Newton-Conover’s wrestling team keeps getting contributions late in the season from some of the most unlikely places.

Junior Eric Oesterling sparked a four-match run for the Red Devils, and a late pin by Ethan Carter helped them win the western regional title with a 31-27 win over host West Lincoln and advance to the state 2A title match for the second straight year.

The match will be held at Newton-Conover on Saturday, and will begin at 7 p.m. against eastern regional champion Orange County. Orange County defeated Croatan 38-33 to advance. The match is being held at Newton-Conover because the North Carolina High School Athletic Association alternates championship sites between the east and the west. This year is the western regional champion’s turn to host.

With his Red Devils down 15-6, Oesterling came through with an 8-4 decision over Tyler Colvard to cut the Rebels’ lead to 15-9. From there, Newton-Conover got a pin, a major decision and a decision to take a 22-15 lead. Oesterling’s win at 125 pounds not only put the Red Devils back into the match, but it also ended a personal five-match losing streak for the junior. “I really just wanted to end (the losing streak),” Oesterling said. “Last year, we went to the finals but I wasn’t part of the team, but this year I am and I’m happy to help the team any way I can.”

Oesterling was considered a junior varsity wrestler last season, so he didn’t compete in big matches on match-day. And according to head coach Ed Clark, he’s came a long way since then. “He’s worked so hard since last year, just like the rest of the guys,” he said. “It’s all about commitment. He’s fought for us for two and a half years. Tonight was his payday.”

It was payday for the rest of the Red Devils as well.

After Matt Owensby gave the Red Devils their 22-15 lead with a 4-0 decision over John Navey in the 140-pound class, the Rebels fought right back and answered with a 10-4 decision from Brad Owens over Blake Harkey to cut Newton-Conover’s lead to 22-18. In the following match at 152 pounds, West Lincoln’s Wesley Nale earned a 4-3 decision over Ross Alexander on a last-second reversal, cutting the Red Devils’ lead to one at 22-21. “Man I was worried (once West Lincoln cut it to one),” Clark said. “I’ve been worried all day. They are such a good program. I’ve been scared since Tuesday’s match. They don’t give matches away.”

Clinging to the one-point lead, Newton-Conover got a much-needed pin from Carter in 5:38, which forced the Rebels to have to win the next match at 171 pounds. Shawn Mulligan made sure that didn’t happen, and earned a 5-3 decision over Jesse Navey, clinching the regional championship and a return trip to the state 2A title match.