Jefferson wins Panther Invitational

Due to the state’s weight descension plan, the Dragons didn’t have a wrestler qualify for the 103-lb. class in time for the Panther Invitational. So that made the short-handed Dragons’ win that much more special coach Doug Thurmond said.

“They did really good,” Thurmond said. “I’m really proud of them. We knew everybody was going to have to pull their weight and then some.”

In addition to the five champions, Zach Allen (second), Jack Dollar (third), Kevin Selleck (third), Caleb King (fourth), Jake Sherman (fourth) and Shaquille Maxey (sixth) all placed in their weight divisions as Jefferson tallied 274 points.

The Dragons — who started the season last Tuesday with dual victories over Commerce and Madison County — won by 42.5 points over second-place North Gwinnett.

“We placed a lot of kids, so that helped,” said Thurmond, who noted the tough competition at the Panther Invitational.

There was additional hardware for the Dragons. Cason Thurmond was named “outstanding wrestler” for the lower weight classes (140-lb. and down).

Jefferson moves on this week to face Class AAAA and Class AAAAA competition in both a Wednesday meet at Woodward Academy and at this weekend’s Sawnee Duals at Forsyth Central as the Dragons ready themselves for the tough competition they will see in the postseason.

But Thurmond said this past weekend was a good start.

“Just a real, real good team effort,” he said. “I’m really proud of them.”