In a crosstown rivalry match to determine the winner of Region 5-5A, the River Bluff Gators edged out the Lexington Wildcats 31-29  in an exciting, close finish that went down to the last pairing.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead with big wins from Chance Kilcrease (6-2), Brady Leaphart (7-1) and Isaac Manning (12-1). The Gators answered with two pins, including a dominating, fast performance from William Butler. Several more close decisions later in the back and forth match, Lexington added a pin in the 106-pound class from Noah Boozer. The Gators responded with two more pins of their own to pull ahead with one pairing remaining.

Coleman Bland’s win in the 138-pound class wasn’t enough points to affect the outcome.

The Gators will host the first 2 rounds of the S.C. High School League playoffs this Saturday. Lexington will open at the home of the Region 7-5A champion, but face the third-place team out of Region 6-5A in the opening round.