Score Atlanta
Class AAA-AAAAAA opened the traditional state wrestling championships Thursday at the Infinite Energy Arena in Gwinnett County. In Class AAAAAA, three-time defending traditional champion Archer saw eight of its 11 wrestlers advance into the semifinals, including individual defending state champions Quinn Miller (220), Daniel Bullard (182), Thomas Bullard (170) and Chris Diaz (145). Class AAAAA's reigning champion Camden County got off to a blazing start as Tyler Crew (106), Lucas Nelson (113), Raydan Wilder (118), Zion Graham (132), Denton Spencer (138), Adrian Hughes (145), Brian Stanford (152), Bunmi Smith (160), Antonio Stewart (170), Dominique Hargrave (182) Matt Wall (195) and Gabe Smith (285) will give the Wildcats a dozen wrestlers in Friday’s semifinals.
Class AAAA will be the classification to keep an eye on as three-time defending state champion Gilmer looks to hold off a strong field that includes North Hall and Buford. Gilmer had just five of its 12 wrestlers make it through Thursday without a loss, but three of the five are defending individual champions, as Levi Seabolt (285), Matthew Waddell (180) and Lucas Patterson (132) will be needed to defend the team title.
Class AAA Jefferson looks poised to bring home the program’s 16th consecutive traditional title (20th all-time). Reigning individual champions Dawson Bates (113), Mitchell McGhee (120), Tanner Thurmond (132) and Caleb Little (182) are four of the nine Dragons that guaranteed top six finishes and made it through Thursday's first two round unscathed.
Friday's action starts at 9 a.m. and the day will conclude with the consolation semifinals of all classifications at 3 p.m. and the winner's bracket semifinals of Classes A-AAAAAA at 7 p.m.
About the Author
