By Joe Shinners Madison – This one was for those who doubted whether or not Milwaukee Custer senior Davion Willis was the real deal. Willis defeated Muskego sophomore Roland Dunlap, 6-2, Thursday night in the 171-pound Division 1 quarterfinals at the Kohl Center in Madison in the most anticipated area matchup on the first day of the tournament. Both won preliminary matches earlier in the afternoon. Willis, who advanced to the semifinals for the second consecutive year in his third trip to state, ran his record to 52-1 this year and dropped Dunlap, in his second trip to state, to 23-2 in a battle between two of the top-ranked 171-pounders in the state. Willis will face Appleton West junior Sami Khatib (37-7) in the semifinals. In the other semifinal at 171, Arrowhead junior Shane Hughes (34-12) faces Wisconsin Rapids sophomore Devin Peterson (48-2). “It feels good,” said Willis. “(Dunlap’s) got a hell of a double-leg takedown. He’s a good wrestler. But I prepared all week for him.” The preparation worked. Dunlap was unable to open up his offense against Willis’ brute strength and control of the tieups. “I was focused on this match because I knew if I won it, basically I’m in the finals,” said Willis. “I still have to go out there and perform tomorrow. I have to get myself ready mentally. But I am not surprised I won and I’m in the semifinals.” Willis’ escape and takedown in the second period opened the scoring as he took a 3-0 lead, and Willis never was in trouble the rest of the match. “What surprised me and stood out to me about Davion is that he’s pretty doggone strong,” said Muskego coach Muskego coach Ted Price. “His strength neutralized Roland’s quickness. Davion is the real deal.” Willis reiterated that he is solely focused on winning a state title. His loss to Hughes in the regional two weeks ago, and his pin of Hughes in the sectional last week, only fueled his desire for a title. “When I said this is my medal, I meant it,” said Willis. “That loss to Hughes, I took that personally. I couldn’t sleep. It the first thing I thought about every day and the last thing I thought about.” Price sent five of seven state qualifiers into the quarterfinals and came away with two semifinalists in sophomores Justin Scherkenbach and Jordan Gruettner. Scherkenbach (44-4) held on to defeat Chippewa Falls sophomore Izzy Balsiger (41-2) by a 16-14 margin at 112 pounds. Scherkenbach is to face Franklin junior Sam Kortes (43-5) in the 112 semifinals. Gruettner (44-4) used a nice throw near the edge of the mat to blow open a tight match and pinned Fond du Lac senior Chris Alexander (31-8) in 3:48 at 189. Gruettner is to face Oak Creek senior Kyle Wey (36-3) in the semifinals. Wey also advanced by a pin when he stuck Green Bay Preble/East senior Mark VandenAvond (40-8) in 1:00. Both semifinals feature rematches from the Southeast Conference this year in which Scherkenbach and Gruettner have won twice. “It’s tough to beat somebody three times in a year,” said Price. “It’s okay to be familiar with your opponent but not overconfident.” Warhawks, Trojans push three through: The Arrowhead Warhawks had a strong showing by pushing three wrestlers into the semifinals. Joining Hughes from Arrowhead were senior 160-pounder Al Yde (45-6) and junior 135-pounder Jake Sueflohn (46-1). Yde is to face No. 1-ranked Green Bay Preble/East senior Matt Pennings (47-0). Sueflohn is to face Wisconsin Rapids sophomore Jake Raflik (40-10). Kenosha Tremper gave coach Joel Dutton is first semifinalsts ever as the Trojans saw three wrestlers advance to the semifinals for the fist time in Dutton’s seven years at the school. Tremper sophomore Dominic Garcia (51-1 at 112), freshman Tyler Rice (46-6) and senior Najee Parker (48-2 at 285) all advanced as Dutton ended his losing streak in the quarterfinals. “Coming in we thought we had a shot to get some through,” said Dutton. “We had a fabulous day. I’m thrilled.” Immekus moves on: West Allis Central started the day with bad news and ended it with good news as senior Joe Immekus qualified for the 152 D1 semifinals. Central sophomore Skylar Pederson (112) was removed from the tournament for an athletic code violation, and forced to forfeit his preliminary match. But Immekus used two narrow victories to advance to a semifinal showdown with Hudson senior Kyle Crain (26-2). Immekus defeated DeForest sophomore Bryar Harper (33-10) by a 1-0 decision in the preliminaries and Marquette junior Jonathan Bleach (33-7) by a 3-0 decision in the quarterfinals. “I just wanted to be careful out there,” said Immekus. “I want to be safe and make sure I get to the final.” Mitchell advances: South Milwaukee senior 285-pounder Bill Mitchell (17-0) picked up a pair of victories to advance to the semifinals. Mitchell is to face Wausau West junior Evan Knutson (49-2) in the semifinals. East moves pair: Brookfield East saw two wrestlers move on. Senior Joey Woppert (20-3) is to face No. 1-ranked Brad Dolezal (46-0) in one semifinal at 145. Senior Justin Wolfenden (40-7) is to face La Cross Logan sophomore Kyle McKenzie (41-3) at 125. Morrison gets Lubeck: Oconomowoc senior Jake Morrison moved to the semifinals for the first time at 140 and is to face top-ranked Wisconsin Rapids sophomore Rylan Lubeck (47-3). 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