Feb. 21st
The 2004 Tigers won 8 of 9 matches in the quarterfinal round to take an early lead over Morgan County and never looked back on it's way to the 2004 State Title. Paced by the most dominating class in school history the Tigers went on to put 6 Sr's in the finals and came away with 2 champs and scored 188 points in winning. In that huge qtr final round Sr. 125 Chris Dearwint picked up win 100 for his career.
After taking a slim lead into Saturdays semi round the Tigers won 6 of 8 and had a 68 point lead. But Morgan County would storm back in the consos to make it a tight team race. Morgan had 3 in the finals but needed all 3 to get wins and needed Dawson to lose all 6 of its finals.
Things didn't start off so well for Dawson in the finals. Sr 145 Zach Martin lost a hard fought decision to defending state champ Candler Woods from Union Grove. Then Sr. Noel Poisson lost a 10-9 match to Morgan County S.J. Worrell at 152. The Dawson faithful started to get nervous. But when Irwin County 189 Micheal Dill pinned Morgan's Robert Glosson the Tiger crowd went nuts as the team race was over. Still Dawson could not get on the board as Sr. 275 Donald Roberts lost a heartbreaking 2ot match to Ricky Wilson of Toombs County.
The Tigers were 0-3 in the finals when Sr. 112 Adam Kimbrell stepped on the mat. Kimbrell entered the match 60-0 and had already defeated Cook County's Jonathon Fulgham earlier in the year. But 30 seconds into the match Fulgham was winning 2-0. After a late reversal by Kimbrell the 1st period ended in a 2-2 tie. But Kimbrell quickly went to work in the second period scoring 3 takedowns to take a 8-5 lead into the 3rd period. Kimbrell then scored another takedown and released Fulgham to make it 10-6. Later Adam got another takedown to make the lead 12-6. Fulgham would reverse Kimbrell late in the match to make it 12-8 but that all it would take as Dawson had its first State Champ since 1998.
Up next was Sr. 119 Thomas Kimbrell. His opponent was Jose Medrano from Chattooga. Medrano defeated Thomas a week earleir at the area finals. Kimbrell went on the attack from the whistle. Getting in deep on a 4 or 5 shots but was unable to finish on the strong Medrano who was warned for stalling as the period came to an end.. Choosing bottom in the 2nd Kimbrell was up on his feet over and over but couldn't get an escape. After failing to bring Kimbrell back to the mat Medrano was hit for a stall call and Kimbrell took the lead 1-0. After a restart with 15 seconds to go Kimbrell finally got an escape to make the score 2-0 going into the 3rd. This time Medrano chooses bottom. Kimbrell was able to ride Medrano until the 1 minute mark when he was warned for stalling. Kimbrell then cut his opponent to make the score 2-1. With both wrestlers on the attack Kimbrell got in deep on a double leg and finished to make the score 4-1.Medrano got an escape to make it 4-2 and with 10 seconds left Kimbrell was hit for stalling to end the match 4-3.
The finals ended on a down note for Dawson when Sr. 140 Chris Lower was beat 16-0 by Stephen Griner of Cook Co.
Earlier in the wrestlebacks Dawson scored just enough points to hold off that Morgan Co. rally. After losing in the semi finals both Sr. 125 Chris Dearwint and Jr.189 Andy Myers swallowed their pride and picked up huge wins in the conso semis. Chris D. then went on to place 3rd beating Luke Baker of Armuchee 5-2. Dearwint had lost 4 straight to the tough Baker. But no win was more important that Myers conso semi win. After having his 39 match wins streak broken in the semis Myers came back with a win over Calhoun's Jarrod Bunch.. These points as it turned out would be the winning points for the Tigers.
Also picking up wins wins for the Tigers were Sr. 160 Beau Corkill who came 1 round away from placing and Matt Dearwint Jr. 135. Matt D picked a win in the 1st round of the conso's.
Maybe the most underrated wins for the Tigers were those won by Jr. 171 JB Brock. Brock has been wrestling with a broken wrist all year. In a 1st round win ,over Lindsey of Morgan, Brock was head butted and got a HUGE eye. After holding on for the win Brock refused to go to the hospital and decided, against better judgement ,to keep wrestling for his team. Knowing that he wasn't going to win again he fired up his teammates by stepping on the mat in the Qtr finals and almost got a win. This time in a loss Brock had his braces ripped off. Still Brock refused to quit. After picking up a win in the conso rounds he was finally knocked out of the tourny 1 round away from placing.
Class AA results
1. 189 DAWSON CO.
2. 177 MORGON CO.
3. 139 UNION GROVE
4. 131.5 COOK CO.
5. 87 ROCKMART
6. 72.5 TOOMBS CO.
7. 72 CALHOUN
8. 61.5 LUMPKIN CO.
9. 56.5 ARMUCHEE
10. 54 WESLEYAN
11. 51 DADE CO.
12. 49 IRWIN CO.
13. 48 APALACHEE
14. 44 CHATTOOGA
15. 43.5 BERRIEN
WEIGHT: 103
1ST: WADDELL, ROCKMART
2ND: SIMONS, DADE CO.
3RD: BOFINGER, MORGON CO.
4TH: MCDONALD, UNION GROVE
5TH: GILLESPIE, DECATUR
6TH: BALL, WESLEYAN
WEIGHT: 112
1ST: KIMBRELL, DAWSON CO.
2ND: FULGHAM, COOK CO.
3RD: TORRES, TOOMBS CO.
4TH: CISCO, CHARLTON CO.
5TH: PATTERSON, GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN
6TH: HEAD, LUMPKIN CO.
WEIGHT: 119
1ST: KIMBRELL, DAWSON CO.
2ND: MEDRANO, CHATTOOGA
3RD: BENTON, TOOMBS CO.
4TH: VAUGHTERS, MORGON CO.
5TH: CAPERTON, HOLY INNOCENTS
6TH: LOPEZ, COOK CO.
WEIGHT: 125
1ST: CAMERON, DADE CO.
2ND: CHILDS, COOK CO.
3RD: DEARWENT, DAWSON CO.
4TH: BAKER, ARMUCHEE
5TH: WORTHINGTON, ADAIRSVILLE
6TH: BENZ, BLESSED TRINITY
WEIGHT: 130
1ST: HOLMES, THE WALKER SCHOOL
2ND: STOCKS, CALHOUN
3RD: WRIGHT, ARMUCHEE
4TH: SIMMONS, MORGON CO.
