Polk County wrestling matches are taking longer to complete – a sign that better days are ahead.

Smoky Mountain walked away Wednesday with a 68-12 victory over Polk County in a non-conference match at Polk. But the young Wolverines were able to extend several matches into the third period, remaining competitive until late in many matches.

“We’re definitely still building,” said head coach Ken Tackett. “I saw some good things. There weren’t many matches that ended in first-period pins. I saw some improvements and some individual gains.”

Polk County picked up its 12 points with a forfeit win for Triston Watkins at 113 and a pin for Preston Burnett at 126 pounds.

The highlight of the night may have come at 138 pounds, where Brennan Worthington battled throughout all thre periods before dropping a 12-10 decision thanks to a near fall in the final seconds.

With seniors Devin Panchyshyn and Dillon Knighton unavailable to compete due to injuries, an already-young Polk squad has grown even more so.

“We’re absolutely young,” Tackett said. “But we’re moving up from here. The only way from here is up.”

Polk County will compete Saturday in a dual team tournament at East Henderson before hosting Chase and Rosman for a tri-match on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

– submitted by PolkSports.com