VERSAILLES – When taking on the Versailles wrestling program, it is well known you better bring your A game in each and every match. That’s because the Tigers are typically one of the top dual teams in the state and have quality wrestlers in every weight class.

With an overall young roster, Covington did bring its A game on Thursday in a head-to-head dual. Unfortunately the Buccaneers had to forfeit three weight classes in a 54-23 loss to a very physical and talented Tigers squad.

Overall, Versailles won six matches (all by pin) and Covington won five matches (two by pin, one on a technical fall, and two by decision) in what was a great night of wrestling.

The Tigers got off to a 36-0 lead after receiving forfeits at 165 lbs. by Logan Nerderman, 285 lbs. by Dalton Johns and 106 lbs. by Samuel DeLand, and pins by Michael Osborne over A.J. Garman (175), Kane Epperly over Ashtin Gardner (215) and Joel Gehret over A.J. Reyes (215 lbs.).

Covington came storming back with five consecutive victories to narrow the score to 36-23.

Carson Taylor (113) earned a 10-4 decision over Trey Huber, followed by a pin by Michael Hagan (120) over Isaac Brown.

Jericho Quinter (126) then earned a 20-5 technical fall victory over Evan Demange, while Chase Vanderhorst (132) pinned Lane Bergman, and Caleb Ryman (138) won 7-1 over Luke Batty.

Versailles won the final three bouts with pins by Payten Platfoot over Luke Brown (144), Levi Barga over Kaden Thompson (150) and Quintin Grillot over Mason Epperson (157).

Covington won all three JV matches with pins by Andrew Basye (120) and Aveyen Meek (150), and a decision victory by Christian Clark (120).

Covington Jr. High dropped their dual to Versailles, 69-15, after spotting the Tigers 36 points in forfeits.

Winning for Covington were Isaiah Mumford (92) by technical fall, Jonny Miller (104) by pin, and Lucas Lester (160) by major decision.