Habersham Central’s wrestlers split a tri-match Tuesday in Dawsonville ahead of a big tournament this weekend.
The Raiders knocked off host Dawson County 57-24. Eli Thornton won a 10-3 decision at 138 pounds to start the match strong, followed by a forfeit at 144 by Juan Navaro. Ryan McDonald earned a second-period pin when he was behind to make it 15-0.
The run continued as Jayden Garrison (157 pounds) pinned his opponent in the first round and Landyn Savage did the same at 175 pounds. Dawson could not post an opponent for the Raiders’ Justin Whitney at 165, Anthony Thomas at 190 or Javonte Bowen at heavyweight, putting them down 45-6.
Dawson swept the lower weights until Westin Lakey won a first-period pin at 126.
Perennial state contender Gilmer County took down the Raiders 56-20 in the other match.
Isai Gonzalez earned a pin for the Raiders at 157 pounds, and Whitney took a 6-1 decision win at 165.
Savage got his second pin of the night in 33 seconds, and Zach Chitwood dropped his opponent in the second period to round out the Raiders’ wins for the match.
“We are looking pretty good so far,” Raiders coach Morris Brooks said. “Justin, Landyn and Zach are really crushing people, and a lot of the guys are getting better every day.”
The Raiders will wrestle at the Jackson County Invitational this weekend before hosting North Hall at the Ninth Grade Academy at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.
Brooks said senior star Caleb Blackburn, who has been out with a concussion, could be back Tuesday night to wrestle with the Raiders in the home opener.
– Staff reports