State of the Program - Pepperell (GA)
Coaching Staff:
Austin Sanders (2 years)
Matt Sanders
Drew Lawrence
Anthony Dillard
2023 Recap:
Finished 5th at the 1A Traditional State Tournament
Individuals:
Kolton Edge - 3rd at 138
Johnathan Hampton - SQ at 120
Cory Moten - SQ at 126
Manolo Deleon - SQ at 165
Graduated:
Matthew Waddell - State Champion at 175
Jackson Lawrence - 6th at 157
2023-2024
Returners (Grade):
106 Cody Duck (12)
113-120 Thaxton Peace (9)
120-126 Jonathan Hampton (10)
126-132 Cory Moten(12)
138-144 Gavan Whatley (12)
138-144 Kolton Edge (12)
144-150 Avery Fielder (12)
144-150 Jesse Earwood (9)
157 Tripp Hampton (12)
165-175 Chase Lawley (11)
165-175 Alex Feregrino (11)
175 Manolo Deleon (11)
190-215 Eric Jensen (12)
215-285 Gavin Burnett (10)
215-285 Hayden Wheat (10)
It is always tough to lose a hammer like Matthew Waddell … who is now at Hofstra. It is also tough to lose the leadership provided by Jackson Lawrence, but I agree with Coach Sanders’ quote above. This might be a better team than the team that finished 5th at the 1A traditional state tournament in 2023. Pepperell features four returning State Qualifiers including State Placer Kolton Edge (who was 3rd last year). But overall the depth is better with a nice mix of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Don’t get me wrong - losing Waddell and Lawrence are huge and Edge and company will need to make up the difference, but keep an eye on Cody Duck, Gavan Whatley, Hayden Wheat, Tripp Hamilton, and Chase Lawley … each has post-season experience and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see as many as 9 or 10 Dragons on the mat in Macon at the end of the season. Keep an eye on seniors Eric Jensen (190-215) and Avery Fielder (144-150) - both will look to make some noise in 2024 as well. Freshman Thaxton Peace, Jesse Earwood, and Kamden Kilgo will be called on to play an important role as well. - SEWrestle