Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Dreshaun Ross works his way toward a victory over Kolby Gibbons of Johnston in a Class 3A state semifinal at 215 pounds on Friday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

DES MOINES — After Dreshaun Ross’ semifinal victory on Friday at the state wrestling meet, all he wanted to talk about was his friend’s route to the championship round.

Ross is still on a direct track to becoming Fort Dodge’s third three-time champion. The junior superstar has spent very little time on the mat this week, as he continues to knock out opponents in the first round on his way to another final.

In his three victories at 215 pounds, Ross (19-0) has been on the mat for just four minutes and 17 seconds comibined. In last year’s title run, he was on the mat for six minutes and 39 seconds.

Ross has accumulated 41 points in his last two matches — the most recent being a 20-4 technical fall over third-seeded Kolby Gibbons of Johnston.

“Dreshaun is such a humble kid and cares more about his teammates than he does his own success,” said FDSH head coach Bobby Thompson. “After Koy’s match (an SV-1 win over No. 2 seed JahKari Clark of West Des Moines Valley), he ran over and congratulated him. That is a reflection of who Dreshaun is. He is a big team guy.

“We go to the tunnel with Koy, and it’s pure excitement. Dreshaun was fired up.”

Ross extended his streak to 103 consecutive wins, and alongside Davidson, became just the sixth Dodger ever to reach three state finals.

“Watching Koy’s match was incredible..probably one of the best matches I’ve seen,” Ross said. “I think being in positions like that before in a big match is a huge advantage, and Koy has been there multiple times so it’s nothing really new to him.

“Definitely was more nervous for him than my own match, but I’m happy for him and excited to watch him wrestle on Saturday night.”

In the semifinals Ross dominated fourth-seed Kolby Gibbons (33-4) of Johnston in two minutes flat, earning a 20-4 technical fall victory.

“His humility is unbelievable,” Thompson said. “Dreshaun is such a great kid to coach. We’re so lucky to have him here.

“His character is just as impressive as his ability. He’s out there talking to little kids and fans and spending time with all of them. Just soaking it all up.”

Gibbons was no slouch, as he is a three-time state qualifier who placed seventh last year. He has 74 wins in the last three seasons.

Now Ross will meet third-seeded senior Jean Ngoma (38-0) of Cedar Rapids Xavier. Ngoma edged second-seeded Holden Hansen (35-4) of Southeast Polk by a 5-4 in TB-1.

Ngoma was 39-11 last year and took seventh.

“It feels good to be back in the finals for sure, but I’m not too excited yet,” Ross said. “Once it’s over, we’ll hopefully celebrate and be even more excited.”

The Oklahoma State University commit moves into a four-way tie for 25th on Fort Dodge’s all-time win list at 110-2. Ross, who missed most of this season while recovering from shoulder surgery, is tied with state champion Brad Bruhl (1988), Coldy McClintock (2005) and Cody Marsh (2009) on the career victory charts at FDSH.

The triumph made it the eighth time a member of the Ross family has advanced to the state championship round. Brother Damarion Ross, a 2024 graduate and current member of the Northern Illinois wrestling squad, was in the finals at the end of the 2023 and ’24 campaigns. Sister Alexis Ross, a 2023 FDSH graduate, was a champ once on the girls side and a two-time runner up. She is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation for Iowa Central.

The Ross family now has 13 state medals in all. Alexis was third her freshman year; Damarion was also seventh as a sophomore to go along with the two finals appearances; and Drevon Ross, who graduated in 2019, was fourth and eighth twice for the Dodgers.

“Dreshaun just goes out there and proves over and over again he is truly that guy,” Thompson said. “He looks flawless.

“He is just in a league of his own.”