State Duals: Banks Co., Buford set to battle for AAA title; Jefferson, Commerce looking for titles as well

MACON -- Area 4-AAA proved Friday that it may be the best wrestling area in Georgia.

Banks County and Buford both advanced to the finals of the Class AAA Duals tournament at the Macon Coliseum.

Banks County, the defending Class AAA Duals state champion, defeated Morgan County 56-24 in the semifinals. Buford whipped Woodward Academy 55-19 in the other semifinal.

The two will meet Saturday for the title. Banks County beat Buford in the area finals last week.

Those aren't the only area teams looking for titles Saturday.

Jefferson advanced to its 13th straight Duals finals with a 47-34 win over Toombs County in the semifinals of the Class AA tournament. The Dragons will take on Bremen, who nipped Social Circle in the other semifinal, in the championship match.

Commerce, which finished third in last year's Duals, is guaranteed a better finish this time around. The Tigers demolished Turner County 70-7 in one semifinal and will meet area rival Athens Christian in the finals. Athens Christian shocked No. 1-ranked and defending Class A champ Gordon Lee 37-33 in the other semifinals.

In Class AAAA, Chestatee had moved into the semifinals with a thrilling 33-30 win over Marist but fell to defending state champion Gilmer 45-16 in the semifinals.

The War Eagles will take on fellow 8-AAAA rival Lumpkin County in the consolation bracket. The Indians fell to Alexander in the second round but rallied with wins over Fayette County and West Laurens in the consolation bracket n Saturday.

In Class AAAAAA, North Forsyth, which came in as the No. 2 seed, beat Grayson in the second round but was upset by Camden County in the semifinals.

The Raiders will take on Etowah in the consolation bracket on Saturday.