Jefferson High School went into the Area 8-AA Duals tournament as the No. 1-seed on Monday at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville.

The team disappointed no one as it captured the Area title and a place in the State Duals this weekend in Macon.

The Dragons will be looking for their ninth straight state duals titles under Head Coach Doug Thurmond.

Dawson County came into the tournament with a No. 4-seed and finished fourth. The Tigers, under Head Coach Arron Haynes received a forfeit in the first round over Fannin County High School, who was unable to attend due to weather conditions in Blue Ridge.

Haynes’ team then squared off with Jefferson and lost, but showed some fight as two wrestlers won by way of a pin.

In the third round Dawson County was matched up with Riverside Military Academy.

The Tigers ran away with the match, winning 61-18.

Winning by pin were James Evans, David Wood, Eian Perry, Preston Adams, John Markley, JT Stokes and Jaziel Bustamante.

Travis Dawson also won after picking up a major decision.

Dawson’s fourth round opponent was No. 2-seed North Oconee. It was a nip and tuck match with the Titans. The win came down to the last match. If Dawson got a major decision or a pin the Tigers would win the match.

Unfortunately, fate was not on the side of Haynes’ group and despite a valiant effort the Tigers lost to North Oconee, 45-36.

Winning by way of pin against North Oconee was Anthony Underwood. Getting forfeits were Cory Jenkins, Travis Dawson, Eian Perry and Josh Gee.

With the loss to North Oconee, Dawson picked up a respectable fourth place finish.

The tournament site was up in the air due to weather.

Originally scheduled for this past Saturday, Fannin County High School  was the original host site, but the school was unable to accommodate the tournament due to inclement weather.

Dawson County High School was the “back-up” school, but it was also not allowed to host the tournament since the school system was closed on Monday. At the last minute, Riverside Military Academy picked up the Area Duals and the tournament started at 3 p.m. Monday.

Banks County will also be heading to Macon with a win over third place finisher North Oconee. The Leopards lost to Jefferson in the championship, but still secured a spot in the state meet.

The double elimination state tournament will begin this Friday with the champion in all classes being named on Saturday.