There are six different wrestling tournaments being competed at the Macon Centreplex beginning today and if form holds true five of those could be a battle to see who finishes second.
The sixth of the GHSA Duals Championships could be a dogfight -- at least that's what Gordon Lee coach Brent Raby hopes. Archer in Class AAAAAA, Camden County in AAAAA, Gilmer County in AAAA, Jefferson in AAA and Commerce in Class A are considered prohibitive favorites to add to their schools' trophy cases.
However, in Class AA, there appears to be very little separation between No. 1 seed Social Circle, No. 2 Greater Atlanta Christian, No. 3 Bremen, No. 4 Lovett and No. 5 Gordon Lee. The Trojans are in their first year competing in Class AA after being a dominant team in Class A for the last five years. In Friday's first round they get former Class A rival Bremen in what should be a fascinating match right off the bat.
"All of the top six seeds are within two individual matches of each other and those can go either way," said Raby, the Area 3-AA runner-up to Lovett on a two-point match that was decided by a pin on the final bout. "We have some history with Bremen so both teams will be ready to go for that one, and if we win we have to take on No. 2 GAC."
Raby says his team, with as many as five freshmen starters, is the wildcard in the group of contenders after getting beaten soundly by eventual champion Commerce last year in Class A.
"We're either going to win or bust," he said. "You've got to beat somebody to win it, that's for sure. Last year, we had kind of gotten complacent. We've got a hungry group this year, led by a group of seniors that might have lost their fire last year and want it back. Regardless of whether we win it or not, whoever is on the other side of the mat better be ready to rock and roll. I think we're the most dangerous team in Class AA."
* In Class AAAA, Area 7-AAAA runner-up Northwest Whitfield is hoping to make its first trip to Macon in five years a memorable one. The Bruins open with perennial power Locust Grove today in a field that also includes contenders Marist and Carrollton.
* In Class AAA, Area 6-AAA champion Sonoraville opens with Pepperell today and would likely face No. 2 seed Banks County in the second round of the Phoenix win. Area runner-up Calhoun, a team riddled by injuries and slowed by the football team's success, goes against Rockmart today, where a win would likely pit the Yellow Jackets against 14-time dual titlist Jefferson.
* In Class A, Area 3-A runner-up Trion opens with Eagle's Landing Christian Academy Friday and could face top-seed Commerce with a win. Other strong contenders are No. 2 seed Turner County and Area 3 champ Mt. Zion, Carroll.
The tournament will run through the semifinals in all classes Friday, with the championships set for Saturday afternoon.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296.