JCCHS to host Panther Invite Friday

Wrestling begins Friday at 5 p.m.

Last year, Jackson County took top honors in two events at the Panther Invitational. Ryan Howe won in the 189 lb. category, while Kevin Spicer took top honors in 152 lb. class. Howe was also voted outstanding heavyweight wrestler.

Last Tuesday, the Mat Panthers played host to North Hall and East Jackson.

Jackson County was victorious in both matches, defeating North Hall 52-22 and East Jackson on the nightcap by a score of 72-6.

Several varsity wrestlers went undefeated on the night, including Zach Moore, Conner Andreasen, Ryan Shekey, Tre Horton, Izzy Carrillo-Garcia, Jamari Davis, Ryan Howe, Charles Smothers and Austin McDonald.

“I was very proud of the team and the way that they performed,” said coach Jason Powers. “We had a goal of not giving up any pins all night and we only gave up a couple. This will be one of our main focuses for the rest of our dual season as this is what we will need to be successful at Area and State competition.”

Powers said while the two big victories were great, both teams were just out of football playoffs and were missing a lot of their football players.

“We look forward to wrestling them again later in the season when we are both at full strength,” he added.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Jackson Herald or The Braselton News.