5TH: MILLER, ROCKMART
6TH: BATEH, HOLY INNOCENTS
WEIGHT: 135
1ST: HARRIS, UNION GROVE
2ND: BALL, WESLEYAN
3RD: LINDSEY, ROCKMART
4TH: BATEH, HOLY INNOCENTS
5TH: HUFSTEDLER, DARLINGTON
6TH: ALMOND, CHATTOOGA
WEIGHT: 140
1ST: GRINER, COOK CO. (L/W OW)
2ND: LOWER, DAWSON CO.
3RD: BEARDEN, CALHOUN
4TH: PETERS, MORGON CO.
5TH: COKER, TURNER CO.
6TH: YOW, PACE ACADEMY ( INJURED DURING SEMIS OUT OF TOURNEMENT)
WEIGHT: 145
1ST: WOODS, UNION GROVE
2ND: MARTIN, DAWSON CO.
3RD: NICHOLS, BERRIEN
4TH: CANNON, CALLAWAY
5TH: WATSON, CHATTOOGA
6TH: DOUGLAS, WESLEYAN
WEIGHT: 152
1ST: WORELL, MORGON CO.
2ND: POISSON, DAWSON CO.
3RD: TURNER, VIDALIA
4TH: MATHIS, BERRIEN
5TH: BROWN, MITCHELL BAKER
6TH: BURGER, COOSA
WEIGHT: 160
1ST: DURHAM, APALACHEE
2ND: EDMONDSON, COOK CO.
3RD: CARTER, UNION GROVE
4TH: ISBELL, THE WALKER SCHOOL
5TH: MAYNARD, MORGON CO.
6TH: WILKERSON, TURNER CO.
WEIGHT: 171
1ST: McCALL, COOK CO. (HVY. WGHT. OW)
2ND: GHOBADPOOR, LUMPKIN CO.
3RD: SUNDEEN, UNION GROVE
4TH: MARVIN, ARMUCHEE
5TH: SOTO, OGLETHORPE
6TH: WATSON, WESLEYAN
WEIGHT: 189
1ST: DILL, IRWIN CO.
2ND: GLOSSON, MORGON CO.
3RD: GORBATKIN, DECATUR
4TH: MYERS, DAWSON CO.
5TH: McCLURE, LUMPKIN CO.
6TH: BUNCH, CALHOUN
WEIGHT: 215
1ST: SIDWELL, MORGON CO.
2ND: WILKERSON, UNION GROVE
3RD: DUKES, IRWIN CO.
4TH: RUMPH, MACON CO.
5TH: MCLEAN, LUMPKIN CO.
6TH: DEEMS, ROCKMART
WEIGHT: 275
1ST: WILSON, TOOMBS CO.
2ND: ROBERTS, DAWSON CO.
3RD: CRAIG, APALACHEE
4TH: SIMMONS, MORGON CO.
5TH: DAVIS, MITCHELL BAKER
6TH: WHITE, AMERICUS
Feb. 14th
The Tiger wrestling team headed into the area championships worried. Not sure if they would be able to qualify enough wrestlers to win next weeks State Championships. By the time they left Calhoun the Tigers were worried no more. Putting 7 in the finals was about what Dawson expected. But putting 5 in the conso finals was very unexpected. In the conso semis the brothers Dearwint had their hands full. Starting out was Chris at 125 taking on Calhoun's Andrew Purser. Purser beat Chris the last time out but Chris got on him early and never let up for the 6-4 win. Brother Matt 135 was down 11-0 to Calhoun's TJ Allen before stunning the crowd with a 3rd period pin. Next up was Sr 160 Beau Corkill who got a quick pin and that was follwed up by 2 first period pins from Jr 171 JB Brock and Soph Lance walls 215. By this time the Tigers had the team title wrapped up and were looking ahead to next weeks State Championships.
State Qualifiers: 112 Adam Kimbrell 1st, 119 Thomas Kimbrell 2nd, 125 Chris Dearwint 3rd, 135 Matt Dearwint 3rd, 140 Chris Lower 2nd, 145 Zach Martin 1st, 152 Noel Poisson 1st, 160 Beau Corkill 3rd, 171 JB Brock 3rd, 189 Andy Myers 1st, 215 Lance Walls 3rd, 275 Donald Roberts 1st.
Feb. 7th
The Tiger wrestlers defended their State Dual title Saturday night with a 42-26 win over #3 Union Grove. Trailing 26-25 after giving up a forfeit at 103 the Tiger dominated the final 3 matches. Dawson took the lead for good at 112 when Sr. Adam Kimbrell got a pin and all the Tigers needed was for his twin Thomas to get a win at 119. Big Kimbrell didn't disappoint scoring a 18-3 technical fall sending the Tiger faithful into a frenzy. Sr. 125 Chris D hammered home a pin to make the final 42-26.
The finals were almost anti climactic compared to the semi finals. In what most coaches were calling the match of the year in AA Dawson edged #2 Morgan County 35-30 The dual was the last of the night as the Class A and AAA semis had already ended leaving a huge crowd around the AA mat. The dual started at 130 and by the time 2x state champ Dusty Sidwell 215 of Morgan got finished with Dawson Soph Lance Walls the Tigers were trailing 24-15. Knowing that we were giving up a forfeit at 103 the Tigers needed to run the table to get the win. But there was no need for panic as 4 of the top 10 win leaders in Tiger history waited on deck. Starting the comeback was Sr. 275 Donald Roberts. Roberts pulled the Tigers within 2 with a 1st period pin. After the forfeit at 103 it was 22-30. Next up Dawson career win leader Sr. 112 Adam Kimbrell. Kimbrell used a 1st period pin to make the score 28-30 Dawson got it's first lead of the nightat 32-30 when 119 Thomas Kimbrell scored a 16-4 major decision. This set the stage for the most dramatic win in Tiger history. Stepping up to the mat Sr 125 Chris Dearwint had a calmness about him. 45 seconds into the match Chris D caught Morgan's Trey Bruce out of position and put him on his back taking a 5-0 lead. The Dawson crowd came to its feet again in the second period as Dearwint turned Bruce 2 more times on his way to a 16-3 victory.
Earlier in the day the Tigers used a few of it's back ups to beat Apalachee 42-24. Most of the Tiger starters looked sluggish except for Sr 152 Noel Poisson. Poisson came out and blasted defending state champ Josh Sheppard 6-4..
