Matt Turner believes his wrestling team could be the best in the district this season. He got his first look Tuesday at what his Pioneers look like on the mat.

The Pioneers split a dual match in Murfreesboro, beating Lawrence County 54-18 but falling to last year’s region champ Blackman 52-27.

“Overall, it was a very good night,” said Turner. “We saw where we are and where we need to improve.”

It turned out to be a mix and match night for Turner as his wrestlers are still trying to find the right weights for their season. Two standouts from last season, Ike Gillentine and Caleb Mackie, each wrestled up a weight class in their matches, something that can happen early in the year.

“We had to wrestle some guy at a higher weight class due to their weight management plans and forfeit three classes against Blackman. We’ll have a totally different lineup this week than we did (in the opener),” said Turner.

Gillentine didn’t seem to struggle moving up to 195 pounds, winning both matches as he tries to build on his run to the state tournament last winter. The junior beat Blackman’s Jaylen Hughes by an 8-2 decision and pinned his Lawrence County opponent.

Kalah Lusk (152 pounds) also picked up a pinfall victory against Blackman.

Warren County is set to be back in action Thursday, Dec. 5 with a road match at Rockvale. The Pioneers are set to face the Rockets and Smyrna.

The Pioneers will make their home debut Thursday, Dec. 10. The first home match will include opponents from Oakland, Franklin County and Coffee County.