As the season nears its end, Rhea County High School wrestling is reaching its peak.
The Golden Eagle grapplers defeated Cumberland County High School 38-27 and Alcoa High School 52-21 in a three-way match on Tuesday in Crossville.
A number of Rhea County's boys went 2-0 on the night, including 119-lb. Lucas Howell who had two pins in under 1:15 each. Howell flattened Alcoa's Ricky Vasquez in 1:00 flat and Cumberland Jet Joshua Murner in 1:13.
Nic Fuller (125 lbs.) also had a spotless night, pinning Matthew Schmidt of Alcoa in 1:31 and defeating Jet Cody Staggs by a tech fall in 3:05.
At 135 lbs., Quinton Carter won a forfeit in his Cumberland match and defeated Alcoa's Jose Ramirez by an 11-0 major decision.
Ethan Beddingfield (171, 189 lbs.) recorded two second-period pins, while Zach Cochran fell Alcoa's John Rankin in 1:28 and won a forfeit.
Brandon Crowe was perfect at 145 and 152 lbs. He wrestled the lower weight against Cumberland's Shaedon Tilley and won a 9-8 decision, but went up a weight class to beat Alcoa's Branden Strissell by pin in 3:19.
Dustin Smith (130 lbs.) and Christian McPherson (heavyweight) each had one victory on the night by pin, while Michael Binkley and Jesse Campos each won one match by forfeit.
The Golden Eagles are slated to have their "senior night" on Saturday, Jan. 23, at noon at RCHS.
Cathy Barnes can be contacted at cathy.barnes@rheaheraldnews.com.