Mavs get a statement win
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Anderson County’s Josh Bingham won in the 160-pound weight class in the wrestling match against Gibbs High School last week. Anderson County’s win over Gibbs made a statement for the ACHS program. - Ricky Williams
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Anderson County’s Tucker Markland gets caught in action with a Gibbs wrestler last week. - Ricky Williams
The Anderson County High School wrestlers were busy last week, and their hard work netted them a signature dual meet victory against one of East Tennessee’s most established programs.
The Mavericks defeated Gibbs 39-29 Thursday night at ACHS.
The Gibbs Eagles and the Halls High Red Devils, who both reside in North Knox County, are two of the programs that area schools use as a measuring stick for their success.
“That was a big win for our program,” ACHS Coach Matt Slone said.
The Mavericks were able to capture the victory as Max Wolfley, who competes in the 138-pound weight division, picked up a win against the Eagles.
Freshman 145-pounder Evan Prewitt picked up a win for the Mavericks against Gibbs. Josh Bingham also won in the 160-pound weight class, and Joe Rygelski scored a pin over his opponent at 170.
“We had a lot of big wins against Gibbs,” Slone said. “Joe got us a pin at 170 and we really needed a pin there.”
Two of ACHS’s crucial performances came in losses to Eagles who are among the state’s top grapplers. At 132, Evan Prewitt lost a decision to Gibbs High’s Owen DeLuca.
“Even though he lost, Evan did well against one of the top guys in the state,” Slone said. “That was a one- or two-point match.”
At 182, Kyle Buckner dropped a major decision to the Eagles’ Elijah Hubbs. Hubbs finished second at the state championships last season.
“Kyle got major decisioned,” Slone said. “He didn’t get pinned and he didn’t get (technical) falled. He was able to stay off his back.”
In their other dual match Thursday, the Mavs defeated Union County 70-12.
On Saturday, Anderson County won the Dan Dugger Duals at Karns. It was the Mavericks’ second-consecutive win at the tournament.
ACHS took second at its District Duals on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
The Mavericks competed at their Region Duals in Halls Tuesday, but results were not available at press time.
The tournament field comprised Halls, Heritage and Maryville.
The Mavericks will be back in action today when they travel to Clinton for an in-school dual meet against the Dragons. Action begins at 11:30 a.m.