MatDawgs Shine Against GA’s Best

Courtesy of TCHS

The Toombs County High School wrestling team continues to prove they are a force to be reckoned with in Georgia wrestling, taking on some of the state’s toughest competition in recent events.

Social Circle Scramble

The Friday before Thanksgiving, the MatDawgs traveled north to face off against Social Circle, one of the top wrestling programs in Georgia. Ranked as the 3rd best team in the state (all classifications) by Georgia Grappler and 2nd by Pony Boy Wrestling, Social Circle presented a formidable challenge. The MatDawgs brought 16 wrestlers to test their skills and walked away with six 1st place and six 2nd place finishes in the scramble format.

This high-level competition gave the MatDawgs invaluable experience, particularly as they prepare for the postseason. Coach Todd Allen continued from page

shared his enthusiasm after the event, “This trip was exactly what we wanted it to be. We saw that Social Circle isn’t the giant many believe, and if they are, then we’re giant slayers! Our guys competed hard, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Grappler Invitational

Over the holiday break, the MatDawgs headed to Carrollton, GA, for the prestigious Grappler Invitational, hosted by Georgia Grappler. This tournament brought together some of the topranked teams in the state and included competitors from Alabama and Tennessee. With six of Georgia’s top 25 teams in attendance and over 80 state qualifiers competing, the stakes were high.

The MatDawgs delivered an impressive performance, finishing 2nd overall, just 10.5 points behind the powerhouse Central Carroll. The team boasted eight top-4 individual finishers, including one champion and three runners- up. Coach Allen was thrilled with his team’s effort, “I don’t think anyone at this tournament had us on their radar as a contender—except us. Our guys performed well, and we’re only going to get better. We’re still adjusting weights and waiting for our football players to join us. The best is yet to come.”

Individual Results

Here’s how the Mat-Dawgs finished at the Grappler Invitational. At 106lbs. Lukas Young (2-1) – 2nd, at 113lbs. Jericho Latoy (2-2) – DNP, at 120lbs. Walker Bunch (22) – 4th, at 126lbs. Jahir Lopez (2-2) – DNP, at 132lbs. Wyatt Bunch (4-1) – 3rd, at 138lbs. Dylan Vetter (3-0) – 1st, at 144lbs. Bruce Agzigian (4-2) – 4th, at 150lbs. Slade Landrum (4-2) – 4th, at 157lbs. Tyson Brantley (21) – 2nd, at 165lbs. Sebastian Crow (0-2) – DNP, at 175lbs. Lucas Coley (2-1) – 2nd, at 190lbs. Leeson Allen (2-2) – DNP, and at 215lbs. Jesus Lucas (0-2) – DNP The MatDawgs will be back in action after Thanksgiving, on Wednesday, December 4, for the Annual Rivalry Dual against Vidalia. This event, hosted at Brewton-Parker College, begins at 4:30 p.m. and will feature youth, middle school, junior varsity, and high school matches. The evening will conclude with a college dual between Brewton-Parker and Truett-McConnell University, where former MatDawg Gailan Wilds will compete for the Barons in the 165 lb. weight class