Bryson City – The Maroon Devils made the most out of hosting a NCHSAA team dual 1st round match. Swain jumped on top early and then pulled away to take a 57-24 win over visiting Cherryville. With the win the Devils advance to the 2nd round Thursday, most likely at Mitchell.
Swain found themselves trailing 15-18 after the first six matches, but things changed quickley. Following forfeits in the 120 and 126 pound classes to Dylan McLeod and Jared Southards the Maroon Devils went on a run winning the next 5 of the next 6 matches.
Dawson Lowe started things in the 132 pound class with a pin with only 17 seconds remaining in the 3rd period. Following a loss at 138, Swain closed out the match by winning the final 4 matches.
As it has been for much of the season the Devils counted on their seniors and they delivered. Austin Padilla (145), Graham Allen (152), and Coleman Jenkins (160) each won their matches by pin. Padilla and Jenkins in the first period, and Allen in the second. Junior Ross Ensley (170) then closed thing out by pinning his man at the 1:46 mark of the first period.
Spencer McCoy, the Devils other senior, took his match by pin with 56 seconds left in the first period. Caleb Woodard, who started the match off at 182, pinned his man.
Jake Radford, wrestling at 106, took an 8-2 decision.