Back to back: Polk Middle wrestlers secure share of East Division crown

Another championship banner is bound for Polk County Middle’s wall.

The Wolverine wrestling program clinched at least a share of the Blue Ridge Conference East Division title on Thursday with a 72-30 victory at Flat Rock. That improved Polk’s record to 12-0 overall, 8-0 in East Division matches.

Polk, the defending East Division champs, now lead Apple Valley by two matches with two remaining and can secure the title outright with any combination of a win or Apple Valley loss. Having swept Apple Valley this season, Polk Middle already is assured of the East’s top seed for the BRC postseason dual team playoffs.

“Back to back feels good,” said Polk Middle head coach Jerry Cox. “The kids are motivated to keep working and finish strong for a conference championship.”

Polk Middle’s Styler Blackwell won his match at 154 pounds by pin in 7.2 seconds, matching the school record for fastest fall.

The Wolverines begin the final week of the regular season on Wednesday, traveling to Brevard Middle for a 4:30 p.m. match.

POLK COUNTY MIDDLE 72, FLAT ROCK MIDDLE 30
78: Durk (FR) p. Silas Amorelli
85: Gavin Waldbillig (PC) d. Gage, 11-5
92: Liam Jackson (PC) p. Evert
100: Efrain Rivera (PC) p. Akten
108: Jaxtyn Virgil (PC) d. Logan, 6-4
115: Brody Wolfe (PC) p. Camdon
122: Shipman (FR) p. John Quoyle
128: Connor Ahlert (PC) p. Pusyan
134: Isaiah Staley (PC) p. Capps
140: Chester Wilson (PC) p. Troy
147: Simon Moore (PC) p. Robston
154: Styler Blackwell (PC) p. Moore
162: Zach McCraw (PC) p. Green
172: Sartio (FR) p. Henry Wright
184: Sawdor (FR) p. Jonathan Sokil
197: Sawyer Huff (PC) by forfeit
222: Talon Ramsey (PC) p. Gardenome
252: Blakas (FR) by forfeit