The Dawson County Middle School wrestling team finished in fifth place at the recent state duals at Cass High School.

Winning the state title was Commerce Middle School.

"To finish fifth is a big deal at this level. Dawson County Middle School is holding its own against much bigger schools because we work as a team," said Head Coach Thomy Edwards.

In the semi-finals, Dawson County was defeated by No. 1 seed Cass by a score of 60-21.

"That loss took the wind out of our sails," said assistant coach Chris Doerrer said.

Earlier in the day, the Tigers defeated West Jackson, 66-21.

Pinning their opponents were: Christian Summers, Jake Yother, Ben McGinnis, Mason Askew, Kelton LeBaron, Robbie Rarick, Shawn Thomas and Levi Baggett.

Picking up points were Wyatt Smith and Chandler Wood.

Winning by forfeit were Wyatt Hayes and Ethan Smith.

Rarick had a perfect day. He won all five of his matches.

The Tigers then defeated Banks County, 57-32.

Winning by pin were: McGinnis, Askew, Smith, Rarick, Thomas, Andrew Menoche, Baggett and Jack Cupp.

Earning points in the victory was LeBaron and winning by forfeit was Logan Buytendorp.

In the loss to Cass, LeBaron, Rarick, and Summers pinned their opposition.

Smith earned points with a win.

Edwards' team was narrowly defeated in the next round, 40-39, by West Lawrence Middle School.

Smith, Rarick, Menoche, Baggett, Cupp, and McGinnis each won by way of pin.

Earning points for the team was Summers.

The last match of the day saw Dawson County defeat a very good Dalton team, 55-30.

Pinning their adversary were: Rarick, Baggett, Cupp, Summers, McGinnis, Askew and Smith.

Earning team points were Menoche and Buytendorp.

Joseph Bailey picked up points by way of forfeit.