Loganville (GA)

Head Coach: Josh Sagel (1st season)

Staff: Jason Muehling, Tyler Malmberg, John White

Coach Josh Sagel takes over a Loganville program that put up 70+ points at the 5A State Tournament in 2021. The Red Devils lose State Runner-up Brian Stratford and State Placer Jackson Herman - both put up significant points for the Red Devils a year ago. Still Coach Sagel takes over a program that has several wrestlers that came close to making the podium a year ago and a few others that will look to bounce back from a Covid chaotic season in 2020-21. Nathan Rhodes and Jason Eligwe both won multiple matches in Macon and will make a run for a spot on the podium.

Two Red Devils made the podium two years ago - Micah Cordle and Davis Roesler both finished 4th in 2019 and will be key to pushing Loganville into the team race. Keep an eye on Michael Turner and Cam Brown - both will look to make an impact in 2022.

“After the limited off season we had, the team seems really poised to take off. ”

— Coach Sagel

Putnam County (GA)

Head Coach: Joe Hutsell (entering 3rd season)

Staff: Brad Snowden, Dawn Walker

Putnam had quite a good showing in 2020-2021 in their second year as a program. The War Eagles qualified 12 for the state tournament and the majority of that squad returns for another year. Brayon Farley and Mark Winslette each won multiple matches in Macon and figure to be in the hunt for a spot on the podium this season. Putnam County is a very young squad that features several Juniors and a bunch of Sophomores … so look for them to get better and better as the year goes along.

Keep an eye on Jonquail Coats and Armon Webster - both won a match in Macon and will look to punch their ticket again in 2022. Another wrestler to keep an eye on is Luke Armistead who returns after missing all of last season with an injury. Putnam County may not make a huge mark in 2021-22, but they are building the foundation for success in the future.

“Putnam County will begin their third year as a program. Last year Putnam started 6 Freshman, 4 Sophomores, 1 Junior and 2 Seniors, with 12 qualifying for the State Tournament.

We realize qualifying 12 for the state championship isn’t realistic in a ‘normal’ season, but believe the COVID-19 modifications really helped this young team understand the work required to make it back to “the show” when GHSA returns to the normal post-season gauntlet. ”

— Coach Hutsell

Montgomery County (GA)

Head Coach: Will Adams (entering 5th season)

Staff: Matt Janufka

Montgomery County return most of their point-getters from 2021 including State Placers Brandon Denmark and Jacob Carpenter. Both Denmark and Carpenter won 3 matches in Macon and finished 5th - both are Seniors in 2021-22 and will look to climb higher on the podium this season. The Eagles also return State Qualifiers Dreshun Patterson, NiShawn Wise, Rome Thornton, and Ethan Price. Each won a match in 2021 and will look to make the podium in 2022.

Keep an eye on Rebecca Dominguez, Mason Scott, and Austin Glisson … each returns looking to make their mark on the 21-22 season. Junior Kaleb Waters moved-in from Virginia and “should be an immediate help to our team.” Keep an eye on freshman Owen Moxley as well.

“The Eagles look to have another good season this year. They are returning 7 state qualifiers, 2 of which were state placers. All other qualifiers won matches at the state tournament. The majority of the team is juniors and seniors with lots of experience. They have been working hard during the summer at various camps, and we look to fill the roster.

The expected leaders on the team include Brandon Denmark and Jacob Carpenter which both got 5th at state last year, as well as sophomore qualifiers Rome Thornton and Ethan Price.

”We have steadily improved our numbers and skill set each year. The kids have been working very hard in the offseason and I can’t wait to see how this season turns out.””

— Coach Adams