The match was even closer than the final score appears. The outcome hung in the balance down to the final second of the final match.
The Gryphons spotted Hunt two forfeits to start the match down on the scoreboard 12-0. Guy Williamson (215) cut the lead in half with a quick pin in the evening's first contested match.
With the home squad down 18-6, Robert Barnes scored his first varsity win on the mat. Barnes was in control of his 103-pound match when he was awarded the win on a technical forfeit. The victory sparked a string of 3 match wins in a row, as Ahmir Scott (112) won by pin to tie the score at 18. Freshman James Sadler notched a first varsity win of his own with a pin in the 119-pound class to get the Gryphons into the lead 24-18.
The Warriors regained the lead with back to back wins in the 125 and 130 pound matches, putting them on top 30-24.
The Gryphons answered with another string of 3 victories, starting with a Fransisco Alfero pin at 135. Chandler Phillips won a hard fought 5-0 decision at 140, followed by a Johnny Stewart pin at 145. Phillips' match was one of only two that went the distance on the night.
The Warriors gave themselves a shot at victory by winning the 152 pound match.
With the last match of the night about to start and the scoreboard showing Rocky Mount with a slim 39-36 lead, the Gryphons placed their hopes on the shoulders of Freshman J.K. Williamson in the 160 pound match. In only his second varsity start, Williamson held a 7-6 advantage going into the 3rd and final period.
In what was obviously the most exciting match of the night, as both teams were on their feet, and the crowd was anxiously cheering. Williamson held on through an exhausting final 2 minutes to secure the Gryphons' first team win of the young season.
The Rocky Mount Wrestling Gryphons will travel to Goldsboro Saturday to compete in the Falcon Invitational at Charles B Aycock High School. Wrestling will start at 8:00 AM in the double-elimination, individual tournament.
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