The Chapel Hill Tigers are searching for a way to end the dynasty of the Orange Panthers on Thursday night in wrestling, but it will be easier said than done.

The Tigers and the Panthers will grapple in a dual match at Chapel Hill High on Thursday night at 6 o’clock. On the line is the Big 8 regular season championship. The Panthers have won 11 consecutive regular season titles.

Orange, coached by former UNC wrestler Bobby Shriner, has defined dynasty in Triangle wrestling for the past 20 years. Now in his 26th season in Hillsborough, Shriner has built a program that has won 5 dual state titles and 16 conference championships across three different classifications.

This year, Orange has had seniors Joe Scott (at 138 pounds) and Byron Stephenson (285) claim their 100th career victories. Meanwhile, Chapel Hill looks to pull the upset with George McBurney looming large at 220 pounds. McBurney, also a center with the Chapel Hill High football team, finished fourth at the Tiger Holiday Wrestling Classic.

In addition to Thursday’s critical dual match, Chapel Hill High will also host the Big 8 Conference Championship meet on Saturday starting at 8:30 AM.