With 12 seniors competing regularly, there’s a sense of finality to Orange Wrestling this season.
There’s also a sense of unfinished business.
After falling one takedown short of winning its sixth state championship last season in a two-point loss to Piedmont, Orange is now 20-0 this season. For most teams, advancing to the state quarterfinals is uncharted waters. For Orange, it’s just another step to the ultimate goal.
On Tuesday night, the Panthers defeated Morehead 53-20 to wrap up its second consecutive trip to the state quarterfinals. Morehead and Orange faced each other for the sixth time in seven seasons. In 2016, the two sides faced off in a dramatic 2nd round match in Eden where Morehead won the final match at heavyweight to advance.
However, Tuesday night wasn’t nearly as dramatic. Donald Hicks pulled a surprising pin over Nate Lowe at 2:55, and the Panthers never looked back. Heavyweight Daylan Alston edged Marcus Griffin 3-2. Alston scored the only takedown early in the third period, which proved to be the margin of victory.
After Kessel Summers received a forfeit victory, Orange led 15-0. Mitchell Askew followed with a technical fall over Aaron Marriot 15-0. Gavin Wiggins, wrestling at 120, scored a major decision over Alberto Martinez 10-1 to push Orange’s lead to 30-0. Bailey Hawkins, in his final match at OHS Gym, got another technial fall against D’Ante Richardson 16-1.
Avery Jenkins clinched the match for Orange by pinning Tyler Horton at 160 in :40. Josiah Ramirez, also in his final match at Orange, pinned Zachary Baumann in :49. At 195, Orange’s Braden Homsey remained undefeated with a forfeit victory.
Earlier in the night, Orange defeated Gray’s Creek 62-7. Homsey, Alston, and Jenkins all scored pins. At 170, Francisco McKinley, the kicker for the Orange football team, pinned Leo Walsh in 1:31. At 182, Chandler Howard pinned Hunter Cunningham iin 2:45. Summers, Hicks and Askew earned forfeit wins. Hawkins defeated Ethan Maguin 12-0, while Wiggins also scored a major decision against Zachary Grierson 19-5.
Orange will face Cape Fear in the quarterfinals on Thursday. The location and time for that match will be announced Wednesday morning. The regional championship will also take place Thursday night.