Ware County’s wrestling program captured its 12th region title in program history winning the Region 1AAAA Team Dual Championship crown Saturday.
The host and top-seed Gators followed an 84-0 victory over Benedictine in the semifinals with a 49-18 decision over Wayne County in the finals.
Ware County and the Yellow Jackets advance to the two-day, 16-team double-elimination Class 4-A state tournament in McDonough being hosted by Ola High School.
The Gators open with North Oconee Friday, January 16. The winner advances to a matchup with the survivor of host Ola and Westminster. The losers square off in a first round loser’s bracket pairing. Wayne County meets Walnut Grove in the opening round.
The championship is scheduled to be held Saturday, January 17.
Four Ware County grapplers posted 2-0 marks with both victories via pin fall. Jordan Maxwell, Gunter Fore, Collin Deal and Colton Miller led the way.
Also going 2-0 were Da’Marion Zanders (technical fall and forfeit), Evan Thomas (pinfall and forfeit) and Jaden McKelvin (decision and forfeit).
Finishing with 1-0 marks were Noah Paul (pinfall), Aaron Bennett (technical fall), Leve Moore (forfeit) and Andy Ignacio (forfeit).
Going 1-1 were Ashton Cox (pinfall win), Rodrigo Reyes (forfeit win), Maleek Mackey (forfeit win), Jalen Hampton (pinfall win) and Kyler Matthews (pinfall win).
