DULUTH, Ga. (WRCB) -- Opening night was nearly perfect for the Heritage wrestling program at the GHSA Traditional State Tournament at the Arena at Gwinnett.
The Generals advanced nine of their ten grapplers through the first round of the championship bracket, including six by pin, to open an early lead on Carrollton in the Class AAA team standings.
Heritage's Madison Martin (126 pounds), Landon Reed (132), James Voorhees (160), Andy Braton (170), Jacob Tripp (182) and Michael Moore (195) all recorded pins in their opening-round bouts.
Logan Perkins (145) and Austin Frye (120) also added bonus points through a technical fall and a major decision. Mike Shephard won by decision.
Carrollton advanced six grapplers through the first round, while third-place Gilmer has five left in the championship bracket.
LaFayette is also in the top ten after day one with four wrestlers advancing.
The Ramblers got pins from Sam Lemons (132) and Brady Hart (145), a major decision from Caleb Mariakas (106) and a win from Thomas Cooper (113).
Ringgold, Southeast Whitfield and Dalton all had two winners each.
In Class AA, Sonoraville and Calhoun each advanced three wrestlers in the championship bracket, while Chattooga and LFO have a pair of grapplers still chasing state titles.
North Murray and Gordon Central each had one victory.
Northwest Whitfield's Dustin Pendergrass (145) was the only local wrestler to win his opening match in the Class AAAA tourney.
Gordon Lee will open action in the Class A tournament on Friday.
