Several metro-area programs grappled their way into the state duals finals by finishing in the top two in area meets. Area champions and runners-up will compete in Macon this weekend for state championships.
FIRST-TIME CHAMPS …
Forest Park won its first-ever region wrestling championship after finishing 5-0 in the Area 4-AAAA meet Saturday. The Panthers defeated Lovejoy 44-30 in the final. Both schools will compete in the state duals Saturday.
Lovett upset top-seeded Greater Atlanta Christian 39-28 in the Area 6-AA meet Saturday. The Lions profited from wins by Kyler Allen (108), James Hite (113), Jonathan Kopelman (120), Spencer Lee (132), Jack Young (145), Corey Erdoes (182), Patrick Emerson (195) and William Henegan (285) in the final. To get to the finals, Lovett defeated Westminster 42-24 while the Spartans took down Blessed Trinity 44-28.
Pope won its fifth straight region duals meet after winning the 5-AAAA championship Saturday. It is the Greyhounds’ second straight Area 5 championship after winning three straight 6-AAAAA titles. After defeating Paulding County 64-10 earlier in the day, Pope took care of Alexander 45-19 in the finals. The Greyhounds trailed the Cougars 15-7 before winning seven of the next eight matches.
Lassiter edged Etowah to win the Area 5-AAAAA crown 36-34. Both squads advance to the state meet Saturday. Paul Pelletier won the 120-pound match to give the Trojans the lead with one match remaining after Etowah had taken a one-point edge. Shelton Sellars then lost his match 9-7 to Etowah’s Bryce Verones in the 126-pound division, but the Trojans still held on to their lead.
MORE WINNERS …
Archer continued its season of firsts by winning the Area 8-AAAAA championship with a dominant 55-6 win over Brookwood. It was the first region title of any kind for the third-year Gwinnett school. The Tigers beat South Gwinnett and Grayson prior to the Brookwood match. … North Forsyth won Area 6-AAAAA with a 37-24 win over Roswell. The Raiders took down Centennial and Alpharetta on their way to the finals. … Harrison beat Kennesaw Mountain 36-28 to win the Area 4-AAAAA championship. It is the second area wrestling title for the Hoyas.
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