January 31st
The Tiger wrestling team captured the 2004 Area 4 Dual title in dramatic fashion Saturday in Summerville. After falling behind 23-6 the Tigers won 6 of the next 7 to win 32-29 in a very hostile territory.
The match started with 4 straight loses. Sr. Chris Dearwint 125 lost a close decision. After a team point was taken away from the Dawson coaches Calhoun had a 3 to -1 lead. Sr. Robert Bolz 130 gave up a technical fall and Soph. Matt Dearwint 135 lost a decison to make the score 11 to -1. Then the Tigers got a shock. In what should be a prelude to the state finals Sr. Chris Lower gave up a fall at 140 and Calhoun now lead 17 to -1. However the Sr. leadership would not allow the Tigers to worry. Sr. Zach Martin 145 finally got Dawson on the score board with a major decision and Sr. Noel Poisson got another win to pull the Tigers within 17-6. But just as the Dawson faithful started to come alive Calhoun picked up a questionable pin at 160. After Sr. Beau Corkill appeared to pin his opponent the refs stopped the match with the Calhoun wrestler on his back. A few minutes later with Corkill winning by 2 and time running out he was thrown to his back and pinned stunning the Tiger fans and setting off the Calhoun fans. This however would be the last time they had something to cheer about. Jr. JB Brock 171 scored a win and Jr Andy Myers picked up another win and the score was now 23-12. With the 3 season win leaders still to come the Tiger faithful were now louder than ever. And they would not disappoint. Sr Donlad Roberts 275 picked up a pin and the score was now 23-22. Calhoun picked a FF at 103 to extend its lead to 29-22. Sr Adam Kimbrell 112 then stepped on the mat and did what he's done all year. Dominate his opponent. Picking a pin to bring the Tigers to within 1. With the match on the line Dawson co capitan Thomas Kimbrell 119 picked up one of the biggest wins in school history ending Calhoun's upset bid 32-29.
To make it to the finals Dawson won its pool on Friday defeating Calhoun, Lumpkin and Adairsville. In Saturdays round robin the Tigers beat Model, Armuchee, Dade Co and Rockmart to set the rematch with Calhoun..
Against Adairsville on Friday Sr. Zach Martin picked up win #100. He is the 4th Tiger this year to reach 100 wins for a career. Not far behind are the Chris' Lower and Dearwint. followed by Sr Noel Poisson All should reach the milestone in the next 2 weeks..
January 23rd
The Tigers got a huge scare from pesky Flowery Branch on Sr. night Friday. Trailing 33-31 with 2 matches left Dawson Co got back to back pins from Jr. Andy Myers 189 and Soph. Lance Walls 215 to seal the victory 43-33.
Earlier in the night Dawson beat Fannin Co. 49-6. The Tigers improved to 24-5-1 on the season.
Next up is the area duals. On the 1st day of the duals the Tigers will face the much hated Lumpkin Co Indians at their place. Calhoun and Adairsville will also be there. The top 2 teams from Friday and Saturdays competition will advance to the State Duals on Feb. 6th and 7th in Macon
January 20th
The Tigers win 3 at a Quad meet toady at Gilmer Co. the quad started off with a huge win over area opponent Armuchee #10 AA 54-22. In the win Sr Thomas Kimbrell 119 picked up career win #100. Classmates Donald Robert 275 and twin brother Adam 112 past the mark earlier in the year. Against Pickens we elected to use some of the younger wrestlers in a 45-33 win. Allowing some of the starters to rest for the big dual with Gilmer Co. #7 AAA paid off with a huge 49-27 win.
January 17th
A depleted Dawson squad finished 7th at the Chattahoochee Invitational Saturday. In what is considered the toughest tournament in the state the Tigers scored 95.5 points. AAAAA #2 Collins Hill won with 218 points beating out AAAAA #3 Centennial by 31 points.
The only Tiger to reach the finals was Sr Adam Kimbrell 112. Kimbrell defeated Cody Black of Collins Hill 18-9 in the championship match. The dominate win earned Adam the tournaments outstanding wrestler award. In the quarters Kimbrell broke the all time win record at Dawson County with his 124 win. The previous mark of 123 was held by former Tiger Thomy Edwards. The total is now 125 and counting.
Also placing for Dawson was Sr Thomas Kimbrell 5th 119, Sr. Chris Lower 6th 140, Sr. Zach Martin 5th 145, and Sr. Donald Roberts 3rd 275.
Sr 125 Chris Dearwint was 1 match away from placing but after taking an early lead against Dublins Deon McClendon the 2 wrestlers butted heads and Dearwint split his head open causing him to have to default. McClendon was later had to default out of the tournament himself due to his injury.
