Uhlik was up against Apex wrestler Michael Silk in the final match of the evening, competing in the 152-pound class. The teams were tied 33-33, with the winner of Uhlik and Silk determining which team would prevail.

Uhlik earned the pin one minute into the contest, giving Middle Creek a thrilling 39-33 victory on Wednesday.

Both teams finished 4-4 in the Tri-Nine conference. Middle Creek will be the site of the conference tournament scheduled for Saturday (finals estimated to start at 4 p.m.).

“It was the last match so there was a bit of pressure, but Coach (Stiles) told me to make it short and sweet,” Uhlik said. “I went out there with the mindset to pin him as quick as I can no matter what.”

The Cougars led 33-30 with two bouts left. Apex (4-4 overall) prevailed in six of the eleven competitive matches, but lost a total of six points to forfeits. Prior to Uhlik’s win, Middle Creek (13-15) won at the 145-pound class when Patrick Stennett notched a 6-1 decision over Ty Burke, tying the match at 33-33.

“Both teams knew the match would be close and would probably come down to the pivotal 152,” said Middle Creek coach Butch Stiles. “We honestly pondered which guy to go with at 152 and 160, and it turns out we made the right decision.”

The 160-pound match between Kyle Brown and Ben Wingo was the first of the evening. Although Wingo gave the Cougars the win, Brown refused to be pinned, limiting the Cougars to just three points.

“We’re young, we knew it would come down to the end,” said Apex coach Ross Little. “We had two of our best wrestlers out injured but the kids who stepped in fought hard and didn’t back down.”

Ryan Whitehouse and Sinjin Samluk stepped up for the Cougars in place of Joe Furtick and Kyle McGimsey, but the Mustangs took both matches with pins from Baffour Atakora and Alex Battaglia, respectively.

Ty Guzman (285 pounds) earned a pin for Middle Creek, while Seth Hamprey (195) and Dylan Krauss (220) won by forfeit.

Other Apex victors included Nick Giamoni (170), Jake Costagner (182), Davis Chance (106), Mark Crider (113) and Daniel Krakowski (138). Costagner prevailed in the closest match of the night, 11-8 over Jacob Brown. Evan Arredonda (132) won by forfeit for the Cougars.

Although neither team will compete in the state duals, following the Tri-Nine tourney several wrestlers from each side will participate in the individual regionals.