JOHNSON CITY — Senior Night at Science Hill did not turn out to be the best for the Hilltoppers as Dobyns-Bennett came into the Old Topper Gymnasium and pulled off a stunner.
The Tribe took out the ’Toppers and took home the District 1 Class AAA duals wrestling title, winning the match 41-24.
The Indians were able to get some early pins, which kept the match close in the beginning.
“This puts us in the right direction,” D-B coach Wes Idlette said. “I’m proud of our guys and the effort. One of the things that we preach is that no matter who is out there, give everything for six minutes. That’s what we preach in the wrestling room and on the mat — and if they do that, good results will happen.”
Said Science Hill coach Jimmy Miller: “Give all of the credit to Dobyns-Bennett. They wrestled harder than we did in positions and almost every weight class. They wrestled tougher than us. They came ready to wrestle and we didn’t.”
Tre Morrisette’s monumental pin in the penultimate match over Jared Harter sealed it for the Tribe. Science Hill had closed what was a 25-12 gap to five points (29-24) with two matches to go.
“That was a big win for Tre,” Idlette said. “Jared Harter is a great wrestler, and I think both of them will represent their schools down the road in the state tournament and maybe see each other again.”
Science Hill needed points quickly, but Jahkye Aples’ crucial loss to Jackson Hurst on points killed the rally for the ’Toppers.
“That was a big turning point, too, especially being one of the last matches,” Idlette said. “Jackson wrestled tough, especially getting some bonus points. … We knew going into it that every single point of each match would be critical. Our kids were resilient in making up points and winning some very close matches.”
In the second match of the evening, Science Hill’s Kain Roger beat Jesse Greer in a close battle that had several stoppages due to blood time. However, a gritty performance earned Rogers the victory and crucial early points for the ’Toppers.
“They have a handful of really solid individuals,” Miller said. “We’re going to have to go back to work and this will be a tough response for them. Hopefully, they’ll respond the right way.”
It will be a quick turnaround for both D-B and Science Hill as the Region 1 dual championships will be Thursday at Jefferson County.
That will be followed by the regional individuals tournament at Volunteer on Feb. 15.