Team Standings (Top 10)
Collins Hill 218
Centennial 187
Jefferson 176.5
Henry County 174
Dublin 144.5
Lassiter 124.5
Dawson County 95.5
Alexander 90.5
Chattahoochee 89
Fayette County 88
Individual Finals Results and Standings
103
1. Josh Robinson (Alexander) d. Chad Kellet (Henry County) 4 -2
3: Blake Osburn (Dublin)
4: Caleb Beckwith (Jefferson)
5: Sam Morley (North Cobb)
6: Michael St. James (Centennial)
112
1. Adam Kimbrell (Dawson County) d. Cody Black (Collins Hill) 18 - 9
3: Kyle Baird (Jefferson)
4: Drew Yarborough (Henry County)
5: Jeff Burch (Woodstock)
6: Thomas Skowronski (North Gwinnett)
119
1. Thomas Knapp (Collins Hill) d. Richard Andrews (North Gwinnett) 9 - 5
3: Mike Jacoutot (Lassiter)
4: Michael Klug (Centennial)
5: Thomas Kimbrell (Dawson County)
6: Robbie Epperson (Henry County)
125
1: Brett Warrington (Henry County) d. Michael Johns (Collins Hill) 9 - 5
3: Clint Capes (Alexander)
4: Aaron Segar (Centennial)
5: Ellis Logeman (North Gwinnett)
6: Deon McClendon (Dublin)
130
1: Tyler Parker (Collins Hill) d. John Queiroz (Wheeler) 7-1
3: Kenny Epperson (Henry County)
4: Jeremy Fowler (Fayette County)
5: Will Roper (Jefferson)
6: Jason Gould (Alexander)
135
1: Matt Johnston (Centennial) d. Josh Herrin (Dublin) 5-4
3: Clay Gray (Collins Hill)
4: Chris West (North Gwinnett)
5: Michael Lanham (Northview)
6: Brent Connell (Woodstock)
140
1: Demario Jones (Dublin) d. Derek Vorherr (Shiloh) 7 - 0
3: Walker Daniel (Henry County)
4: Sean Patrick (Collins Hill)
5: Kyle Knox (South Forsyth)
6: Chris Lower (Dawson County)
145
1: Nick Lukacs (Collins Hill) d. Sam Konigsberg (Centennial) 2 - 1
3: J. J. Brushaber (Jefferson)
4: Tyler Faulkner (Henry County)
5: Zach Martin (Dawson County)
6: Stanley (Fayette County)
152
1: Justin Ransom (Alexander) d. Mark McManus (Centennial) 8 - 1
3: Jason Fields (Jefferson)
4: David Stanley (Dublin)
5: Brian Bargo (Henry County)
6: Nick Flaherty (Collins Hill)
160
1: Forrest Garner (Jefferson) d. John Robinson (Centennial) 9 - 2
3: Brett Winzeler (Chattahoochee)
4: Corey Autrey (Henry County)
5: Will Turner (North Gwinnett)
6: Marcus Allen (Dublin)
171
1: Nick Nabors (Centennial) d. Sean Catlett (Lassiter) 7 - 3
3: Eric Rogers (Alexander)
4: Brandon Antoskow (Milton)
5: Kyle Huffman (South Forsythe)
6: Jesse Fowler (Jefferson)
189
1: Cody Runnels (Lassiter) d. Stuart White (Woodstock) 7 - 2
3: Cory Philips (Dublin)
4: Josh Deadrick (Chattahoochee)
5: Jake Gurley (Jefferson)
6: Tyler Stadulius (Collins Hill)
215
1: Matt Ory (Chattahoochee) d. Tripp Taylor (Woodstock) 4-2
3: Drew Price (Lassiter)
4: Marc Baskett (Jefferson)
5: Leon DeLain (Collins Hill)
6: Dominique Small (Dublin)
275
1: Drake McCoy (Fayette County) d. Jimmy McCrory (Lassiter) 11-2
3: Donald Roberts (Dawson County)
4: Robert Thomas (Collins Hill)
5: Seth Love (Jefferson)
6: Alonzo Henry (Wheeler)
Outstanding Lightweight – Adam Kimbrell (Dawson County) 112
Outstanding Heavyweight – Nick Lukacs (Collins Hill) 145
January 10th
The Tigers finished 4th at the Centennial duals Saturday losing to AAA #1 Lovett 34-31 and Class A #1 46-24. The Tigers beat AAAAA Northview 64-15 before falling to Lovett. We then beat AAAA South Forsyth 42-33 before falling to Jefferson.
January 3rd
Some teams might lay down and quit after a big time beating. After getting drilled by Collins Hill and Stars Mill the Tigers responded by almost beating Class A power Jefferson Saturday at home in the Amicalola Classic.
The Tigers actually took the lead after the semi final round but could not hold off the Dragons. Dawson had 5 champs to Jeffersons 3 but fell 6.5 points shy of an upset.
Winning titles for Dawson were Sr. Adam Kimbrell 112, Sr. Thomas Kimbrell 119, Sr. Noel Poisson 152, Jr. Andy Myers 189 and Sr. Donald Roberts 275. Myers beat all 3 of the other placers in his wt. No title was more impressive than Adam's at 112. Adam used 9 takedown to defeat former State Champ Eric Head of Lumpkin Co 22-5.
Also placing for the Tigers were Sr. Chris Dearwint 2nd 125, Sr Robert Bolz 3rd 130, Sr Chris Lowers 2nd 140, Sr. Zach Martin 2nd 145, and Soph. Lance Walls 4th at 215.
TEAM SCORES
Jefferson 226, Dawson Co 219.5, South Forsyth 161, North Fosyth123.5, Lumpkin Co 108, Forsyth Cent. 76.5, West Hall 71, Gainesville 65, Jackson Co 64, Apalachee 54, Pickens Co 54, Fannin Co 38, Social Circle 21, Hosue team 15, Banks Co 7.
December 30th
The AA #1 Tigers got a taste of the big time today losing to AAAAA powers #2 Collins Hill 52-22 and #3 Stars Mill 41-23. The day was not all bad. The Tigers beat Alabama's Spain Park 39-33.
December 29th
The Dawson JV took 2nd at the Keen Classic Monday. The Tigers were the only JV team at the tournament. The 105 points were 14 better than a very young Habersham Central team. Both were beat by host Jefferson who ended with 271 points.
Leading the way was Sophmore Matt Dearwint . Dearwint who is just returning from a broken ankle won the 140 class.
Also placing for the Tigers were Fr Drew Johnson 2nd 125, Jr. Jeremy Castleberry 2nd 130, Jr. Andy Myers 189, Soph. Levi Bradley 4th 145, Soph. Matt Barnicoat 4th 160, and Soph. Lance Walls 275.
The next JV tournament will be January 17th at flowery Branch.
December 27th
After suffering the 1st loss of the season the Tigers got back to winning with 3 victories Saturday. These were not just any victories for the #1 ranked Tigers as they defeated the #2 and #3 teams in AA in back to back matches.
The day started with a 42-33 win over Apalachee . Next up was the #3 ranked Cook Co Hornets. The Tigers quickly put them away with a 46-27 win. Then came came #2 ranked Morgan Co. This was the match everyone came to see and it didn't disappoint. In a rematch of last years State Duals Finals the Tigers won a close match 42-38.
Next up for Dawson Co is a tri meet at Collins Hill.
December 20th
The Tigers were handed their 1st loss Saturday at the hands of defending AAA champs Lovett. The Lions came into the dual ranked 1st in AAA and 10th in the South Region by USA Wrestling magazine. After jumping out to a 22-6 lead the Tigers allowed Lovett to win 6 straight matches and take a 30-22 lead before Sr Noel Poissons win at 160 would bring Dawson within 5. The Lions won the next 2 to make the final 36-25.
The Tigers then took out their frustrations on AA opponent Wesleyan winning 55-24. In the 275 match Sr Donald Roberts pinned Scotty Vauderlip to earn his 100th career victory.
