DULUITH -- Nick Lankford will go for his second state title in wrestling Saturday after working his way through the Class AAAA 132-pound weight class Friday night at the Gwinnett Center.
Lankford held off Ryan Cole of Paulding County 4-2 in the semifinals to advance. Next up will be Michael Nelems of Lambert in the finals.
Flowery Branch coach Shane Millwood said he has confidence that Lankford can grab another individual title. Langford won a Class AAA title at 103 as a sophomore.
"Nick is peaking at the right time and he knows what it takes to win a title," Millwood said. "He had a great day (Friday) and I expect him to be ready (Saturday)."
Lankford and have not tangled this season though the two were expected to meet in a tournament earlier in the season but Nelems got sick and was not able to wrestle.
"It should be a great match," Millwood said.
Lankford isn't the only north Georgia wrestler looking to bring home hardware.
Habersham Central's Coleman Cunningham advanced to the finals at 145 in Class AAAA.
In Class AA, Jackson County's Zach Moore is in the 120 final. Chip Ness of Buford will go for the 152 title.
But once again Jefferson has dominated Class AA and will send nine into the finals. Chase Piperato (106), Kyle Kashuba (113), Tyler Marinelli (126, Clay Richardson (138), Jack Dollar (145), and Aaron Anderson (220)all are looking for their first state titles. Cain Finch (152) and Forrest Pryzbysz (182) both are looking for their third straight titles.
The Dragons have an almost 150-point lead over Morgan County in the race for the team title and are headed toward 12th straight championship.
In Class A, Commerce will send Cody Legg (113), Trent Reddish (152), and Chance McClure (220) into the finals.
Monday
February 3rd, 2025
4:57PM
