Knights repeat as pre-holiday champs
Bryson City – Don’t let the outcomes fool you: Robbinsville earned the title of “Devil Duals Champions” on Saturday.
While there were some bouts – and matches, for that matter – that slanted a bit more on the easy side for the Black Knights, the quest for gold eventually had to go through the Enka Jets and the Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Tigers.
In a pair of tough tussles, Robbinsville (18-2) conquered the 3A Jets, 48-21; and edged the Tigers 42-33 in the Pool C title match.
“We felt confident about what we had in front of us. It’s not like we felt helpless,” said head coach David Haney. “The good thing is, we’re starting to see the full picture; now that we have all the football boys, all our pieces are starting to come together.”
The one for all the marbles proved to be an arduous task for the Knights. Pigeon Forge pieced together a 30-0 advantage to begin the dual, which came thanks to three pitfalls, two decisions and a forfeit victory at 190 pounds.
But Kellen Ensley (215 pounds) had the Robbinsville faithful breaking out the rally caps in the next bout, pinning Enrique Reyez for the Knights’ first triumph of the dual.
Heavyweight Koleson Dooley then toppled Javier Mate, before Skyler Anderson earned a forfeit win for Robbinsville at 106 pounds.
Still not out of the woods, brothers Adair (113) and Alexis Panama (120) rattled off consecutive, first-period pins against Ques Zeglan and Ferdinand Rivera to knot the affair 30-30. Loxston Hooper (126) became the difference-maker at 126 pounds, disposing of Adam Perez in just 1:36. Ethan Webster (132) then clinched the win via forfeit, making Lukas Pratt’s 4-2 nod over Christian Phillips (138) a moot point.
To reach the championship showcase, the Knights mowed down East Rutherford, 76-0; Madison, 57-24; and Smoky Mountain, 71-6.
A journey to Jefferson (Ga.) High School this weekend has been canceled. Instead, Robbinsville will make a much-shorter trek today: Pisgah will host the Knights. Girls grappling commences at 5 p.m., with the boys following thereafter.