Madison County (GA)

Madison County lives with the big dogs in Georgia 4A - Jefferson (Champs), North Oconee (2nd), Flowery Branch (3rd) as well as East Hall, Chestatee, and others. The Red Raiders have been in the mix with those teams for the last several years, but enter the 2021-2022 season without their hammer (and State Champ) Josh Kincaid. That means the Red Raiders will be looking to some new faces to step up and lead the way in a very tough region. Casey Lovelace returns after qualifying for the State Tournament a year ago at 152 and should be one of the four to help lead the way.

Dalton Giles, Toby House, and Tristan Poss each finished 4th in the region a year ago (a year in which the GHSA didn’t have sectionals and took the top 3 from each region to the state tournament). I’d expect those four to set the tone for the Red Raiders in 2021-22. Keep an eye on Brodie Hawks, Will Hartlage, and Nate Krickel as well as Jace Jachimiski and Bryer Autry as they will look to make some noise this coming season. The Red Raiders have tough road ahead of them, but will look to continue the climb against the best 4A has to offer.

“Team wise looking for top 4 finish in tough AAAA region 8. Looking to always produce state champs and state placers ”

— Coach Houston

Middleburg (FL)

The Broncos graduated two from the squad in 2021, but return a solid core that looks ready to take the next step in 2022. The squad is led by returning State Qualifier and Senior Riley Girgis. Girgis was a Region Runner-up in 2021 and finished 1-2 at the 2A State Tournament … the goal has to making the podium as he finishes his high school career. Girgis is joined by fellow Senior Aden Thornton. Thornton will look to join Girgis in Kissimmee in March.

The Broncos will rely heavily on a few Juniors, a group of Sophomores, and a few Freshmen in 2021-22. Grady Woodard returns after qualifying for the state tournament a year ago as a freshman and will look to take the next step in 2022. Keep an eye on Dylan Johns, Shane Jourdan, and Thomas Stokes - each had wins at the region tournament and will look to punch their ticket in 2022. Three freshmen - Wyatt Leduc, Jackson Hornback, and Mason Phillips will look to make an impact in their first year.

“We have a solid group of guys returning, and a great group of freshman ready to step into the varsity lineup. The guys have really committed to improving this offseason. The goal this year is to improve on our 3rd place district(traditional) finish from last season, and add some state placers to the board. ”

— Coach Robertson

Summit (TN)

Summit is coming. The Spartans lose Justin and Austin Noll, but return a ton of talent from a team that finished in the top 5 at the 3A traditional state tournament in 2021. They might not have the horses to beat Cleveland, but should be in the pack with Wilson Central, Bradley Central, and others looking to challenge them for the 2A title in 2022. The Spartans return 6 Seniors that competed in the 2021 post-season including State Placer Jackson Masters and State Qualifiers Maddox Reed and Ryan Smith.

Summit has some outstanding Juniors and Sophomores including State Placers Finley Jameson, Luke Justice, and Landon Desselle. Jarvis Little had a lot of success in Fargo this summer and will look to join that group on the podium in 2022. Summit has a team that can make a run at everyone in 2A … will they? Depends on how well Austin Grooters, Jack Hill, Ty Garber, Grayson Miller and others wrestle. Keep an eye on freshman Patrick Brew - he will look to make some noise in 2022.

“This season we return 12 starters, 9 region medalists, 7 state qualifiers, 5 region champs, & 4 state medalists. Over the offseason we focused on freestyle & Greco State, Central Regionals, National Duals, & Fargo. This season we hope to improve off our 3rd place duals finish & 5th place finish at individuals. We have a great balance of upper classman leadership with younger talent. We have a solid schedule to make for a great 2021-22 season! ”

— Coach Miller