By Thomas Grant Jr.

The Blythewood wrestling teams were still competing for a spot Saturday’s S.C. High School League finals.

On Saturday, the Lady Bengals took part in the first-ever state girls wrestling tournament. It opened with a 66-9 win over North Augusta to set up a rematch with host school White Knoll.

This time, it was Blythewood that came out on top 48-36. With the win, the Lady Bengals (8-2) advanced to Tuesday’s semifinal. It looked to avenge their other loss of the season against top-ranked Rock Hill.

The same day saw the Blythewood boys open the Class 5A Division I tournament at home. After a first-round bye, the Bengals defeated Dorman 52-25 as junior co-captain Elijah Johnson won its 50th match of the season by pinfall.

The Blythewood boys’ wrestling team after defeating Clover.
Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.

“We showed heart tonight, inspired wrestling,” Blythewood head coach Evan Carrigan said. “Everybody was locked in and fighting for their brothers!”

Blythewood then defeated Clover 36-27 Monday in the third round. The Bengals (31-5) faced Boiling Springs, who defeated Lexington 47-34 Wednesday, in the Upper State final.

The winner faces either Lower State winner James Island or Carolina Forest at 8 p.m. Saturday at Dreher High School.

Feature Photo courtesy of Blythewood High School