Wrestling: Buford, Jefferson look to repeat at Duals Championships; Commerce, Jackson Co. in the mix as well

Buford and Jefferson both will get a chance to defend their state duals wrestling titles on Saturday when the finals are staged around the state.

Buford advanced to the Class 6A finals and Jefferson advanced to the Class 4A finals in last week’s Sectionals. Jackson County in Class 5A also advanced while Commerce, the 2021 Class A state runner-up, also advanced in Class A.

The top-seeded Wolves are looking for their fourth title in six years and have rounded back into form over the second half of the season after a rough start. They open the double-elimination tournament against Lassiter.
 
“The first half of the season was tough because our upper weights were still playing football, and we had a rash of injuries and sickness,” Buford coach Tom Beuglas said. “We are close to being at full strength and having our best kids in the lineup, which is a positive. I think with our best 14 in there, we have a very solid group.
 
“We have a good mix of top end talent and steady performers. I think overall our strength is our quality top to bottom. We don’t have many holes, but Class 6A has a lot of good teams and hopefully we will be able to compete (for the title).”
 
Meanwhile, Jefferson is looking for its 20th title in the last 21 years. The Dragons also are the top seed in their classification and take on Bainbridge in the first round, with a possible monster showdown looming against Heritage-Catoosa.

“Staying healthy through the remainder of this week and focusing on the small things that will make us better,” Dragons’ coach Kyle Baird said about the keys to defending their title. “Ultimately doing our job will get us where we want to be.”

Commerce has not won a title since 2019 after winning six straight Class A titles and will take on Landmark Christian in the opening round with a possible matchup with No. 1 Social Circle in the semifinals.

Longtime coach Kendall Love brings in a relatively inexperienced group that has shown it is talented, however. The Tigers are seeded third but come in with a 26-2 duals record.
 
“We are young this year with 11 kids in the lineup that were not in the lineup last year,” Love said. “I’m proud of the guys so far. We have to keep improving this week and just see how it turns out. (Defending champion) Social Circle and Trion are the favorites.”

Jackson County will meet Ola in the first round in the Class 5A tournament.

The seven championship titles will be spread across the state. (See below.)

Each classification will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude with finals at 3 p.m.