Dawson then faced another tough task in AAAA Eastside .The dual came down to the last match before it was decided. The Tigers who are known for it's Sr leadership relied on Jr Taylor Toal to protect a 5 point lead. Toal who had lost to Eastside's DJ Wimpey earlier in the year not only protected the lead but came out on top with a stunning 1st period pin to secure the win 43-33 . Getting wins for the Tiger's were Roberts 275, Sr. Adam Kimbrell 112, Sr. Chris Dearwint 130, Sr. Chris Lower 140, Sr. Zach Martin 145 and Sr. Noel Poisson 160.
Next up for Dawson is a highly anticipated match up with AA powers Morgan Co. and Cook Co. at Apalachee High school on Saturday December 27th.
December 19th
The Tigers opened up the home schedule with 2 wins Friday. In the 1st match the Tigers beat Chattooga 63-6 in a dual that featured 3 matches of possible state placers. Sr Robert Bolz beat a very tough Sam Allmond 6-4. Allmond placed 5th at state last year at 130. In another match with state placers was 145 Again Dawson would get the victory as Chris Lower bumped up from 140 and defeated Chris Watson (6th last yr) 8-3. But the highlight of the night came at 119. In a battle between 2 state runner ups. Dawson County Sr Thoams Kimbrell used a 3rd period takedown to beat Jose Medrano 3-2.
Next up for the Tigers was much hated Lumpkin Co . Again Dawson would not disappoint disposing of the Indians 60 -24. Picking up pins for the Tigers were Kimbrell , Sr Donald Roberts 275, Sr Shawn Lawrence 135, Sr. Chris Lower 140, Sr. Zach Martin 145 and Sr Beau Corkill 160.
December 13th
The Tiger wrestling team finished 3rd at the John Smith wrestling tournament at Lumpkin County High School Saturday. With 4 starters missing due to injuries the Tigers knew it was going be a long weekend .However after the semi final round the Tigers were in 2nd place 75 points ahead of 3rd place Lithia Springs (AAAA). But Lithia Springs reeled off 27 wins in the next 3 rounds to take 2nd place away from Dawson.
The Tigers did put 6 wrestlers in the finals. Thomas Kimbrell traded spots with twin Adam and got back on the top of the podium after a disappointing finish last week. Thomas beat Jefferson's Kyle Baird 12-3 for the 112 title. Adam up to 119 this week scored 8 takedowns to beat Jefferson's Enrique Zavaletta 17-8 a day after picking up win number 100 for his career. Getting his 2nd title of the season was Sr Chris Lower 140. Again his opponent was Josh Hensley of Gilmer County. This time 6-5. Sr Zach Martin 145 was forced to forfeit his finals match due to illness. Comming just short for the Tigers was Sr Noel Poisson 152. Poisson lost in OT to Jefferson's Jason Fields 3-1. Beau Corkill Sr. 160 seemed to back to his form of last year reaching the finals before running into 2x state champ Forrest Garner of Jefferson.
Sr's Chris Dearwent 125 and Donald Roberts 275 placed 3rd.
Next up for the Tigers is a Tri Meet Friday Night at home with AA foes Chattooga and the hated Lumpkin County Indians.
Team scores:
1 . Jefferson 252.00
2. Lithia Springs 190.50
3. Dawson County 183.00
4. North Forsyth 124.00
5. Lumpkin County 104.00
6. Gilmer County 103.50
7. Milton 101.00
8. Chestatee 77.50
9. Forsyth Central 65.00
10. Pickens County 64.00
11. Roswell 62.50
12. Jackson County 53.50
13. Habersham County 38.00
14. Stephens County 33.00
15. White County 30.00
15. North Hall 26.00
December 9th
The Tigers picked up 2 more dual victories to improve to 7-0 on the year. Despite not having 4 starters due to injuries the Tigers beat AA opponent Decatur 57-24 and AAA #4 Westminster 48-25. Soph Matt Barnicoat 171 picked a huge win against Decatur and Sr Beau Corkill 189 got back to his winning way with a pin against Westminster.
Next up is the always tough John Smith tourny at Lumpkin County High. Sr Adam Kimbrell needs just 1 win to reach 100 for his career and is 24 away from the all time Tiger mark held by Thomy Edwards at 123.
December 6th
The Tiger wrestling team scored 193.5 points but took home 2nd behind Class A power Jefferson at the Panther Invitational. The Tigers had 6 finalist and 5 champs. Leading the way for the Tigers was Sr 275 Donald Roberts. Roberts 9-0 picked up 4 more pins to bring his season total to 8. Also remaining undefeated on the season were Sr's 112 Adam Kimbrell and 145 Zach Martin. Martins 2ot victory was the highlight of the finals. The other Tiger champs were the Chris's . Dearwint and Lower both Sr's Dearwint 125 who dominated all the way through the tourny had a 14 point lead when he scored a fall in the 3rd period. Lower 145 won his finals match 10-0. The only finalist that didn't come home with a win was Sr Thomas Kimbrell 119. Sr Noel Poisson 145 placed 4th at 152.
Team Scores: Jefferson 261 Dawson County 193.5 Eastside 165 Madison County 156 Gilmer County 143.
November 29th
The #1 ranked Tigers beat Marietta (5a) 56-24 to win the title of the Hoya duals Saturday at Harrison. To get to the finals the Tigers went 4-0 in pool matches.
To start the day the Tigers beat Etowah (5A) 63-18 and seemed to never look back. Next up was a huge match with AA foe Apalachee ranked 5th in the state. Again the Tigers won this time 66-12. Knowing that new schools were up next the coaching staff decided to let some starters rest. Using 7 JV kids in the next 2 duals the Tigers defeated Kell (5A) and Peachtree Ridge (5A) 37-33 and 51-30.
Next up was a finals match with Marietta who beat host Harrison to secure a spot in championship. By now all the starters were well rested and ready to go. Starting the match was 275 Donald Roberts. Roberts went 5-0 on the day getting a 6-5 victory in his only match that didnt end in a pin to put us up 3-0. Marietta got a forfeit at 103 to take a 6-3 lead. This was the only time all day the Tigers were behind. But is was only for about 2 minutes as Sr 112 Adam Kimbrell got the lead back with a quick pin. Twin brother Thomas was up next getting a tech fall 18-3 to make the lead 14-6. Sr 125 Chris Dearwint then gave up an unexpected pin and Marrietta was right back in it 14-12. The teams then traded pins at 130 and 135 to put the score at 20-18. But that's as close as it would get . Sr's Chris Lower (140) Zach Martin (145) and Noel Poisson (152) and Soph. Cam McKinley (160) picked up 4 straight pins in a 2 min span to put the score at 44-18. Marietta picked up 6 at 171 and Jr's JB Brock (189) and Taylor Toal (215) scored a pin and a forfeit to give the Tigers a 56-24 win and the championship trophy.
