Wrestling: North Hall takes 2023 Hall County Championship crown

RABBITTOWN, Ga. — North Hall avenged a loss to Chestatee last season to win the 2023 Hall County Duals championships on Monday at East Hall.

The Trojans knocked off the War Eagles, 45-27, in what turned out to be the deciding match at the midpoint of the one-day event. North Hall eventually clinched the title with a 66-18 win over Johnson in Round 5.

Nearly every team was missing starters and key depth personnel due to injuries or sickness or both.

North Hall coach Mason Patton called it a solid day despite the adversities.

“Like everyone else we’ve had our ups and downs and sickness and stuff. But it feels good to win it,” Patton said. “The kids have worked hard."

The turning points for the Trojans against Chestatee came at 150-pounds, 175, 190, and 215. Also, the War Eagles were winning at 144 before that match flipped into a North Hall pin.

“The match at 144 was one of those swing matches. We felt confident we could get that one but you never know,” Patton said. “Chestatee’s big hitters are those 165 and up and we were able to get wins there so that was probably the difference.”

Chestatee coach Carey Whitlow, whose War Eagles finished second at 5-1 on the day, said he was pleased despite the loss to their arch-rivals. Seniors Bryant Barnes (175) and Angel Gaurduno (165) both reached the 100-win marks for their careers.

The War Eagles took second with a convincing 65-9 win over East Hall (4-2) in the final match of the day.

“We wanted to win it but it just wasn’t our day (as far as repeating as champion),” Whitlow said. “We had four individual champions, two guys hit a big milestone, and I feel the team is coming together, so we’re proud of that.”

East Hall (4-2) finished third by virtue of its narrow 37-36 win over Flowery Branch (3-3) in the morning session.

West Hall, Cherokee Bluff, and Johnson all finished the day at 1-5 -- and all three beat each other -- to technically tie for fifth.

Gainesville and Riverside Prep did not participate this year due to scheduling conflicts.