Carrollton (GA)

Head Coach: Nick White (22nd year overall; 7 years as head coach)

Staff: JC Fuller, Dan Harris, Tucker Rey

Carrollton makes the jump up from 6A and into a 7A that should be the most interesting to watch in Georgia. The Trojans finished 18th in a very competitive 6A in 2022. They return all of their state point-getters from a year ago, but the path in 7A might be tougher than it was a season ago … meaning that this team should be even better than last year’s, but it may (or may not) be reflected in where they end up. State Runner-up (and Fargo U16 Runner-up) Jacob Levy returns and will make a run for a state title up at 215 or heavyweight. State Qualifier Buck Merritt also returns and will be hunting a spot on the podium in 2023. But how high the Trojans climb will come down to the other spots in the lineup.

Darius Sanders, Xavier Powell, Jacob Eastwood, and Joseph Sales are all Seniors looking to make their mark in their final season. Juniors Bennett Cleek, Riley Rayburn as well as sophomores Kam Thornton and George Carden will look to break into the middle of the lineup from 132-157. Keep an eye on Sophomore Wesley Loftin who wrestled at Sectionals a year ago and for incoming freshman Connor Stephens. Levy will lead the way, but it will be up to those around him in helping Carrollton battle through a very good 7A this season.

“I am as excited about this season as any I have been a part of at CHS. We have had a great off season worth of training and pre season lifts have given us a ton of new faces and depth. This years version of the Trojans welcome the opportunity to compete in the largest classification in the state of Georgia. We look forward to expounding upon the “Choose Right” lifestyle that we teach/preach here at CHS. We are relatively young in terms of experience however, we have some guys that have been super successful on the national scene ready to lead and teach. I am also extremely excited about the community coach support we will receive this year. Overall we feel as if we can put ourselves in a position to be successful this season while loading up on youth for the seasons to come.”

— Coach White

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.

Middleburg Girls (FL)

Head Coach: Coll Robertson (1 year as Head Coach)

Staff: Richie Dusinberre, Jamie Harrison

We now have a year under our belts in terms of sanctioning girls wrestling in Florida and the level of interest across the state has never been higher. Middleburg is a perfect example of that growth - just 2 wrestlers in the post-season a year ago and now with a solid lineup that should be ready to make some noise in 2022-23. The Broncos are led by nationally-ranked (and Fargo All American) Cheyenne Cruce. Cruce just missed the top of the podium last year as a freshman and has the top step firmly in her sights this year. She is joined by Senior Gracie Bradshaw who also made the podium a season ago. With those two leading the way … Middleburg has a shot to improve on their 25th place finish in 2022. In fact, if the pieces come together this is a team that could be pushing for a spot in the top 10.

The key to that rise will be the continued development of a group of freshmen. Skyla Fisher has been to Fargo and knows the big stage even though she is just a freshman. Keep an eye on Memphis Moses, Lily Bradshaw, Sara Egesdal, and Toni Silcox … the biggest challenge for Coach Robertson might be finding a way to get them all on the mat since many are bunched between 100-110 lbs. Keep an eye on Middleburg this season.

“Last year we were district runner-ups with only 2 wrestlers. This year we’ll have more depth and more weights filled, so the expectation is to bring home a district title as a team, then qualify all of these ladies for the state tournament. Cheyenne Cruce is coming back from a 4th place finish at state, a 4th place finish in 16U at Fargo, and a bloodround finish in 18U at Fargo. Expect her at the top of the podium this year. Gracie Bradshaw being our lone senior will be wrestling at the right weight class this season, after a certification error and an 8th place finish up two weights last season. She’ll be looking to finish much higher at a more comfortable weight class. The depth we have at the lower three weight classes will provide great competition within the room. These ladies have put in an insane amount of work preparing for this season over at Riot Performance Academy with Jamie Harrison. He’s been a huge help in the development and growth of girls wrestling in North Florida.”

— Coach Robertson

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.

Hough (NC)

Head Coach: Tripp Rogers (12 years)

Staff: Zack Rogers, Mike Higgins, Jason Hefner

Hough finished the 2022 season 7th at the traditional state tournament in 4A. They lose State Placer Darius Ward and State Qualifier Michael Pepe to graduation, but this is a team that remains largely intact and ready to make a run at the title in 2023. State Runners-up Jackson Rowling and Brandt Fajerman return and both should be amongst the favorites to claim an individual title this season. Don’t be surprised to see Rowling make a big jump up in weight after taking 2nd at 106 as a freshman.

The Huskies also return State Qualifiers Tyler Caldwell and Jason Sanders. Both Caldwell and Sanders won matches in Greensboro a year ago and having them get on the podium will be huge for the Huskies in the team race. Ultimately though it might come down to whether returners Will McRee, Sam Frederick, and Bo Schiano are able to take things to the next level and help the Huskies back into the top 5 (maybe the top 3). All three have post-season experience and getting 7 Huskies to Greensboro would be huge.

“The goal as always is to win a State Championship. We will do everything possible to reach that goal”

— Coach Rogers

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.