BCHS wrestlers finish as runners up at state duals

The Banks County High School wrestlers again proved they were one of the very best dual teams in Class AAA, but saw Area 7-AAA rival Buford unseat them as state champions.

The Wolves dethroned the mat Leopards with a 44-23 win in the Class AAA dual finals in Macon Saturday as Banks County finished as runners-up.

Banks County had beaten Buford back on Jan. 4 to win the Area 7-AAA and advance to the state duals. Buford’s second place showing at area earned it a spot at the state duals as well.

The mat Leopards, who last year became the first team to win a state championship in any sport at Banks County High School, breezed through their first and second round matchups in Macon to set up a return trip to the state finals.

Banks County opened with a 60-15 win over Blessed Trinity and followed that with a 56-24 victory over Morgan County, while Buford beat Sonoraville (49-24) and Woodward Academy (55-19).

Following Buford and Banks County as Class AAA placers were Morgan County (third place) and Woodward Academy (fourth place).

While the duals championships are over, the individual side of things will be decided next month. Sectionals are Feb. 8, while the traditional state championships take place at Gwinnett Arena in Duluth Feb. 14-15.