-period pin over Freeport 195-pounder Jaheim Brown, reaching the quarterfinals where he conceded a 6-0 decision to Metamora’s Payton Cardin.

Davis-Carter and Ansteth will work through the wrestlebacks, where they’ll be joined by 126-pounder Caleb Nadig (31-7), 132-pounder Grant Thompson (22-18) and 145-pounder Ethan Tooley (21-20). Nadig fought a tough bout against Richwoods’ Shawncy Toombs, losing by 8-5 decision. Thompson started strong against Joliet Catholic’s Owen O’Connor, leading 8-2 before giving up a pin in the third period. Tooley wrestled Metamora’s Owen Farquer in the opening round, scoring the last point but losing 7-1.