Heritage grapplers sending eight to sectionals
As expected, the Gilmer Bobcats won the Area 6-AAAA wrestling team title on their own home floor in Ellijay on Saturday, but the extreme northwest Georgia contingent of the area will be well-represented at the Class AAAA state sectionals at Woodward Academy this weekend.
Gilmer finished with 204 points, beating out Northwest Whitfield (174.5) for the top spot. Ridgeland, who raised a few eyebrows by placing second in the 6-AAAA Duals earlier in the month, was a solid third (145.5), while Heritage (130.5), LaFayette (64.5), Southeast Whitfield (58) and Pickens (54.5) rounded out the team standings.
The Panthers, who took 12 wrestlers to the tournament, saw 11 qualify for sectionals with top four finishes. The 11 sectional qualifiers are a new program record.
Jacob Mariakis (138) and Chris Henderson (220) each won their weight class. Mariakis was a state runnerup last season at 132, while Henderson is trying to make it two state titles in a row at 220.
Jordan Hughley (132), Dylan Swanson (152) and Ryan McGill (170) each finished second in their respective weight classes. Jake Clayton (120) and Austin Coppinger (182) were both third, while Mehki Ross (113), Chris Prescott (126), McKinley Mosgrove (145) and Christian Gentry (195) all placed fourth.
The Heritage Generals will send eight grapplers to sectionals, while three more will be alternates.
Chuckie Thurman won the 126-pound class, while Daniel Jernagin took first at 132.
Ryan Craft (106) and Blake Bryant (113) were each runnerup in their weight class, while Dylan Jernagin (138), Garett Stephens (145), Zaine Burton (195) and Jeffery Curtis (220) each placed third.
Spencer Davies (160), Christian Merrill (170) and Drake Parker (182) all placed fifth and could get into the sectionals as alternates if a sectional qualifier is unable to compete.
Thurman also made some history on Saturday as he set a new state record for most takedowns in a single season with 504, breaking the previous record of 499.
With state sectionals and the state finals still to go, Thurman - a two-time defending state champion - has an opportunity to set a new national high school record for takedowns in a single season. The current record is 559.
LaFayette will see four wrestlers compete at sectionals next weekend, led by senior Cole Ingram. Last year’s state runner-up won the 170-pound area title on Saturday.
He will be joined by Tyler Beard (160) and Cody Deal (220), who each finished second. Matthew Wallin (285) was fourth.