The Dawson County wrestling team opened the season last Friday, Nov. 20 with a tri-match against Gilmer County and Southeast Whitfield in Ellijay. The match was a tough way to open the season, as the Tigers dropped a 68-12 decision to Gilmer and a 46-36 loss to Southeast Whitfield, from 6-AAA.

The Bobcats of Gilmer County may have one of the strongest teams in AAA this season. Coach Sam Snider and his Bobcat team captured the 2008 State Traditional Championship. They are expected to contend for a state title this season also.

Dawson County Coach Arron Haynes’ team did very well, despite dropping a 68-12 decision to the Bobcats. The Tigers had three freshmen in the starting lineup against a very experienced Gilmer squad.

Dawson picked up its 12 points with two pins.

Eian Perry (140) pinned Santos Sanchez to pick up the first points of the season for Dawson County.

Also picking up a win for Dawson was Preston Adams (145) pinning Samuel Rogers at the 3:40 mark.

The match was much closer against Southeast Whitfield. Winning by pin and picking up six points were: James Evans (112) at 3:16, David Wood (125) at 3:42, Andrew Hinton (135) at 2:53, Preston Adams (145) at 1:04, Anthony Sleigh (189) in just 31 seconds and Zach Paz in only 29 seconds.

Rounding out the roster for Haynes’ group are: Seniors, Katie Evans, manager, Michael Jenkins (160), Crystal Pittman (130), Lesleigh Romesburg, manager; Juniors, Justin Bigaz (189), Timothy Blythe (119), Jaziel Bustamante (HWT), Amberly Hedden, manager, Kyle Maciolek (171), John Markley (152), Casey McGinnis (125), Dillon Waltzer (152); Sophomores,  Travis Dawson (140), Josh Gee (171), Charlie Short (130), JT Stokes (171), Brock Sutton (160); Freshmen, Cory Jenkins (103), Casey Johnson, manager, Paige Reece, manager, Brianna Short, manager, Anthony Underwood (103), Taylor Willowby, manager.

The Tigers will be back in action on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at Holy Innocence.

The junior varsity team will also wrestle in this match, beginning at 5 p.m.