Ware County captured its 10th region title in 16 years here Saturday beating Perry 53-26 in the Region 1-AAAA Duals championship match.
The Gators (30-5) won their first title under head coach Joe Eichfeld during the 2010-2011 campaign. They have reached the 30win mark four consecutive years and 13 times in 16 years since Eichfield (533144) took over the program in 2009-10.
Ware County and Perry will travel to the Class 4A finals being held in McDonough at Ola High School. The two-day championship begins Friday, January 17 and concludes Saturday, January 18.
Wayne County clipped Benedictine 39-38 in the third-place match. Warner Robins was the other participant placing fifth with New Hampstead not participating.
The Gators will host Appling County and Statesboro for Senior Night scheduled for Tuesday, January 21. Bacon County is scheduled to visit in the last home match Tuesday, January 28.
Semifinals Gators....................65 Wayne County........13 Ware County rolled over the Yellow Jackets capturing 11 of the 14 matches with nine by pin fall.
Recording pins were Steve Valdez (106 lbs., 2:33), Jordan Maxwell (113; 37 seconds), Rodrigo Reyes (132; 5:37), Jaden McKelvin (150; 3:04), Kaden Drury (157; 1:28), David Muchison (165; 22 sec.), Gunter Fore (175; 2:40), Cameron Hambrick 190; 4:33) and Kyler Matthews (285; 1:22).
Evan Thomas (138) and Aaron Bennett (144) won via forfeit.
The Gators’ three losses were via pin against Ryan Tarver (120; 3:11), Jalen Hampton (215; 4-2) falling by decision and Damarion Zanders (126; 15-3) dropping a major decision.
Championship Gators....................53 Perry......................26 The Gators prevailed in nine matches against Perry with eight coming via pin.
Posting pin wins were Steve Valdez (106; 3:21), Damarion Zanders (126; 47 sec.), Rodrigo Reyes (132; 1:26), Evan Thomas (138; 3:22), Jaden McKelvin (144; 1:53), Kaden Drury (157; 1:09), David Muchison (175; 40 sec.) and Kyler Matthews (285; 5:08).
Gunter Fore (165; 18-1) won by technical fall.
The Panthers captured three of their five matches by pin with wins over Aaron Bennett, (150; 3:15), Cameron Hambrick (190; 1:48) and Jalen Hampton (215; 2:14).
Jordan Maxwell (113; 14-8) lost by decision while Noah Paul (120; 150) fell by technical fall.
