MCHS sends four mat Raiders to state

Madison County’s 145 lbs. contender, Isaac Ruiz, earned second last weekend at the sectionals, the highest placer for the Red Raiders while at Loganville.

Ruiz defeated his first round opponent by fall, defeated the second round opponent by decision and defeated the third round opponent also by decision. In the final match, Ruiz faced Tucker’s defending 145 state champ, Carey Cloud, and in a 3-7 decision grabbed second place.

Ahead for Ruiz in the first round of the state tournament is South Paulding’s Jacob Sturino. The matches start at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17.

Ruiz has a career record of 155 - 64; his current season record is 50 - 6. A three time state qualifier and a two time Region 8 champion he is ranked in the top six.

“He has a good shot to be in the finals, earning a rematch against defending state champ Carey Cloud from Tucker,” coach Richie Houston said. “Isaac is great on his feet, and when he opens up is tough to beat. [He is] tough on top, opponents rarely score on him.”

Ruiz also signed earlier this ear to wrestle at Northwestern college in Iowa.


Madison County’s 125 lbs. contender, Cody Phillips qualified for state after earning fourth at the East Sectionals.

Philips defeated his first round opponent by fall, but was bumped to the consolation bracket in the second round by fall by Marist’s Connor Carrier. In the consolation bracket, Phillips advanced by technical fall, decision and major decision to compete for third and rematch Carrier. In the championship round, Carrier defeated Phillips by decision, 2-6.

Ahead for Phillips at the Gwinnett Arena, he faces Nicky Harbison of Rome in the first round.

Phillips’ season record is 44-6 with a career record of 152-50. A three time state qualifier, Phillips was edged out of the state quarter finals last year, just one round away from placing.

“125 lbs. is as deep as any weight in the state this year,” said Houston. “Cody is great on his feet and tough as nails on top, so tough opponents rarely choose bottom.”

Phillips is also considered one of the top six favorites at 125 lbs. for the state finals.


Madison County’s 160 lbs. contender, Kyle Bates brought back a sixth place finish from Loganville.

Bates advanced through the first two rounds by decision, before losing by decision to the eventually runner-up. In the consolation round Bates was defeated by the fourth place winner by decision then battled for fifth place, but in an 8-11 decision dropped to sixth.

Coming up in the first round of state wrestling, Bates takes on Northwest Whitfield’s Grant Henderston.

Bates’ career record is 148-78 and holds a current season record of 38-19. A two time state qualifier, Bates also came up short last year, finishing in the quarterfinals. Also a top six ranked wrestler, Bates is looking to use the bracket to his advantage.

“Kyle has a great bracket. The secret to the 16 man bracket is win the first two matches, you place,” Houston said. “Kyle is also great on his feet, when he wrestles and sticks to his game plan, he is tough to beat.”


Madison County’s final state qualifier is the Red Raider’s 189 lbs. contender, Kyle Gordon. Gordon earned fifth at the sectionals.

In the first round, Gordon earned the victory via fall and advanced to the second round to face the eventual 189 lbs. sectional champion. Moved to the consolation bracket by major decision, Gordon defeated his next opponents by decision and major decision. Beaten by fall, Gordon battled for fifth place, earning the spot and qualifying for state by 2-3 decision.

The first round for Gordon in the state tournament pits him against Demtre Liguori of East Paulding.

Gordon’s senior year record is 32-19, past of a 76-6 career record. Qualifying twice for state, Gordon is expected to be a dark horse for Madison County.

“We look for him to catch a lot of opponents off guard. He is one to watch,” said Houston. “Kyle has come on strong as nails in the last four weeks, ever since the East Metro tournament he has been on fire.”

The state tournament at the Gwinnett Arena is Feb. 17-19. Spectators can enter at 4 p.m on Thursday with the first rounds being held starting at 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday with the matches starting around 8:30 a.m.