Staff Reports

CENTRE – The Cherokee County High School wrestling team defeated New Hope 49-24 to win the Class 1A-4A Region 7 Duals championship on Saturday. It was the first team trophy in the program’s history and also the first time the Warriors have qualified for the state duals tournament.

Warrior individual wins included Cody Herrick (132-pound), who pinned Charles Haywood; David Herrick (145-pound), who defeated Taft Dempsey by way of major decision (9-0); and Talan Young (160-pound), who defeated Zachary Carlson in a 9-8 match.

“Coach (Matthew) Pharr and I are extremely proud of this group of guys,” first-year Warrior head coach Andrew McBrayer said. “This is a young team and we are really proud of the growth we’ve had this season. We knew going in we would have four guys who were going to have strong individual seasons, but for the rest of our team to show the growth they have to put is in a position to lift this trophy is truly awesome.”

Cherokee County travels to Deshler on Friday at 3 p.m. for the first round of the state duals tournament.