MACON — Both Jefferson and Buford wrestling programs looked very much like teams with championship goals on Thursday in the Georgia High School Association State Duals at the Macon Coliseum.
The Dragons and Wolves each claimed two victories apiece in the early going of the Class AAAA and AAAAA brackets, respectively, and are just two wins removed from state championships.
Jefferson, which has won a championship in every year of state duals competition -- 16 straight -- opened with a 64-12 domination of Luella and then moved into Friday's semifinal round courtesy a 64-10 defeat of Marist. The Dragons will take on West Laurens at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the third round.
Meanwhile, Buford opened competition with a 77-6 pasting of Miller Grove behind the strength of six pins and a Technial Fall in the first seven matches. The defending champs (who also claimed a state duals crown in 2014) moved on to hammer Carrollton 62-18. The win set up a semifinal showdown with Locust Grove, also at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
And in Class AAAAAA, Habersham Central fell in its opening bout of the tournament, 51-15 to Creekview. The Raiders will take on Forest Park in the consolation bracket beginning at 10 a.m. Friday.
Also on Friday three other northeast Georgia programs will commence their quest for state glory, as North Hall and Jackson County begin competition in Class AAA and Commerce begins its search for a fifth straight duals championship in Class A.
The Tigers face Strong Rock at 3 p.m. Friday in the first round.
North Hall, the No. 1 seed in Class AAA, will tackle Pierce County at 3 p.m. Friday, Jackson County, the No, 3 seed, will open against Savannah Arts at 3 p.m. Friday.
