Coahulla Creek (GA)

Head Coach: Seth Broome (entering 4th year as Head Coach; 2 years prior as an Assistant)

Staff: Ed Reimer (4th year); Noah Smith (3rd year); Daniel Lopez (4th year)

Coahulla Creek finished in the top 20 at the traditional state tournament a season ago … and as Coach Broome notes in his quote below … they lost a mighty Senior class to graduation. That means the Colts will need some new faces to step up in 22-23. But before we get to them it is important to note that the Colts aren’t starting from scratch. While they lose State Qualifiers Jesus Sanchez and Austin Adams to graduation, they actually return the bulk of their point-getters in returning State Runner-up Adonnis Sanchez and State Qualifier Eion Keener. Sanchez, who is just a Junior, should be in the hunt for the top step in Macon anywhere from 106-120. Keener qualified at 195 in 2022 and will be counted on to lead the way up top.

The key for the Colts being in the hunt for a top 10 finish in 2023 is the development of Baily Smithers, Brody Sherrill, Bryson Bartley, and Draven Green as well as the emergence of a new crop of hammers. Smithers, Sherrill, Bartley, and Green each have post-season experience and will be looked upon to step in and make some noise in 22-23. Keep an eye on Jerrick Campbell, Noe Sandoval, Pablo Guerrero, and Carlos Guerrero … each are Seniors with the opportunity make an impact this season. Sean Bartley, Micah Smith, Cain Guffey, and Sammeer Shukri as well as transfer Levi Lowery could make an impact as well. Finally, the Creek have a solid group of freshmen that could help immediately, but most certainly will help lay the foundation for future success. Watch for Danny Liddy, Sean Baily, Greg Christie, Chevy Joyce, and Jaxon Lowery.

“We lost one of our largest Senior classes this past season, graduating 7 starters. However, we have the largest freshman group coming in this season that we have ever had, and fully expect several of those kids to step in and be competitive from the start. We have a solid core, returning 1 state finalist, 2 state qualifiers, and 4 sectional qualifiers. Between our upperclassmen who will finally have an opportunity to make the lineup, and our incoming freshman, we expect to fill all of our holes, and be very competitive. With the new region alignments, our expectation is to compete for a Region title, and push for a top 5 finish at State Duals and Traditional.”

— Coach Broome

NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.

Hardaway (GA)

Head Coach: Michael Smith

Staff: Lee Simpson

Tough to build around just one athlete, but for Hardaway - at least it is returning State Runner-up Montrease Tucker. Montrease finished 2nd a year ago at 235 and should be in the hunt for a state title in her sophomore season. If Coach Smith and Coach Simpson can continue to recruit wrestlers of the caliber of Tucker - the future could be bright.

“Montrease is the only returning female wrestler from last year. She finished a strong Freshman year with a 2nd place finish at the State tournament. Her loss in the finals was only her 2nd loss of the Freshman season.”

— Coach Smith

NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.

Hillcrest (SC)

Head Coach: Anthony Esposito (2 years)

Staff: Austin Weathers

Last season was a tale of missed opportunities. The Rams lost in the 5A Dual final to Ashley Ridge by a point and then took 2nd to that same Ashley Ridge squad by 5.5 at the traditional state tournament. Both titles were within the sights of a Senior led group of hammers. Hillcrest will look to some new faces in 2022-23 to step up and replace the outgoing crop of seniors that enjoyed much success over the last four years. Seven of the Rams eight state qualifiers and more than 100 points graduated with Thomas Snipes, Jackson Harms, Jacoreyn Byrd, and others.

2022 State Runner-up Hunter Jagodzinski returns and will be counted on to lead the way in 22-23. Austin Kilgore, Kaden McDonald, and Parker Cheely each wrestled in the Upperstate Tournament a season ago and each will be counted on to join Jagodzinski in making a run for the podium this season. Keep an eye on Coby Cortese, Asahi Lomax, Jace Mann, and Donavan Briggs as they will look to make an impact this season as well. The Rams have looked to Snipes, Harms, etc. for years … now it is time for the next group to step up and make their mark.

“Over the past few years we have created a buzz in the school where a lot of kids want to wrestle or come to matches. We’ve given out enough gear that student’s who don’t wrestle still support us and our brand. We expect to have well attended duals and we expect a lot of growth from our young guys. A few guys look to be back from injuries at the right time, therefore we are excited for their progress. We think we can compete. Our young guys are eager. Should be fun.”

— Coach Esposito

NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.