After a solid first day at the 2019 GHSA State Wrestling Championships in Macon, it’s the usual suspects reeking havoc on opposing teams. Commerce (1A) and Jefferson (3A), both powerhouses and annual state championship programs, rolled into Friday’s Semifinals action.

COMMERCE

The Tigers received the first round bye in the 1A field of 12. In the Quarterfinal action, Mount Zion was the opponent, although Commerce had almost no trouble taking them down with a 72-6 score.

Commerce seeks a sixth consecutive state title in team duals if and when they win on Saturday. Friday’s opponent in the Semifinals is Turner County, who edged Mount Pisgah 41-30 in the Quarterfinals. Should Commerce beat Turner, it would take on the winner of Wesleyan/Trion for the state title.

JEFFERSON

The Dragons have fared just fine in the 3A field of 12. After receiving a first round bye, Jefferson took on Central Macon on Thursday in the Quarterfinals, winning easily 72-6. That pits the Dragons against Sonoraville on Friday in Semifinal action. Sonoraville beat Lumpkin County 52-15 in the Quarterfinals.

The Dragons, with a win Friday, would advance to the title match against the North Hall/Jackson County winner. North Hall is heavily favored in the matchup against Jackson, and a Jefferson/North Hall matchup for the finals would put the #1 and #2 teams against each other for the showdown.

LUMPKIN COUNTY

The Indians’ run at a state title fell just short on Thursday after two rounds in the 3A Tournament. Lumpkin entered as the #11-ranked team out of the 12-team field, and immediately upset #6 Pierce County in the opener, 39-31.

The Indians then took on #3 Sonoraville, but fell 52-15 in the Quarterfinals round. While out of the running for a title, Lumpkin can still fight for a top four spot, and take on #5 Pike County on Friday in the consolation bracket.

HABERSHAM CENTRAL

The Habersham Central Raiders fell in the first match of the 6A State Duals Tournament. The Raiders took on Pope, and lost 51-15 in Thursday’s action. The 6A field consists of 16 teams.

Habersham continues its run for a top four spot on Friday by taking on Brunswick.

Feature Photo by Commerce Wrestling