Going 5-0 on the day were Roberts (4 pins) little Kimbrell (5 Pins) and Martin (4 pins and an major).
Next up is the Panther Invitational at Jackson Co. With many starters taking the SAT next weekend the tiger will rely on youth to get the job done.
August 2nd
The 2003-2004 season will kick off at the Hoys Duals at Harrison High School on November 29th. The defending AA dual champs will have their work cut out for them. The Hoya line-up includes 7 5A schools including Centennial ( 6th 03) and Harrison (14th 03). Also in the field will be Hewitt-Trussville of Alabama who was 7th in 6A last year. Apalachee ( 10th AA) will join Dawson as the only small schools in the line-up.
With the Hoya stacked with big schools the Tigers just hope to gain some experience and some quality mat time.
2003 Hoya Duals teams
Harrison 5A, North Cobb 5A, Peachtree Ridge 5A, Marietta 5A, Cherokee Co. 5A , Kell 5A, Centennial 5A, Hewitt-Trussville (ALA) 6A, Apalachee 2A, Dawson Co. 2A.
The rest of the Tiger schedule will be released at a later date.
July 19th
Former Dawson County wrestler Marcus Sewell has been named assistant coach. Sewell was a 2x state placer at 275 for the Tigers in the mid 90's. For the last 2 years he has been an assistant at Centennial High School. He will also be an assistant for the Football team.
June 9th
Assistant Coach Arron Haynes was named today as the new Tiger Head Coach. He will replace Stuart Cunningham. Cunningham had more success than any coach in Tiger history before leaving to take over at Habersham Central.
Haynes will take over a team that returns 10 full time and 1 part time starters. With that many starters returning, 9 of which are Sr's, the alumni will expect Haynes to produce immediately. Former 2x State Champ Adam Smith says " there is no reason that this cant be one of the best teams we've ever put on the mat. So we fully expect there to be no drop off in success"
Haynes will also be the Defensive line coach on the football team and the head track coach.
May 30th
Head coach Stuart Cunningham announced today that he will be leaving. Cunningham called this " the hardest decision I've ever made as a coach". He leaves to go home and coach at Habersham Central where he hopes to revive a program that he wrestled for in the early 80's.
Cunningham will leave with more dual wins than any coach before him. In his 6 years the Tigers finished in the top 10 at state 5 times with 2 top 5 finishes and a state dual meet championship.
He will be missed by all the current and former wrestlers who competed for him. 2003 MVP Thomas Kimbrell said " He taught me a lot on and off the mat. I will miss him and I don't know if can be replaced". The sentiment was the same from all the wrestlers and assistant coaches. I know I personally feel this was the darkest day in the programs history.
We all wish him the best!
Feb 22nd
All season long the Tigers have made their living in the consolation rounds. And this years state tournament was no different. Trailing defending champs Rockmart by 17 points and some tough matches ahead the Tigers went to work. After cutting the lead to 10 in the conso semis the Tigers really went to work in the placement round. Zach Martin Jr 140, Noel Poisson Jr 145 and Sr Brandon Shortencarrier all picked up bonus points in their wins combined with Rockmart losing all the placement matches they were in and the Tigers were 1/2 point back going into the finals.
Waiting in the finals were the Tigers best. Twins Adam and Thomas Kimbrell. Taking the mat 1st at 103 was Adam. For the 2nd week in a row he would battle Dade Co. Sr. Brian Simons and for the 2nd week in a row he would defeat Adam. This time with a takedown with 20 seconds left to win it 7-5.
Next up at 112 was Thomas. His opponent Sr Brandon Carlton of Chattooga. This also was a rematch of the area finals. And again Carlton would defeat Thomas and silence a loud Dawson crowd that had been buzzing for a few rounds.
Leader Rockmart with 2 of their own in the finals need not to win another match. As it turned out they didnt but still hung on to win by the closest margin in AA history. Edging the Tigers 128.5 to 128.
Placing were Kimbrell 2nd 103, Kimbrell 2nd 112, Eifert 4th 130, Martin 5th 140, Poisson 5th 145, Shortencarrier 3rd 171 and Roberts 4th 275.
Team Scores.
1 Rockmart, 128.5
2. Dawson Co., 128
3. Cook Co., 118
4. Oglethorpe, 103.5
5. Chattooga Co., 96.5
6. Morgan Co., 94
7. Toombs Co., 87
8. Adairsville, 82
9. Union Grove, 81.5
10. Apalachee, 77
Feb. 15th
The Tigers finished 2nd in the AA Area 4 wrestling tournament on Saturday qualifying in 10 wts for next weeks state tournament. The hosts and defending state champs Rockmart won with a score of 191 to the Tigers 176.5 Lead by Sr. Brandon Shortencarrier who won his 2nd area title at 171. Also making the trip next week will be Adam Kimbrell 2nd 103, Thomas Kimbrell 2nd 112, Ryan Eifert 2nd 130, Zach Martin 2nd 140, Noel Poisson 2nd 145, Beau Corkill 2nd 160, Jonathon Hill 4th 189, JB Brock 4th 215, Donald Roberts 3rd 275.
Team scores:
TEAM ROCKMART 191 DAWSON 176.5 CHATTOOGA 128 LUMPKIN CO 107.5 DARLINGTON 95 CALHOUN 91 DADE 79 ADAIRVILLE 73.5 ARMUCHEE 68.5 MODEL 62 WALKER 30 COOSA 17
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February 8th
" I will get the win" Those were the words spoken by Sr. Derek Ruffner (152) to coach Maher just 5 minutes before Dawson's finals match with Morgan Co. Ruffner was held out of the 2 earlier duals of the day due to sickness. Holding him out of the other matches may have been the best thing Coach Cunningham has ever done as a fresh Ruffner came through on his promise to his coaches by coming through with a 5-4 win over a very talented Dusty Whitten to tie the dual at 6-6.
