Robbinsville edges Pisgah, as new rivalry established
Canton – Duals seem to go one of two ways: either it’s clear from the outset who’s in control, or the competition is so fierce that it turns into a race to the finish.
The Dec. 28 Robbinsville/Pisgah match carried those on hand in Haywood County on a non-stop thrill ride; and not just because it was the inaugural clash for “The Train” trophy, but because the contest went right down to the wire. Dubbed “The Mill vs. The ‘Ville” – a tribute to the recently closed Canton paper mill, which looms in the distance just a mile from Pisgah High School – the planned yearly home/away series certainly ushered in the scheduled tradition the right way: Robbinsville prevailed over the Black Bears in a 33-28 war.
“This was like a college match,” Robbinsville head coach David Haney said moments after the win. “Everybody wrestled tough.”
Indeed, the crowd was rabid from the opening whistle. The Black Knights just picked up the dual a few weeks ago, in the wake of canceling a scheduled trek to Jefferson, Ga., for an invitational.
The Bears faithful turned out in full force, but the tone was set when Robbinsville (19-2) opened a 15-0 lead right out of the gate. Skyler Anderson (106 pounds) and Adair Panama (113) pinned their respective adversaries, Avery Henderson and Walker Henline; Alexis Panama (120) followed by recording a 9-7 decision against Kail Burnette.
The No. 1-ranked team in the 3A classification, Pisgah rattled off a 12-point response across the next three bouts: Kane Bryson pinned Ethan Webster (126); Turner Robb scored a quick takedown moments after overtime began to earn a 6-4 nod against Christian Phillips (132); and Jacob Cruz-Reyes posted a grueling 11-9 win over Lleyton Hooper (138).
Juan Rios (144) got one decision back for the Knights in a 8-5 triumph over Johnathon Chapman; but the Black Bears soon pulled ahead 28-18 when Jason McClellan pinned Bobby Moore (150); Pisgah’s Xander Hill won via forfeit at 157 pounds; and Cameron King scored an 11-3 majority decision on Luke Green (165).
Though the Bears had their first lead of the evening, Robbinsville persevered.
The turning point was Kyler Branham (175) pinning Levi Early; the Black Knights still trailed 28-24 thereafter, but Robbinsville was off to the races. Kage Williams (190) picked up an 8-4 win against Landon Pope; before Kellen Ensley (215) grinded out a 5-4 decision over Tytus Bridges.
Ahead 30-28, all Koleson Dooley (285) had to do to secure the win for the Knights was not lose.
He defeated Eli Frizzell, 3-1.
“Koleson, Kellen and Kyler came through big for us,” Haney said.
“We just wanted to survive – and we won.”
Lady Knights
Robbinsville also brought its Lady Knights to Pisgah. The Lady Bears prevailed in the evening’s opener, 42-6; Robbinsville (1-5) scored its lone win at 132 pounds, when Koda Stinson picked up a forfeit victory.