Gilmer High celebrated its senior wrestlers before rolling through Etowah.
GHS hosted the Eagles for senior night last Thursday, and the Bobcats put on a show for their home crowd. Gilmer won all 14 bouts for its 27th win of the season, 68-0.
Etowah was without four of its starters, and it marked the teams’ third meeting of the season. GHS won the first match in November, and Etowah won the rematch ahead of Christmas break.
“Overall, I was so happy for our seniors and happy for our team,” said head coah Josh Ghobadpoor.
“At this point in the year, you have to make coaching decisions to do what’s best for your guys, and I think (Etowah head coach Casey) Wingard did that in a couple areas. A lot of those guys were the same ones we wrestled before at the Etowah Duals. We had a lot of guys out then, so in that regard, it was nice to wrestle them at a little better strength and roles were reversed a little bit.”
EHS forfeited at four weight classes, and Gilmer earned bonus points in six of the remaining 10 bouts. Gilmer’s seniors went undefeated on the night, and Carson Farist (165 pounds) celebrated his 150th career win with a first-period pin.
Aspen Hataway (157) had the quickest pin of the night in 18 seconds, while fellow seniors Bryson Shubin-Gibbs (215) and Bregan Berry (132) pinned their opponents in the first and third periods, respectively.
Seniors Eliceo Perez (126) and Lleison Puac (144) both earned dominating wins via major, and Israel Francisco was victorious with a decision at 195. The Eagles forfeited to senior Alex Raymundo (138), but he later bumped up two weight classes for an exhibition match and won in ultimate overtime, 3-2.
Also earning wins via decision were Bobcats Harrison Chester (150), Denny Ramirez (285) and Nelson Jacinto (106). Etowah forfeited to Juan Jacinto (190), Benito Thompson (106) and Braelyn Nelson (120).
“Anytime you can go out there and win 14 matches, it’s a big deal. For our eight seniors to go 8-0 on the night, I was really thrilled for them,” said Ghobadpoor.
“I’m very appreciative of our booster club and everything they’ve done for this wonderful group of seniors, who have accomplished so much.”
Gilmer improved its seasonal record to 27-8. The Bobcats had four days to recuperate before a quick week of practice ahead of state.
“We got to rest up,” Ghobadpoor said. “We’ve got a couple guys banged up that we’ve got to get healthy as we move forward into state duals. That’s our prerogative and everything is in preparation for that, and we just have to go in and be our best.”
Gilmer is seeded No. 5 out of 16 Class 3A schools. State duals will be held at Lumpkin County High School Friday and Saturday.