2024 Sectional Wrestlers Move on to State

photo by Hayden Flowers

Seven of our nine wrestlers qualified for the State tournament during the Sectionals Individuals meet on Saturday, February 10th.
​by Noah Van Name

Chestatee High School hosted the sectional individuals tournament on Saturday, 2/10/24 in Gainesville. In Sectionals, you must wrestle and place top six to be able to qualify for the state tournament. Seven of our nine guys placed sixth or higher. Now, they are locked in and preparing for the challenge of state that awaits them.

Eli Booth
Eli placed sixth in sectionals last Saturday. He proved to himself and the coaches that he is ready to take what is his. Eli fought hard and wrestled some pretty good guys. Fortunately, Eli qualified for the state tournament. Eli stated, “The sectional tournament is probably one of the most difficult tournaments I’ve ever been in. Everyone was pretty much on the same par when it came to skill level. It was really tough.”

Graham Dawkins
Graham placed second at the sectional tournament. He plowed his way through his bracket. First he got a pin, then a major decision of 10-4, and finally a decision against a wrestler from North Oconee. Graham had previously lost to the NOHS wrestler at regional individuals by a slim 6-7. However, Graham persevered and wrestled his own match. Securing the win, Graham beat the kid 3-0. In his finals match, Graham lost to a wrestler from Chestatee. Graham shared, “I did pretty good. I just got third at region, came back and beat the North Oconee kid. Hopefully, I can carry all of this with me into state.”

Zeb Dawkins
Zeb placed third at the tournament. It was looking good for him at the start, with a 44-second pin. Unfortunately, he had to face the 2023 state champion of his weight class next. JT Bowers is not new to Zeb. They have wrestled against each other many times before. Last year, the 150lb finals consisted of Zeb and JT. It didn’t go so well for Zeb. This time, Zeb tried harder. Sadly, it was not enough as a close score of 4-0 caused him to take a loss. 

Zeke Adams
Zeke had one of the hardest brackets and still accomplished second place. Zeke pinned his first opponent in one minute, and pinned his second in three minutes. He then had to go against Aaron Davis in the semifinals, who is a state placer. Aaron and Zeke have wrestled twice before this, with Aaron beating Zeke 5-3 the first time, and Zeke pinning Aaron the second time. During the finals, his opponent was Ely Raines. Ely has only lost twice this year, and beat Zeke at region individuals before this. Zeke took the loss, but promises he will be back and be able to defeat him. “Last time I wrestled Ely, I got my first takedown. He is more vulnerable to blast doubles, so I’m gonna spam those and wrestle my match,” Zeke claimed.

Christian Middleton-Perez
Christian took fifth during sectionals. His weight class is 165, which is one of the tougher weight classes. This is where the wrestlers are mostly muscle, or mostly fat. Christian pinned his way to the semifinals. He pinned his first two guys in under four minutes. When it came to his next opponent, a wrestler from North Hall, Christian felt the pressure. Sadly, Christian’s might was not enough to beat him, so he made his way to the consolation bracket, where he took fifth. Christian will be heading to the state tournament with retribution on his mind.

Brandy Rangel-Mendoza
Brandy placed sixth at the tournament. Weight 132 is known as the hardest weight class in Georgia wrestling. Despite the obstacles and troubles that awaited him, Brandy still managed to qualify for the state tournament. He is the most leader-like on the team and is helping the team prepare for the state tournament. “Just having their confidence up and holding them accountable is what we’re working on this week. We are all working and we’re gonna make weight,” Brandy said.

Justice Vlahos
Justice emerged second at sectionals. His aggressiveness and fast moves brought him to the finals. Justice first faced a wrestler from Lovett, to which he pinned in the first period. Next, he fought against a kid from North Oconee. This was a tough battle, but he reigned victorious with a 6-1 decision. In the finals, Justice faced the same opponent he lost to in region individuals. Justice got pinned, but believes he will come back and beat him where it matters. “I’m not worried about anyone I’m facing. They should be the ones who are scared to step on the mat. I know what I’m capable of and I perform it,” Justice stated.


All of these athletes are well-beyond prepared and have been working towards their goal all week. The warriors leave Wednesday afternoon on the week 2/11-17/23. They are staying for 3 days in Macon, GA in a hotel while they wrestle. Wish them the best of luck!