ASHEBORO — The Richmond wrestling team finished second in the Cold Turkey Duals this weekend, winning its first four matches before falling to Asheboro — the host team — in the championship match.

“I was very proud of our performance,” head coach Earl Nicholson said. “Although we lost to Asheboro for the second time in as many weeks, we did close the gap a little.”

Senior Brandon Nifong and sophomores Steven Morales and Joey Nicholson all finished the day without a loss. It was the first time in the season’s early going that Morales (9-1) and Nicholson (9-1) had gone undefeated at a meet, while Nifong (10-0) has yet to drop a match.

At the season-opening meet on Nov. 18, Morales pinned three of his opponents, won by forfeit against Southwestern Randolph, and lost to Mikale McClendon (Anson). Nicholson won by pin in two of his matches, by major decision in another, and by technical fall in his final bout. His only loss was an 8-4 decision to Lumberton’s Sincere Johnson.

That same day, Nifong scored falls over Crew Allred (Asheboro), Jawon Hough (Anson) and Gage Thompson (Douglas Byrd) in the 182-pound weight class. The senior moved up a class to batttle Jafet Machado (SW Randolph) and pinned him as well, before winning by forfeit since Lumberton didn’t have a wrestler at 182.

Richmond will be at home on Saturday, Dec. 2, for a six-team dual tournament.

Reach sports editor Leon Hargrove Jr. by phone at 910-817-2673 or by email at [email protected]. For stories, scores and updates, follow the Daily Journal’s sports section on Twitter @RCDailySports.

Contributed photo
Richmond’s Brandon Nifong pins his opponent at the Cold Turkey Duals this past Saturday. Nifong was one of three Raiders to go undefeated on the day.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_web.jpgContributed photo
Richmond’s Brandon Nifong pins his opponent at the Cold Turkey Duals this past Saturday. Nifong was one of three Raiders to go undefeated on the day.

By Leon Hargrove Jr.

Sports Editor