Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Cyler Cirks wrestles for Humboldt at state wrestling on Thursday in Des Moines. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

DES MOINES — Humboldt’s state veteran trio will still chase a spot on the podium heading into the third Class 2A wrestling in Des Moines.

Both Cyler Cirks (113) and Jase Goodell (152) were sent to the backside after quarterfinal losses. Jayden Gargano (126) stayed alive on the backside.

Goodell and Gargano, both seniors, are making their third trips to Wells Fargo Arena. Cirks is a repeat qualifier.

“In the quarters, (Cirks and Goodell) competed really well and put themselves in positions to win their matches,” said HHS head coach Chad Beaman. “We were outscrambled in a few scenarios.”

Cirks (35-8) the fifth-seed, fell to No. 4 unbeaten Kaden Weber of Nevada, 6-2. Up next for Cirks is 9th-seeded Carter Schmauss (36-10) of Crestwood.

Goodell (40-5) ran into a buzzsaw in top-ranked Cooper Sanders (45-1) of Vinton-Shellsburg, falling 6-0. The eighth-seeded Wildcat senior will now square off with No. 5 Brent Yonkovic (23-6) of West Delaware.

After two wins on Thursday, senior Jayden Gargano (126) is one win away from his first medal in his third state appearance.

Gargano (41-7) had a major decision 11-1 over 24th-seeded Ragen Hasche (20-14) of Central Lyon. In the third round of consolations, the No. 10 seed took a 4-0 decision over Grinnell’s 15th-seed Logan McDonald (38-12).

To reach the consolation quarterfinals, Gargano must beat No. 6 Brodie Conner (46-6) of Albia in the blood round.

“All three of those guys are focused and excited to go get the next best thing,” Beaman said. “Jayden put himself in the mix with two straight wins. That shows his character and resolve.

“We thought that Gaige (Allen) and Brady (Beers) looked good as well. That will make them hungry to get back here. We need to get those three on the medal stand.”

The 24th-seeded Beers (21-15) was eliminated by No. 10 Nile Sinn (43-13) of Williamsburg. Allen (31-14), seeded 15th, won his first consolation match with a 7-2 decision over No. 16 Chase Diaz (23-13) of Davenport Assumption, 7-2.

Allen was then eliminated from the tournament, losing by fall (3:24) to Garrett McHugh (49-7) of Sergeant Bluff-Luton at 182 pounds.