McEachern (GA)

Head Coach: Corey Newsome (entering 6th season)

Staff: Ben Hamburg, Ryan Furr, Tyler McCance, Brandon Westerman, Kris James, Torrey Howard, Vic Garrett, Jarrod Britt

McEachern qualified 13 in 2021 and are eligible to return 11 of those wrestlers … meaning the Indians will have a wealth of experience as we enter the 2021-2022 season. One loss that is probably felt the most is the graduation of Ese Dubre - multiple time State Placer that is now playing football at the next level. Still this is a squad that has all of the pieces to make some noise in 7A. McEachern was 19th at the traditional tournament in 21 (and they lose their hammer), but they still return 10 and the majority of them won a match in Macon in 2021.

Shamani Price, Shamaad Price, and Ty’Jon Cash should lead the way and each will be hunting for a spot on the podium. They key to McEachern climbing into the top 15 (and perhaps the top 10) is the continued development Jalyn Winston, Kerry Aboko, Devonte Morgan, Rickey Motley, Ty Cox, Kristian Coffey, and Steron Parke. Two names to keep an eye on are Ovie Dubre and freshman Tre Butler. Butler has spent the summer wrestling and will be tough to handle up at 220.

“Our team is excited about the upcoming season with everyone returning from last year except for 2 guys. A big loss with Ese Dubre graduating, but in coming freshman Tre Butler should fit in really well for us at that weight. Ese’s younger brother Ovie Dubre will make a name for himself this year at 285.”

— Coach Newsome

Chattooga (GA)

Head Coach: Brian Beasley (entering 29th season)

Staff: Andy Stivers

Just two years removed from their run to a title - Chattooga Coach Brian Beasley has a new crop of hammers ready to do it again. Two years ago Chattooga graduated a large number of State Placers … State Runner-up Rowan Burdick (who was a sophomore on that squad) returns for his final season looking to claim an individual title and help develop this next wave that begins their quest. Burdick is joined by State Qualifiers Gene Keith and Matthew Gray as well as Devon Heroch and a ton of freshman.

Burdick, Heroch, and company will remain the core, but it will be up to the new group of freshmen if the team is going to excel in 2022. Regardless of whether the team sees success in 2022 or not - the future looks bright for Chattooga. Keep an eye out for these freshmen … Cole Barfield, Gavin Carlton, Landon Carlton, Zayden Cook, and others … they will look to make some noise this season and for many more to come.

“Predominantly a freshman team this year. Rowan Burdick is the only returning placer (2nd @160) with three other state qualifiers returning (Matthew Gray & Gene Keith-2021/Devon Heroch-2019). Looking forward to an outstanding young group with strong senior leadership. ”

— Coach Beasley

Cherokee (GA)

Head Coach: Nathan Oertley (entering 2nd season)

Staff: Darryl Jones, Lee Hands, Nick Watson, Mark Knaggs, Justin Montgomery

Cherokee features one of the best 120-126’s in the Southeast in multiple time State Champ Jacob Silka. Silka enters his final season and has to be the favorite to claim a 3rd state title. Cherokee, as a team, lost several hammers to graduation including State Runner-up Kade Johnson and will need to look to some new faces to step up if they are going to battle into the top 15 again in 7A. Cherokee will look to Devin Mays as well as State Qualifiers Braden Iovino and Javon Hobson to help lead the new wave. Keep an eye on Scott Adams and the return of Justus Reis - both could be important in 21-22.

On the girls side - Cherokee features Zoe Parris. Parris, a rising Junior, was 7-1 at the Girls State Tournament last year and finished 3rd at 142 lbs. She should be amongst the favorites to claim a title in 2022.

“Cherokee graduated 7 starters last year, but looking to rebuild and look strong.”

— Coach Oertley