Morgan Co. then rolled off 4 straight wins including a pin at 215 to take a 23-6 lead over the Tigers. That however would be the last time the Bulldogs would taste victory. Dawson then would win 5 straight starting with Jr. Donald Roberts (275). Roberts would bring the Dawson faithful to it's feet with a pin with 3 seconds to go to make it 23-12. 103 Adam Kimbrell (Jr) then got a pin of his own to bring the Tigers within 5. Next up was twin brother Thomas (112) . Big Kimbrell came through with a 19-4 technical fall and all of a sudden we were tied at 23. Jr. Chris Dearwent's (119) M Dec. 13-4 put Dawson ahead for the 1st time at 27-23. The Tiger faithful, still on their feet from the Roberts pin , roared as Robert Bolz (125) took the mat for what would be the biggest in his life. Bolz a Jr would not disappoint. Winning 10-6 and bringing home a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP for Coach Cunningham . With the match secured we choose to not send out a wrestler at 130 to make the final score 30-29.
To make it to the finals Dawson started the day with a huge 45-26 win over #1 ranked Cook Co. The Tigers were led by Sr. Brandon Shortencarrier's (171) 4-3 upset victory over defending state champ Brian McCall. This however wouldn't be the only Cook state champ to fall on the day. 1st year starter Thomas Kimbrell (112) put on a show with a 20-8 win over Bill Childs who won the 103 title last year. This seemed to set the tone for the whole day for Dawson.
In the semi's Dawson beat Union Grove 44-35. The Tigers jumped out to a 27-11 lead and were able to use 5 JV wrestlers in the win.
Using the JV kids would prove crucial in the Tigers bid for a title. This allowed 5 starters to rest up for the finals. Maybe the most critical one was 275 Donald Roberts. Roberts seemed to have more gas in the tank in the 3rd period of the Morgan match which no doubt was the reason for the pin.
Next up for the Tigers is the individual area tournament next week at Rockmart. The top 4 in each wt class will advance to the state tournament the next weekend at Union Grove. Hopefully Dawson will have similar results.
State Finals Results
135 Stratton Morgan 5-0 Dearwent 0-3
140 Martin Dawson 9-5 Peters 3-3
145 Worrell Morgan 9-8 Poisson 3-6
152 Ruffner Dawson 5-4 Whitten 6-6
160 Davis Morgan 19-2 Corkill 6-11
171 Cossio Morgan 7-4 Shortencarrier6-14
189 Glosson Morgan 3-2 Hill 6-17
215 Sidwell Morgan Pin Brock 6-23
275 Roberts Dawson pin Simmons 12-23
103 Kimbrell Dawson pin Bafinger 18-23
112 Kimbrell Dawson 19-4 Vaughters 23-23
119 Dearwent Dawson 13-4 Bruce 27-23
125 Bolz Dawson 10-6 Simmons 30-23
130 Dawson Forfieted to Spence 30-29
January 25th
After losing a dual to Stephens Co. on Friday the Tigers rebound to win the Viking Invitational. Jr Adam Kimbrell (103) led the way again as the teams only individual champ. Jr. Thomas Kimbrell (112) Jr. Zach Martin (140) and Sr. Ryan Eifert (130) all finished 2nd for the Tigers.
Again the team got it done in the consolations. Already having 4 in the finals the Tigers put 6 in the conso semis with 4 of those advancing on to the conso finals. Jr Chris Dearwint (119) Jr Beau Corkill (160) Sr John Hill (189) and Soph JB Brock (215) all took home 3rd.
Wrestling without the services of a 171 and a 275 due to illness the Tigers scored 136.5 points to runner-up Lumpkin Co 106 points to take home the 1st place trophy. Apalachee was 3rd with 94.
Team top 5
Dawson 136.5, Lumpkin Co 106, Apalachee 94, North Hall 70, Jackson Co 63.
January 21st
The Tigers took 2 from Johnson and rival Lumpkin Co. tonight at Johnson improving to 10-0. Going in Coach Stuart Cunningham wasn't so sure how his Tigers would do. Though missing 4 starters due to injuries, sickness and discipline the boys came through with a huge 48-33 win over Lumpkin. Jr. Robert Bolz (125) led the way with a stunning upset over Danny Povilites. In the 2nd match Dawson used more subs in a 55-18 victory over a very young Johnson squad.
Next up for ther Tigers is Stephens Co. on Friday and the Viking Classic at East Hall on Saturday.
January 14th
The Tigers improved to 8-0 in duals tonight with wins over Habersham Cent. 51-24 and Gilmer Co. 50-15.
January 11th
Jr Chris Dearwint 1st (119) lead the way for the 2nd week in a row but it wasn't enough for the Tigers to bring home the hardware at the 2003 Patriot Classic.
Sr. Ryan Eifert 3rd (130) and Jr Adam Kimbrell 3rd (103) were both upset early in the tournament and before you knew it the Tigers found themselves in 6th place. Trailing Madison Co. for 3rd place by 29 points going into the conso semis the Tigers finally woke up and started to wrestle. Sr. Brandon Shortencarrier 3rd (171) pulled the Tiger to within 3 points but that's as ccloase as we would get.
Joining Dearwint in the finals were Jr. Thomas Kimbrell 2nd (112) and Jr. Zach Martin 2nd (140).Other placers were Jr. Robert Bolz 3rd (125) Noel Poisson 4th (145) Jr. Donald Roberts 4th (275).
Team Scores
Jefferson 193.5, Loganville 167, Madison Co. 132, Dawson Co. 129, Oglethorpe Co. 96, Social Cirlce 55.5, Commerce 43, Jackson Co. 35.5, Washington-Wilkes 26, Greene Co. 22, Ceader Shoals 10, Banks Co. 0
January 9th
Coach Cunningham's Tigers improved to 6-0 with a 60-18 win over host Apalachee.Next up for the Tigers is the tough Patriot Classic Saturday at Oglethorpe Co. HS.
January 4th
The DCHS wrestling team hosted the 23rd Amicalola Classic and did not disappoint the home crowd.The Tigers scored 205.5 points to keep the 1st place trophy at home.
Jr. Adam Kimbrell 103 led the way again winning his 3rd straight tournament and 14th match in a row with a 17-5 victory. Jr. Chris Dearwint 119 also won the title with a 9-5 decision. 3 other Tigers came in 2nd. Jr. Thomas Kimbrell 112 , Jr Robert Bolz 125 and Jr. Zach Martin 140.
