The McMinn County wrestlers gained a road win Thursday night, but it was far from just another victory.
The Cherokees of coach David Stoika defeated Rhea County, 42-27, for the first win against the host Golden Eagles in 15 years.
McMinn won four of the six bouts wrestled, plus three forfeit wins to improve to 5-4 on the season.
"The guys were determined that that streak should end (last win came during the 1999-2000 season), and they went out and executed aggressively," said coach Stoika.
"I was real happy with our effort. We're continuing to see the things we work on in practice on display when we wrestle.
"I was also happy to get that Rhea County monkey off our backs. Yes, they're down this year, but no one feels sorry for us when we're down, so we simply went out and did the job."
McMinn County 42, Rhea County 27
106 - no match
113 - no match
120 - Garrett Hall (MCO) pinned Josh Alonso (RC), 1:02
126 - Peyton Dullaney (RCc decisioned Brodie Miller (MCO), 8-7.
132 - Alex Roberts (MCO) won by forfeit
138 - Josh Owens (MCO) pinned Jose Simon (RC), 3:22
145 - Vance Ives (RC) won by forfeit
152 - Titus Heil (MCO) pinned Aaron Muscott (RC), 1:51
160 - Ryan Stoika (MCO) pinned Andres Velasco (RC), 1:40
170 - Kendell Scruggs (RC) won by forfeit.
182 - Walker Moats (MCO) won by forfeit
195 - Caleb Goodine (MCO) won by forfeit
220 - Jacob Cranfill (RC) pinned Tyler Varnadore (MCO), 1:04
285 - Tyler Shelton (RC) won by forfeit.
WALKER VALLEY 43, EAST RIDGE 35
In a match with five lead changes, Walker Valley gained the all important last one to rally for a 43-35 win.
The Pioneers led 35-33 with two matches remaining, but the Mustangs gained a major decision from Striker Clark (126) to lead 37-35 and Joseph Munoz's fall (132) in the final match secured the win.
The Mustangs (5-2) had pins from Mikel Gregory(152), Jaylon Martin (195), C.J. Schwark (285) and Munoz.
East Ridge had falls from Tabrin Walker (138), DeAngelo Johnson (170) and Andrew Mapp (182).
Walker Valley 43, East Ridge 35
138 -- Tabrin Walker (ER) pinned Edward Johnson, :44;
145 -- Austin Gregory (WV) won by forfeit;
152 -- Mikel Gregory (WV) pinned Zach Peters, :19;
160 -- Dionte Richardson (WV) dec. Matthew Mapp, 15-9;
170 -- DeAngelo Johnson (ER) pinned Justin Rowland, 1:08;
182 -- Andrew Mapp (ER) pinned Matt Pankey, :41;
195 -- Jaylon Martin (WV) pinned Doug Salvador, 1:25;
220 -- Ric Kennett (WV) won by forfeit;
285 -- C.J. Schwark (WV) pinned Christian Comacho, :50.
106 -- Kashawn Casey (ER) won by forfeit;
113 -- Hunter Owens (ER) won by technical fall over Gitapun Jur;
120 -- Logan McDonald (ER) won by forfeit;
126 -- Striker Clark (WV) major dec. Josh Williams, 15-6;
132 -- Joseph Munoz (WV) pinned Spencer Griffy, :46;
oontact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net