Lyons, GA. – January 5, 2023 | Coach Todd Allen
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The MatDawgs hosted their final regular season home match and Senior Night in stellar fashion posting 2 victories against Pierce County and Swainsboro. The first dual of the evening were the visiting teams that ended with Pierce County upending Swainsboro, 51-17.
The MatDawgs brought the energy to the gym as they took the mat against Pierce County. Highlight matches of the dual were Dabvn Wadley with a convincing fall victory over #6 ranked 2A wrestler in the state Zach Davis and Wil Watts posting huge pin fall over the #1 ranked 2A wrestler in the state Jaden Lyons. The MatDawgs picked up the win over Pierce County, 58-18.
The Senior leaders of the MatDawgs were recognized in between duals. Coach Allen expressed his gratitude towards the leadership provided by this group of wrestlers, “These 5 Seniors have set the bar high for the team this year and have diligently pursued excellence all year. They are a shining example of they student-athletes that we want to produce in our program and will be the standard expected moving forward with future MatDawg Seniors. I’m proud of this group so far and look forward to finishing this season with them and seeing where their journey takes them in the future.” Seniors recognized were:
Giovanni Yescas – Gio is being escorted by his mother, Irene Yescas. This is his 4th year wrestling for TCHS and he has wrestled the 106, 113, and currently 126 pound weight class. Gio also participated in the TCHS Band where he was the low brass co-captain. His favorite wrestling memory was going to camp this past summer in Iowa. Gio plans to attend Georgia Southern University to pursue a degree in Music Education. He would like to thank his family for all their support, especially when he is cutting weight. Gio’s words of wisdom to his teammates is to KEEP LEARNING. – Giovanni Yescas
Emily Hower – Emily is being escorted by her mother, Lisa Hower, and her father, Dennis Dixon. This is her 4th year wrestling for TCHS and she has wrestled the 120, 145, and currently 155 pound weight class. Emily’s favorite wrestling memory was going to Valdosta this year, pinning every girl in her bracket and winning the tournament. Emily has signed with Brewton Parker to wrestle in the 2023-2024 season. She plans to pursue a degree in Nursing and hopes to become a radiologist technician. She would like to thank God for making all of this possible. Then her parents and coaches for always being willing to support her decisions. Emily’s words of wisdom to her teammates is that talent wins matches, but hard work and dedication wins championships. – Emily Hower
Wil Watts – Wil is being escorted by his mother, Stephanie Beckum, and his father, Jimmy Watts. This is his 2nd year wrestling for TCHS and he has wrestled in the 215 pound weight class. Wil also participated on the TCHS football team. His favorite wrestling memory was going to state last year. Wil plans to attend college on a football scholarship and pursue a degree in Engineering. He would like to thank his family, friends, and coaches. Wil’s words of wisdom to his teammates is to Never Stop Grinding. – Wil Watts
Jamar Jones – Jamar is being escorted by his mother, Katebra Harper. This is his 2nd year wrestling for TCHS and he has wrestled the 165 and 175 pound weight classes. Jamar also participated on the TCHS football team. His favorite wrestling memory was when he won his match in triple overtime versus Fannin County last year at sectional duals . Jamar plans to go to college to pursue a degree in Computer Science. He would like to thank his coaches for helping him to be a better wrestler and his teammates for always being there for him. – Jamar Jones
Tank Morris – Tank is being escorted by his mother, Juanita Toby, and his father, Derrick Morris. This is his 9th year wrestling for Toombs County. Tank also participated on the TCHS football team, where he was named 1st all region and all state. His favorite wrestling memory was wrestling in the state finals last year because of how electrifying the atmosphere was. Tank plans to go to college, but is undecided in his field of study. He would like to thank all his friends and family because without them he would not be where he is today. Tanks’s words of wisdom to his teammates is to always remember that nothing will come easy in life. – Tank Morris
This set the stage for the Senior’s final dual and the final dual of the evening against Swainsboro. The MatDawgs showed up ready to wrestle dropping only two matches in the dual, with the final score being 65-12.
Coach Allen was cautiously optimistic regarding the evening for the MatDawgs. “We had a good performance tonight and a couple individual guys that needed to win, did. However, we aren’t done. We have goals set much higher than just winning duals on senior night. This team have their eyes set on a State Championship and that is what we are working towards.”
The MatDawgs continue their journey towards that elusive State Title this weekend as they travel to Brantley County for the Area Duals Tournament. Come support the MatDawgs as they take the mat Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
