In the continuing battle for an at-large state playoff bid, the Holly Springs wrestling program (19-6) had positioned itself well going into Wednesday night’s match-up with perennially strong Green Hope (26-5).

The Falcons, coming off an at-large bid last season, were looking for another this year with a win over Holly Springs. On Green Hope’s Senior Night, the Hawks traveled up Highway 55 to battle their Tri-9 foe. A battle it was.

Starting at the 215lb weight class, Green Hope’s Nate Reynolds got things rolling early for the Falcons, pinning Anthony Samperisi to give the home team an early 6-0 lead. The Hawks’ Chris Sauls picked up the forfeit at heavyweight to tie the score. In one of the better match-ups of the night, Hawk Matt Hannah (23-7) fought back from an early takedown from Green Hope’s Jason Leroux (23-7), earning a reversal and near-fall points to claim the decision and put the Hawks in the lead 9-6. Green Hope standout seniors John Sparks and Collin Eastwood each recorded pins at 112 and 119, respectively, to give Green Hope an 18-9 lead.

With momentum firmly on the side of the Falcons, three consecutive Hawk victories from seniors 125-Jake Reinemund (decision), 130-Charlie Dew (technical fall), and 135-Skylar Kitchen (decision) turned the tide and gave the Hawks a slim 20-18 lead. Green Hope, without the services of the Baird brother combination of Sam and Joey for team rule violations, had to alter their middle weight line-up. Hawk Sophomore Jeff Cramer decisioned Alex Yozzi before Green Hope’s Jared Compiano earned the major decision at the 145lb class. With score now at 23-22, Holly Springs needed only pins in two of the remaining four bouts to assure victory. Hawk Senior 152 Kyle Hays had Green Hope’s Patrick Hinkley on his back twice but was unable to secure the pin, settling for a major decision. At 160lbs, the Hawks’ Xavier Bailey picked up the first Hawk pin of the night over William Yen. With a chance to seal the match victory, Hawk Sophomore Kylen Blanchette pinned Junior Joe Matroni in third period. Junior Devin Porter made it three consecutive pins for the Hawks in the final bout over Eli Biak. Final score 45-22.

“This is a big win for our program, the first ever over those guys”, said Coach Brandon Inge. “Despite them being a bit short-handed, I knew it was still going to be a heck of a match. I’m so proud of our guys right now. This win tonight gives us our third straight 20-win season and they’re the ones who have earned it.”

The Hawks return to the mats versus Athens Drive High School on Wednesday, Feb. 3. This will be Senior Night with introductions slated to start around 6:45 p.m.

With a win, Holly Springs will finish in third place in the Tri-9 conference, arguably the toughest wrestling conference in the state, and will be well positioned for an at-large state playoff berth.