State of the Program ... North Oconee (GA)
North Oconee (GA)
Head Coach: Walker Daniel (entering 10th season)
Staff: Dustin Cordell
North Oconee put up 167 points at the 2021 4A State Tournament - 2nd only to region-rival Jefferson. The Titans lose some significant firepower with the graduation of State Champ Sam Johnson, State Runner-up Gavin Bloom, and State Placer Hayden Prior. But don’t be fooled into thinking this year’s edition of the Titans don’t have a shot at making some noise in 4A. State Champ Beau Branand and State Placer Ashton Hefner both return and both have to be amongst the favorites to claim a title. The Titans also return Dom Lasher and Wyatt Anderson - both won multiple matches in Macon and both will be hunting a spot on the podium in 2022.
The key to the Titans success as a team is the continued development of the others in the room and getting some of the new faces (or returners) to make an impact and punch their ticket in 2022. Keep an eye on Ethan Jarvis, as well as Seniors Afton Anderson, JJ Fanning, and Luke Smith. Aaron Davis, Cole Cano, Louden Schnake, and Mack Brice are a few others that will look to take a place in the lineup and make a difference in 2022.
“Last year, we were loaded with seniors and finished 2nd in the state (program best). We had to battle through some injuries that opened some spots up and gave our younger kids valuable experience. While we lost a lot from last year, we have some tough kids coming back from injuries and some other young wrestlers that are ready to make a name for themselves. We are looking to continue to build a tradition of wrestling at our school and climb that final step of the podium. ”