TCHS Takes Rivalry Dual From VHS
Courtesy of TCHS
Two of the top programs in Georgia 2A wrestling reside less than seven miles apart, the Toombs County High School Bulldogs and Vidalia High School Indians. In the 2022-23 season the MatDawgs and Indians placed 3rd and 4th, respectively, in the team race at the Traditional State Tournament.
Heading into the 2023-24 season the Indians boast two individuals ranked #1 in their respective weight continued from page
class in Deuce Hightower and Jack Godbee, and a 3rd place rank as a team. While the MatDawgs came into the season with nine total wrestlers ranked in the top 10, none of which garnering the #1 spot, and a 4th place rank as a team. With this all as a backdrop heading into the Rivalry Dual, TCHS had something to prove.
The Rivalry Dual started in 2022 as a way for both programs to display their entire program and offer the community a glimpse of what is to come for each program. “Vidalia' Coach, Bobby Blount, and I have a great relationship. We developed this Rivalry Dual my first year here to create some community buzz about our programs and it’s growing. This year we had middle school, junior varsity, and youth matches. People are often surprised to hear that this community has such a strong wrestling culture. Bobby and I are committed to building that culture and our Rivalry Dual helps do that,” said TCHS Coach Allen of the Rivalry Dual. The MatDawgs’ depth was too much for the Indians as they ended the evening taking the win in the Rivalry Dual, 48-30. Notable wins for Toombs were pins by 120 lb. Wyatt Bunch, 144 lb. Tyson Brantley, and 285 lb. Brock Nobles.
“We knew it would be tough for us to compete at 165, 175, and 190. We are still working to get our football guys back into the mix, and Vidalia has studs at each of those weight classes. The guys we sent out battled the best they could. Gailan Wilds impressed me with his decision loss to Deuce [Hightower]. It shows he is closer than many people think. Overall, glad we came away with the win, but we have a lot to work on,” said Allen of his team’s performance.
