Scotland (NC)

Head Coach: Thomas Havener (entering 6th season)

Scotland is one of the few teams (it seems) to move down in classification this season - going from 4A to 3A. 3A looks loaded, but having competed in 4A for the last several years, the Scots are familiar with the tough road. Three of their 6 region wrestlers return including 2021 State Qualifier Michael Locklear. Locklear returns for his senior season looking to climb onto the podium. Dalton Locklear and Marcel Martin also return and will look to punch their ticket in 2022. Keep an eye on Nazill McIntyre as well as Isaiah Reyes - both will look to make an impact this coming season.

“Re-establish the Scotland way of wrestling through grit and sacrifice.”

— Coach Havener

Swainsboro (GA)

Head Coach: Michael Singletary (entering 9th season)

Staff: Austin Fultz

Swainsboro returns more than half of their point-getters from the 2021 state tournament and will look to capitalize on the strengths of this core group as they make a run in 2022. Caleb Smith, Zachery Lee, Kam’Ron Tillman, R’Tavien Green, and Trevon Waller each won multiple matches in Macon in 2021 and each will be hunting a spot on the podium in 2022. Jacob Smith and Jonorian Foots each qualified a season ago and will look to join their fellow Tigers on the podium this coming season. One real strength of this team is that they have experience, but are also still young with just Trevon Waller (of the names mentioned above) being a Senior.

The tigers also welcome 4 freshmen into the mix that will look to make an impact this season (and for seasons to come). Keep an eye on Shane Gamiza, Allen Farley, Kasen Radford, and Brian Gregory … if they make an impact this season - Swainsboro should have a number of Tigers on the mats in Macon in February.

“We are returning 7 out of 10 wrestlers that made it to state last season. 6 of those have been ranked preseason top 10. We have high expectations this season to medal those 7 returners.”

— Coach Singletary

Mainland Lady Bucs (FL)

Head Coach: Matt Lawrence (entering 5th season)

Staff: Hope Jallah, Helena Carey, Karl Piedad

Mainland is 7 girls strong and in this inaugural season (FHSAA just voted to approve a Traditional State Tournament) the Lady Bucs have a shot to make some noise. Having numbers is a huge advantage and with just two of those being Seniors - this is a team that could get better as the season progresses. Seniors Abby Couillard and Aniya Dixon should lead the way, but it will be up to everyone if they are going to finish in the top 10 in 2022.

Keep an eye on Juniors Avery Duffy and Jah’Mya Hill as well as Sophomores Trinya Tillman, Cheyenne Wigley, and Alex Suton. I’m not certain of the qualifying process as yet, but getting as many through to the state tournament will be key to any 2022 success.

“We are the largest girls team in the county and are looking to expand on our numbers and success from last year, aiming for top 10 at State.”

— Coach Lawrence