The team won it the same way they've been doing all year. With great wrestling in the consolation rounds. AA rival Oglethorpe Co. matched Dawson with 5 finalist and North Forsyth put in 4. So the Tigers were forced to get it done in the consos. This week Dawson put 7 in the conso semis . With North Forsyth right on the Tigers heels the boys won 6 of those 7 matches to put it away. Placing 3rd were Sr. Ryan Eifert 130, Jr. Noel Poisson 145. 4Th place finishers were Jr. Beau Corkill 160 Sr. John Hill 189, and Jr. Donald Roberts 275.
Getting his 1st start for the Tigers was Soph Andy Myers 171. Myers lost in the 1st round but won 5 straight conso matches to place 3rd. Older brother Brett was a 2x state placer for DCHS and hopefully Andy can follow in his footsteps.
December 27th
Host Jefferson (1st A) ran away with the 2002 Keen Classic. For the 3rd time this year Dawson ( 4th AA) has finished 2nd behind the Dragons.
The Tigers were in trouble after the 1st rounds. But Jr. Donald Roberts (275) pin in the semis over defending state champ Shawn Ford from Adairsville gave the team the boost they needed. And for the 3rd straight tournament they get it done in the consolation rounds.Dawson put 8 in the conso semis with 5 of those going on to medal. Jr.Chris Dearwint 119 3rd , Sr. Ryan Eifert 135 4th, Jr. Noel Poisson 145 3rd, Soph JB Brock 215 4th. Roberts was joined in the finals by tournament champs Adam 103 and Thomas 112 Kimbrell.
Team Scores: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1. 267.00 Jefferon 7 4 2 1 2. 128.00 Dawson Co. 2 1 3 2 3. 113.00 Landmark Christian 4 1 3 4. 82.00 Oglethorpe Co. 1 3 2 5. 70.50 Lumpkin Co. 2 1 1 6. 66.00 Norcross 1 2 1 7. 63.50 Wesleyan 2 1 8. 46.00 Brookstone 1 1 1 9. 44.50 Commerce 1 1 10. 39.00 Adairsville 1 2 11. 20.00 Social Circle 1 12. 9.00 Decatur
December 23rd
The Tiger wrestling team went 4-0 to win the South Forsyth duals on Saturday. Dawson beat North Forsyth 42-27, Johnson 66-18 and Forsyth Central 56-20 to win their pool. Then beat rival Lumpkin Co. 51-30 in the finals.
The Tigers are now 5-0 on the season.
December 16th
The Tiger wrestlers beat Banks Co. to go 1-0 on the season.
December 14th
For the 2nd week in a row the Tiger wrestling team (4th AA) finish behind Jefferson (1st A). This time edging Lithia Springs (AAAA) for the number 2 spot in the Mountaineer tournament at Lumpkin Co HS. Once again Jr. Adam Kimbrell 103 led the way. Kimbrell won the tournament with a 20-5 technical fall over Randy Nichols of Lithia Srings. Unlike last week he had company in the finals. Jr. Thomas Kimbrell 112 lost a 7-5 decision to 2x state champ Jason Powers of Jackson Co. and Sr. Ryan Eifert finished 2nd at 135.
And just like last week the Tigers needed a big Saturday to get 2nd. In 5th place after the semis the boys went on a roll putting 8 in the conso semis. this time only 4 pulled through. Sr. John Hill 189 3rd, Jr. Zach Martin 140 4th, Jr. Beau Corkill 160 4th, and Jr. Donald Roberts 4th 275.
TEAM SCORES JEFFERSON 248.5 DAWSON CO 146.5 LITHIA SPRINGS 141 LUMPKIN CO 131.5 NORTH FORSYTH 106.5 ROSWELL 103 GILMER CO 80 MILTON 72 NORTH HALL 62 ELBERT CO 53 JACKSON CO 43.5 FORSYTH CENTRAL 38 CLARKE CENTRAL 30.5 HOLY INNOCENTS 14
December 7th
The Tiger wrestling team started the 2002-2003 season with a bang. Finishing 2nd at the Panther Invitational at Jackson County High School. Leading the way was Dawson's only finalist Adam Kimbrell who finished 2nd at 103.
After a poor start Friday the team picked it up in the consolation rounds putting 10 in the consolation semis 6 of which went on to place. Thomas Kimbrell 112 3rd, Zach Martin 140 4th, Chris Lower 152 4th, Brandon Shortencarrier 171 4th, JB Brock 215 4th and Donald Roberts 275 4th.
Jefferson won the team title with 251 points followed by Dawson Co. 137.5, Madison County, 119, North Forsyth 113 , Lumpkin Co.104, Gilmer Co. 101.5, Loganville, 98.5, Dacula 84, Oglethorpe Co. 82 and Newton Co. 82 rounded out the top 10.Other teams were Eastside, Jackson Co., North Hall, Elbert Co. , Stephens Co., West Hall, Gainesville, Clarke Central, Johnson, and Oconee Co.
11/24/02
The Tiger wrestling team is ranked 6th in the pre-season poll. Returning state placers Adam Kimbrell(103) , Chris Dearwint (112) and Chris Lower (152) are back to lead the team. 2 other state qualifiers also return. HWT Donlad Roberts and 189 SR Johnathon Hill. Cook Co. sits in the top spot ahead of defending champs Rockmart.
Pre-season poll
1. Cook County
2. Rockmart
3. Union Grove
4. Morgan County
5. Chattooga
6. Dawson County
7. Irwin County
8. Oglethorpe County
9. Lumpkin County
10. Decatur
The 2002 Tiger wrestlers ended the season with a 9th place finish at the AA State tournament at Armuchee H.S. 6 wrestlers came home with 5th place medals. Sr's Benjy Edwards (160) and David Nichols (215). Along with Soph. Adam Kimbrell (103) Chris Dearwint (112) and Chris Lower (152).
The 6th Tiger , Sr. Josh Proctor (119), ended his career by joining Tiger greats Lamar Schandera and Thomy Edwards as 4x state placers. Proctor was a Runner-up as a Soph (112) and was 5th as a Fr. (103) and 4th Jr. (112).
TEAM SCORES:
1) ROCKMART 177 2)NORTHGATE 127.5 3) COOK CO. 125.5 4)CHATOOGA 112 5)MORGAN CO. 104 6)IRWIN CO. 77.5 7) GAC 72 8)OGLETHORPE CO. 70 9) DAWSON CO. 62.5 10) CHAPEL HILL 62
