By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

Everyone is chasing Jefferson.

Jefferson has set the standard for wrestling excellence in Georgia for more than 15 years.

Since 2001, Jefferson has won every state championship possible whether it’s in the traditional or dual-meet format.

Jefferson will look to continue that amazing run of dominance this week when it participates in the Class AAAA state duals in Macon.

Among the 15 other teams hoping to end Jefferson’s remarkable run of success is Troup, which is coming off a championship in the Area 5-AAAA duals.

The tournament begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday when the final two teams standing will meet in the championship match on Saturday.

While a loss will end a team’s chances of winning the title, it would still have a chance to finish as high as third after falling into the loser’s bracket.

Troup, which went 3-0 in the area duals on Saturday, will face Columbus in its state opener on Thursday.

If Troup wins, it would face either Baldwin or Woodward Academy in the second round.

If Troup wins three in a row, it would be in the championship match, possibly against Jefferson.

A year ago, Troup finished fourth in the state duals after winning the area title.

On the heels of another impressive performance at area, Troup could be poised to make another run at state this year.

“We wrestled really well (at area),” Troup head coach Craig Garner said. “We hope we’re starting to put it all together. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going.”

STATE DUALS

WHEN: Thursday through Saturday

WHERE: Macon Coliseum

WHO: Jefferson, Luella, Marist, Cairo, Heritage, Cross Creek, Central-Carroll, West Laurens, Troup, Columbus, Baldwin, Woodward Academy, Blessed Trinity, Perry, North Oconee, Gilmer County