The Hixson Wildcats continue to claw through a tough region and experience postseason success. After a second-place showing at the wrestling state duals, they claimed a second consecutive Region 2-A/AA traditional title Saturday.
Eleven Wildcats earned berths in this week's state tournament at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo in Franklin. They racked up 202.5 team points in the two-day event at Signal Mountain.
"This region is a dogfight every year," said Hixson coach Garrick Hall. "This is a tough region and it comes down to bonus points and putting guys through in the consolations. My kids went out and got it."
Hixson used a couple of upsets and a strong showing from its upper weights to end the tournament on a high note. Cedrick Harris took down top-seeded Spencer Griffey in the 132-pound championship bout. It was voted the tournament's best match.
"That was big," Hall said. "(Griffey) placed in state last year at the same weight. We also qualified at every weight from 182 to 285 with two champs. Truman Ross (220) was seeded fourth and came and won the thing."
The Wildcats almost had three champions in the upper weights, as Dylan Bargerstock took Cale Shelton into overtime in the 195-pound bout, but Shelton secured a takedown in sudden victory.
Central's Alonzo Heyward battled two state champions on his way to the 152-pound crown and was voted the most outstanding wrestler.
Red Bank, which missed the state duals after a narrow regular-season loss to Hixson, made sure it would not be on the outside looking in again. The Lions followed Hixson with 10 qualifiers and 181 points.
"I feel pretty good about having 10 qualifiers," Lions coach Shane Turner said. "I think that's the most Red Bank has ever had."
Turner said getting his team motivated for the A/AA state tournament won't take much.
"Next week is a clean slate," he said. "It's a new season and everyone is undefeated going into the state tournament, and everyone has a shot to be a state champion."
Notre Dame (147), Central (146) and East Ridge (113.5) rounded out the top five.
The other individual champions were Hixson's Isaac Yates (126) and Brody Gregory (285); Red Bank's Trent Comeaux (113) and Devin Crawl (182); Notre Dame's Tucker Gill (106), Luke Mullin (120) and Packy Mullin (145); Central's Xavier Norwood (160); and East Ridge's Tabrin Walker (138) and DeAngelo Johnson (170).
Contact Idris Garcia at sports@timesfreepress.com.