LUMBERTON – Juniors Joseph Nicholson and Steven Morales both went 2-0 for the Richmond Senior High School wrestling team at Lumberton High School last Wednesday, but despite their efforts, the Raiders still only managed a 1-1 split in their second Sandhills Athletic Conference meet of the season.
Nicholson, who wrestled in the 113-pound class, pinned both Zane Kelly of Purnell Swett High School and De’Andre Nesbitt of Lumberton. Morales defeated Samara Locklear (Purnell Swett) and Austin Lowery (Lumberton) in the 138-pound class, also both by pinfall.
Sophomore Cale Luckey contributed 12 total points against both of his opponents by pinning Devin Hayes of Lumberton and earning a forfeit victory against Purnell Swett in the 106-pound class.
The Raiders had a lot of success in their opening meet against Purnell Swett. Nicholson, Morales, Bryant Coll (126-pound), Camden Preslar (145-pound), Kaden Walker (160-pound), and Skylar Standridge (220-pound) all pinned their Ram opponents. Richmond was also aided by three forfeit victories against Purnell Swett, giving the Raiders a 53-30 victory in their first dual meet of the day.
Richmond closed out the meet against a really good Lumberton team. Unfortunately, the six points earned in each of the match wins by Nicholson, Morales and Luckey were all that the Raiders managed to record in a 59-18 defeat to the Pirates in their home gym.
After two weeks of conference action, Jack Britt is the only remaining undefeated team in conference play. The Bucs are currently 4-0 followed by Lumberton (3-1) and Pinecrest High School (3-1). Richmond, Scotland High School and Seventy-First High School are tied for fourth with matching 2-2 records. Purnell Swett and Hoke County High School are both winless.
The Raiders are scheduled to return to the mat at the E.B. Memorial Clash at the Creek Tournament at Mallard Creek High School on Dec. 20 and 21. Richmond will return to conference action on Jan. 9. 2019, when it hosts Seventy-First and Jack Britt.
