FRANKLIN—None of Franklin’s “big four” wrestlers won regional championships on Saturday, but all four, plus one more wrestler, are heading to next week’s Group A state championships.

Franklin finished with 97 points, seventh out of 12 teams, in the Group A Region A championships at Mathews High School. Mathews won the event with 199 points.

The top four wrestlers in each weight class move on to the state championships at the Salem Civic Center on Friday and Saturday.

At 130 pounds, Antwan Flythe was pinned by Tyler Mattox of Mathews in the championship round.

At 145 pounds, Emmett Artis was pinned by Sam Frere of Lancaster in the championship bout.

The 160-pound championship saw Jonathan Morse of Mathews won by fall over Franklin’s Isiah Hudson.

Franklin’s Tyler Childress dropped a 14-8 decision to Chris Bailey of King William in the 171-pound championship.

Franklin’s Anthony Fulgham took fourth place in the region at 103 pounds to advance to the state championships.

Expectations were high for the four wrestlers that ended up second.

“We just had a bad day of wrestling, especially Isiah. He’s pinned that kid twice this year,” said Daniel Johnson, Franklin head coach. “Like I told all four of them, I’ve seen fourth seeds winning the tournament. It may have done them some good if we have a good week of practice before we go to states. This is their last chance as seniors. I’m looking to come home with four place medals. The top eight of each weight class get a medal.”