Submitted photo: The Fort Dodge wrestling squad poses together after securing the Jack Mendenhall Invitational championship in Ames on Saturday.

AMES — The second-ranked Fort Dodge wrestling team held off Indianola for gold here Saturday at the annual Jack Mendenhall Invitational.

The Dodgers compiled 195 points, eight better than the runner-up Indians. No. 4 Waverly-Shell Rock was third followed by Iowa City High, Ankeny, Cedar Rapid Prairie and West Des Moines Valley.

“We made more gains,” FDSH head coach Bobby Thompson said. “We’re still not where we need to be, but this was a tough tournament and a good experience for us.

“It’s always nice to bring home a team title. We saw a good mix of quality opponents that will make us tougher.”

Dru Ayala (120 pounds), Koy Davidson (138), Damarion Ross (175) and Dreshaun Ross (215) each placed first to lead the way for Fort Dodge.

Sam Davidson (126) claimed a runner-up finish, while Kane Butrick (132), Cal Hartman (190) and Joe Constable (285) were all third.

Koy Davidson (26-0), a former state runner-up, and Dreshaun Ross (28-0), a defending state champion, are both unbeaten on the year.

“Our hammers at the top all did what they’ve been doing,” Thompson said. “Dru, Koy, Damarion and Dreshaun are all hitting their stride. They faced some challenges and ranked opponents but got through it.”

After receiving a bye and earning a major decision at 138 pounds, Davidson bested Zane Behrends of Waverly-Shell Rock in the semifinals, 9-3, best downing Kael Kurtz of Iowa City High, 5-2.

Ross scored four consecutive falls at 215 including a pin in the third period over Ballard’s Henry Christensen in the championship match. The sophomore also recorded falls of 12 and 21 seconds.

At 175 pounds, Damarion Ross (25-3) dealt Valley’s Nic VanArkel just his second loss of the year in the finals, earning a pin in 2:49. He also had two other falls during the tournament.

Ayala (25-1), meanwhile, had two pins and a 28-15 major decision in the finals at 120.

Sam Davidson (7-5) reached the championship round. Butrick (20-5), Hartman (22-7) and Constable (4-1) all secured bronze.

“Sam’s getting there, and Kane wrestled well,” Thompson said. “Kane and Cal were both in difficult brackets.

“Joe is our utility man. He’ll do whatever it takes. He was undersized (at heavyweight), but fought and scrapped. Did a great job, especially as just a freshman.”

Jesse Egli finished sixth for FDSH. Both Trace Rial and Rylee Brown were eighth for the Dodgers.

“We have to keep getting better and improving our technique and execution,” Thompson said. “We only have 21 practices before districts (on Feb. 10). There’s no time to waste. Any step back at this point will be tough to overcome once the (postseason) rolls around.”

The Dodgers host Ames at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday for Senior Night.