Sonoraville High School wrestling coach Randy Steward admits his team might not be state traditional tournament championship material this year. Next year and the year after, however, might be a different story.
The Phoenix advanced seven wrestlers from the Class 3A-A sectional Saturday at Bremen to this week's GHSA championships in Macon. That number was small compared to top-ranked Bremen's 12, but Steward said it's a portent of things to come.
"Our future is bright at Sonoraville," he said. "This group we are taking next week is strong, and the young guys are working to win a championship here in the near future."
Among Sonoraville's state-bound wrestlers are four sectional champions: Gavin Thompson (113 pounds), Tyler Hunt (120), Trevor Burdick (126) and Ian Clark (132).
While Sonoraville eyes the future, the time is now for Gilmer. The Bobcats, who find themselves in a rare underdog role to Jefferson in Class AAAA, will take 11 competitors to Macon after a strong weekend at Woodward Academy. The deep and talented team is led by sectional champs Dan Puac (106), Matthew Waddell (182) and Levi Seabolt (285).
Also at Woodward, Northwest Whitfield advanced nine to Macon, including 195-pound champion Jordan Lewis, while Ridgeland had among its six state-bound wrestlers a pair of first-place finishers - Jacob Mariakis (138) and reigning state champion Chris Henderson (220). Heritage, led by two-time state champion and sectional winner Chuckie Thurman (126), will take six.
Joining Sonoraville in Class AAA are four wrestlers from Ringgold, including sectional champs Jefferey Skeen (106) and reigning state champ Griffin Green (145). In Class AA, Chattooga will take five to state, including sectional champ Griffin Jarrett (106).
In Class A, Trion will attempt to match its second-place state finish last season by taking eight wrestlers, including sectional champs Cole Luallen (138), Jake Wells (182) and Logan Blevins (195). Gordon Lee advances seven, led by sectional champ Braden Jarvis (170).
In Class AAAAAA, Dalton advanced eight from a powerful sectional at Lanier, led by runners-up Sergio Alvarez (132) and Malik Coleman (152).