MACON — Northeast Georgia wrestling has a chance to make a definitive statement on Saturday at the GHSA State Duals in Macon.
Four programs stormed their way into the championship bout -- in four different classifications -- courtesy stellar Friday performances at the Macon Coliseum.
Buford (Class AAAAA), Commerce (Class A), Jefferson (Class AAAA) and North Hall (Class AAA) each sealed title-deciding matches with a minimum of fuss, as Buford and Jefferson continued to roll after wins on Thursday and Commerce and North Hall each began their state tournaments with convincing wins.
The Trojans, No. 1 seed in Class AAA, continued their stellar form courtesy a 60-3 win over Pierce County and a 47-26 defeat of Sonoraville. North Hall set itself up for a title shot against Bremen at 4 p.m. Saturday in Macon. Jackson County, meanwhile, will fight for third place on Saturday after falling to Bremen 34-29 in its second match of the day in Macon. The Panthers opened with a 59-12 win over Savannah Arts before falling in the semifinals. They now await the winner of the Pierce County-McNair match at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the consolation bracket,
Habersham Central opened the day Friday in the consolation bracket after falling on Thursday. The Raiders responded with a 36-32 win over Forest Park but saw its tournament come to an end with a 47-16 loss to Pope in the next round.
Meanwhile, Commerce, Buford and Jefferson will look to defend their various championships on Saturday.
The Tigers opened competition in Class A on Friday and dominated Strong Rock 69-9 to start before stomping Irwin County 61-9. Commerce will take on Wesleyan at 4 p.m. Saturday gunning for its fifth straight state duals crown.
Jefferson, meanwhile, will battle for its 17th straight duals crown on Saturday after winning its semifinal 50-24 on Friday against West Laurens. The Dragons, who have won a title at state duals every year it has been competed, will face Gilmer at 4 p.m. Saturday.
And in Class AAAAA, Buford will look to defend its state crown after a dominant, 57-11 win over Locust Grove in the semifinals. The Wolves will take on Ola at 4 p.m. in the title round.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/1/625213/wrestling-four-area-teams-storm-into-state-championship-bouts