SOUTH PARIS – Mike Taylor pinned Keith Brooks with 12 seconds remaining in the 171-pound match to clinch Mt. Ararat’s 40-33 triumph over Oxford Hills in a thrilling Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference meet.

A marquee matchup featured six-time Class A champion Noble and five-time Class B champ Camden Hills. Noble flexed its muscles early and often in a 47-18 win over the Windjammers.

The Knights (22-4) defeated four opponents by a 35-point average.

Mt. Ararat (10-5) overcame an 18-point deficit against the Vikings by winning five of six matches. Kathrine McDonald decisioned Justin Paine at 112, then pins followed by John Johnson (119), Ben Cox (125) and Mike Golek (head and arm at 130).

“We were anxious to see this today,” Mt. Ararat coach Eric Jensen said. “The team took a hit, because we forfeit (215 and 275), but it was good for some individuals to wrestle this many matches. I really like the direction this program is headed. We’re building in numbers and it’s nice to see because we’ll be even stronger in a couple years.”

Oxford Hills (4-6) rallied with pins by Tom Moulton (152) and Ron Ramsey (stack) at 160. The final match was extremely competitive (3-0 after two periods), but Taylor went on the offensive in the third period.

“We’ve made plenty of progress since the beginning of the season,” Vikings coach Mark Dolloff said. “I was surprised to see how strong Mt. Ararat was. Our freshmen still aren’t coming through, but it’s not because they are wrestling badly. Their opponents have been tough, but the experience they’re receiving now will pay off next year.”

There was plenty of drama throughout the day. Moulton and Cory Smith 189 each won four matches, while Tyler Guerin won three matches at 275 for the Vikings. Jack Pike (140) and Brad Smith (two wins at 145) both lost 4-2 in overtime. Smith had escaped with six seconds left to force the extra session, but Tom Rials of Noble recorded a quick takedown.

“I go out on the mat trying to win every match,” Cory Smith said. “My best move is to blast in and takedowns are my strong points. As a wrestler, you have to go out thinking your going to win every match.”

Noble was simply too strong, receiving four wins each from Zack Doucette (119), Zack Hale (125), Doug Rayworth (160) and James Best (171). The Knights stuck a majority of opponents. Their lineup is even more formidable with the return of Best (knee injury)

“We needed this today,” Noble coach Kip Devoll said. “This saw us step up a notch today. We hadn’t been wrestling well over Christmas, but today was different. This allowed us to see a couple teams who we hadn’t seen, but we’re willing to go where the competition is.”

Mt. Ararat had opened against Bonny Eagle and rallied back to trail 30-29. Dustin Crocker (four wins) pinned at 140 and Pat Downs won by technical fall at 145. A big swing happened when Cox was leading, but got caught in a pinning hold.

The Eagles crushed Medomak Valley 55-13.

Camden Hills (16-1) received four wins by state champions Joe McGowan 112.