Six Jackson County wrestlers claimed individual championships Saturday while two others placed as runners-up in the Panthers’ season-opening victory in the Olgethorpe County Patriot Classic.
Zach Moore (112-lb.), Ryan Shekey (130-lb.), Justin Brewer (140-lb.), Brandon Espinal (145-lb.), Cole Meaders (152-lb.) and Austin McDonald (215-lb.) all went 3-0 on the day to win their respective weight divisions while Anthony Ledford (119-lb.) and Daivon Ledford (171-lb.) were runners-up in their classifications. Bryan Burnette (135-lb.) added a fourth-place finish.
“I am very proud of the entire team’s performance,” Jackson County coach Jason Powers said. “This was our first tournament of the year and we were able to bring home the team championship, which we were unable to do at all last year.”
Jackson County — which finished at no. 6 last year in Class AAA — edged out region foe Banks County for the title. Rounding out the top four were Clarke Central and Elbert County respectively.
Individually, Brewer and McDonald each picked up three pins en route to their championships, while Meaders had two points and a technical fall. Espinal, Burnette and Anthony Ledford each had two pins as well, while Moore, Shekey and Daivon Ledford all had one pin. Also competing were Jamie Stapler (1-2, 103-lb.) and Jacob Hogan (2-1, 125-lb.).
“To go along with the excitement of winning the tournament, the individuals on the team all did their parts,” Powers said. “Each returning varsity starter found themselves in the finals and the first time varsity wrestlers had excellent tournaments as well. This was sophomore Anthony Ledford’s first varsity tournament and he made it to the finals and freshman Bryan Burnette placed in the first high school tournament that he has ever entered.”
Jackson County was slated to wrestle again Tuesday at home but results weren’t available to due early Thanksgiving deadlines.
The season, nonetheless, got off to a fast start as Powers looks for big things out of this year’s squad.
“The team is led this year by a very talented group of seniors which include Jamie Stapler, Ryan Shekey, Justin Brewer, Cole Meaders and Austin McDonald,” Powers said. “These individuals have had a good deal of individual success in the past and I have no doubt that trend will continue this year. However, for us to be able to accomplish our team goals, this group must continue to lead the way. I am hoping that the win this past weekend will fuel our practices and the drive for excellence will be contagious throughout the entire program.”
JUNIOR VARSITY
Jackson County’s junior varsity wrestling team opened its season with a fourth-place finish at the eight-team “Battle at the Rock” tournament at Rockdale County High School.
“It was a great team effort for the Panther wrestling team,” Powers said. “For several of the team members, it was their first wrestling match.”
Anthony Allen (125-lbs.) who went 3-0 for the day with three pins to win his weight class. Jackson County also boasted four runners-up J.T. Wood (112-lbs., 2-1, two pins), Luis Gonzales (135-lbs., 2-1), Braden Gains (215-lbs., 2-1, two pins) and Tre Velasquez (285 lbs., 2-1, two pins). Josh Conaway (189-lb., 2-2, one pin) finished fourth
The rest of the team includes Antonio Gonzales (119-lb.) Charles Mayo (130-lb.); Abe Catalan (135-lb.); Steven King (145-lb.) and Dylan Stow (152-lb.).
“Even though these wrestlers didn’t place, they played a big part in the entire team finishing fourth,” Powers said.
