State of the Program ... Pepperell (GA)
Pepperell (GA)
Head Coach: Austin Sanders (2nd year)
Staff: Matthew Sanders, Anthony Dillard, Drew Lawrence, Austin Fednander
Pepperell finished 8th at the 2A traditional state tournament a year ago and move down to 1A in 2022-23. The Dragons are led by returning State Runners-up Matthew Waddell (2nd at 170) and Kolten Edge (2nd at 132) as well as State Placer Cory Moten (6th at 120). The key for the Dragons will be the continued development of rest of the squad including State Qualifiers Eric Jensen (152), Parker Glenn (195), and Jackson Lawrence (145). Don’t be surprised to see Waddell fit into the lineup at either 175 or 190 - wherever the Dragons need him. Edge and Moten should lockdown two of the weights from 126-144 with some potential newcomers filling in the spots around them.
Keep an eye on returners Manolo Delon (165 or 175), Avery Fielder (120), and Cody Blackwell (215) … if they can get those three to produce with Edge, Waddell, Moten, and the other returning State Qualifiers, the Dragons could be in the hunt in 1A. Watch for Aiden Deleon, Hayden Wheat, Keljin Holmes, and Bryan Rodriguez to make an impact this season as well.
“We have very high expectations for the season. Last season was about changing the culture at Pepperell and I think we accomplished that. This year is about getting back to work and reaching our goals through sweat and hard work. We have the fire power in our lineup to compete with anyone, we just have to stay focused and earn it each and every day.”
NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.