Jerry Cox took a gamble Monday in order to give Polk County Middle a shot at winning its wrestling match with Smoky Mountain Middle.

That he had the chance to do so says much about the improvement this season of the Wolverines.

Polk Middle clung to a narrow lead over the Mustangs, but knowing the Wolverines would be forfeiting at heavyweight, Cox asked Zane Bullock, who typically wrestles at 182, to move up two classes and compete in the 220-pound match.

Bullock did so, and, despite the weight disadvantage, had the upper hand in the match for a time before Liam Wright earned a win, lifting Smoky Mountain to a 59-48 win at Polk.

That the Wolverines had the depth to move Bullock and also the opportunity for a win is testament to the growth in the program this season.

“That’s the first time we’ve filled every weight class, except the one,” Cox said. “We’ve got plenty of kids, especially in the middle weights. Kids like Casey Beiler, Obed Najera, Angus Weaver keep improving and working hard. They’re all working hard.

“We had a shot at winning and just couldn’t put it away. Zane gave all he had. He was giving up 40 pounds to the guy and almost had him on his back.”

The Wolverines were back on the mat Tuesday, hosting Brevard Middle.

76: Gavin Coggins (SM) tech. fall Tevis Jobe

83: Dillon Parton (SM) p. Ben Thompson

90: C.J. Littlejohn (PC) by forfeit

98: C.J. Brown (SM) p. Topher Pearson

104: Dillon Garcia (SM) p. Bryson Rickman

113: Eitan Aflack (SM) p. Brayden Gartzman

120: Aiden Riva (PC) p. Blake Stevens

126: Bryan Sumano (PC) p. Colin Coggins

132: Jayden Gibson (SM) p. Jesus Sumano

138: David Richmond (SM) p. Chris Gilmoth

145: Luke Miller (PC) by forfeit

152: Casey Beiler (PC) p. Dylan Frizzell

160: Jaden Cole (SM) p. Obed Najera

170: Angus Weaver (PC) p. Ryder Huffman

182: Bryan Tuffell (PC) by forfeit

195: Jesus Urieta (PC) by forfeit

220: Liam Wright (SM) p. Zane Bullock

285: Daniel Espinoza (SM) by forfeit

– Submitted by PolkSports.com