Colin Stevens likes saving the best for last. The Trigg County junior scored a two-point reversal in the final 10 seconds of his match to knock off top-ranked Noah Duke of Ryle 2-1 and advance to the semifinals of the KHSAA State Wrestling Championships in Lexington Friday. Stevens is ranked No. 3 in the 182-pound class.
Stevens began his day with easy wins over North Bullitt’s Nate Dodson (1:06) and Anderson County’s Cameron Bixler (3:54) by fall. The Trigg County junior, who finished third in the 160-pound class last year, will face Harrison County senior Chase Blanton in Saturday’s semifinal. Blanton is ranked No. 4 by Kentuckywrestling.com.
Stevens will attempt to join his father Ralph (1982) as the only Trigg County wrestlers to win an individual state title. Colin’s bother Aaron (2014) and uncle Homer (1980-81) both finished third at state.
Trigg County has one other wrestler who can still reach the podium on Saturday. Ethan Futrell dropped his opening match in the 132-pound class to Bourbon County’s Sheridan Willoughby (11-5). He rebounded in the consolation bracket to get wins over North Hardin’s Branden Williams by pin (4:30) and Fern Creek’s Atorian Cook (12-3).
The KHSAA State Wrestling Tournament continues Saturday at Alltech Arena in Lexington.