Championship tournaments are the perfect stage for the underdog to capture the moment and make history. More times than not, however, as was the case at the GHSA State Wrestling Duals on Saturday, the expected happens and the favorites roll.
Each of the six top-seeded teams won titles at the Macon Centreplex, meaning upset-minded northwest Georgia teams Northwest Whitfield and Sonoraville had to settle for runner-up trophies
Gilmer County won its sixth consecutive duals title and 14th overall championship with a 52-13 win over Northwest in the Class AAAA final. The Bobcats sprang to a 37-0 lead.
"We were on a roll this weekend," Gilmer coach Sam Snider said. "We had a bit of a different team today than the one Northwest faced last weekend (in the area final), when we had three starters out. That made a big difference."
After Domingo Reynoso opened the match with a major decision at 106 pounds, Gilmer's three returning starters -- Trevor Preece, Alberto Perez and Marcelino Lopez -- recorded a pin and two decisions. Lucas Patterson then added a major decision, Keegan Sharpe a pin, Will Gudger a major and Jaime Lopez a pin for the resounding lead.
For the Bruins, who got a pin from Austin Taylor, a major decision from Garrett Gray and a decision from Jordan Pittman, the match didn't dampen the enthusiasm of what was accomplished this weekend.
"Gilmer is right up there with the best in the state," Northwest coach Allen Tucker said. "They have three returning state champions, and I believe they'll have three more. Our kids fought hard and this weekend showed we belong. There were 13 schools here we wrestled this year and we came in 10-3 against them. We gave it our best shot, but they were just a little better than us."
In the Class AAA title match, Sonoraville also came up short against perennial power Jefferson, 51-22. The Dragons have now won all 15 dual championships the state has held in their classification. For the Firebirds, who earned their second runner-up trophy, Ryan Farist, Jacob Bagwell and Kenny Cooper had pins and Austin Tillman won by major decision.
Gordon Lee and Trion each went 1-1 Saturday to earn fourth-place finishes in Class AA and A, respectively. Gordon Lee's Trojans began the day with a 34-24 win over Lovett, avenging last weekend's Area 3-AA final loss. However, they fell to Greater Atlanta Christian, 45-30, in the consolation finals.
Trion defeated St. Francis, 42-33, in the consolation semifinals before losing to Turner County, 34-27.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296.