A district title was the prize on the line when Warren County hosted Oakland on the mats at the WCHS indoor facility Wednesday night. The Patriots were able to come away with the title, downing the Pioneers 46-21.

Shaking off the rust of a 10-day layoff from the snow storms wasn't easy for the Pioneers. Warren County didn't have the same energy or stamina in tough matches against the Patriots as it did when it was piling up district wins before the break. Only Zerek Keel, JR Mares and Raul Manus were able to win by pin for the Pioneers, while Sabastien Smith got three points in a battle at 150 pounds with a 16-11 decision.

"No excuses. Oakland just did a great job and we have to continue to put in the work to get better," said coach Matt Turner. "We'll get back on the mat, try to regain that momentum we had earlier this month and in December and take it into the postseason here soon."

Oakland seized control once the match got to the 120-pound division, one Warren County had to forfeit. After that, the Patriots picked up three straight pinfall wins in the first round, running off 24 consecutive points to seize full control.

Warren County followed by facing Coffee County, a match that lost much of its luster once the district standings had been decided by earlier outcome against the Patriots. Coach Turner decided to mix up his lineup in the second match, getting in new faces as the Red Raiders won 45-33.

Senior Brayden McKinley picked up a pin against Coffee County, as did Keel as he continues to be one of the best 175-pound wrestlers in the state. Jakoby Odineal and Christian Chapman also won by pin against the Red Raiders, while Jaylen Clayton picked up a forfeit win and Xavier Simmons defeated Kaleb Dodson 8-3 in a battle at 215 pounds.

Warren County will look to finish the regular season off with a bang next week when it hosts Franklin County. The match against the Rebels, set for Tuesday, Jan. 30, will also be senior night for the Pioneers. Action will begin at 6 p.m.