For the fifth time during the 2015-16 wrestling season, the Issaquah Eagles were victorious in a dual match.

The Eagles registered six pins in a 46-28 victory against the Newport Knights in a Class 4A KingCo wrestling match on Jan. 14 at Newport High School in Factoria. Issaquah improved its record to 5-0 with the win while Newport dropped to 1-3. Issaquah 113-pounder William Tickman clinched the victory pinning Newport’s Alton Ophus, giving the Eagles a 40-22 lead with just two matches remaining in the dual. Issaquah grapplers earning wins with pins included Gunnar Starren (138), Caleb Solusod (145), Kai Hapke (160), Chase Helegeson (170), Stevie Solusod (126) and Tickman (113). Eagles’ wrestlers winning via decisions were Dakota Kutz (132), Chance Gunter (182) and Dean Pearson (195).

Issaquah head coach Kirk Hyatt said the Eagles goal of winning the Class 4A KingCo regular season wrestling title is still very much within reach.

“We’ve always had pretty good teams. The kids are willing to work hard. We are always near the top (of our league),” Hyatt said. “Tonight was just another battle that we were in.”

Hyatt said the outcome of the league title will likely be on the line in a double dual against Skyline and Eastlake on Jan. 28. The matches, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. respectively at Redmond High School, will be a formidable test for the Eagles. Eastlake is currently undefeated in Class 4A KingCo dual matches.

“That will be a great night,” he said.

The Knights captured five wins against the Eagles in the matchup. Andrew Doyle (152), Logan Anderson (220), John Bernado (120) and Charlie Baumann (285) nabbed wins via pins against the Eagles. Newport 106-pound wrestler Joshua Lee won by decision. Baumann had the most impressive performance of the night, pinning Issaquah’s Mitchell Barnes in a mere 47 seconds. Baumann, who spent the majority of the 2014-15 season stuck behind 2015 graduate Nolan Richardson, is thriving in the varsity lineup this season.

“Charlie has really come into his own. He has got that aggressiveness that you can’t teach. He is fun to watch. He keeps it exciting,” Newport head coach Michael Chenowith said.

Chenowith was glad to see his lineup show its moxie and determination against Issaquah.

The Knights trailed the Eagles 34-6 early on but cut the lead to 34-22 with just three bouts left in the match.

“Issaquah is probably the toughest team in the league. You kind of got to pick up your game when you’re going against them. They are tough. It was good to see our guys get up for this match,” Chenowith said. “We’ve only had a few duals and we’re starting to get into a rhythm.”