MACON — Bulloch Academy’s wrestlers captured another state-level tournament as they continue to march toward the GISA Class AAA state crown.
    The Gators won the Class AAA Coaches Association State Duals title Saturday at Windsor Academy, wrapping up a perfect 13-0 duals season.
    “This is the first time a Bulloch Academy team has ever won the state duals tournament and the first time that we have ever qualified for it,” BA head coach Andy Tomlin said. “Our kids have worked so hard this season and have really held strong in some shaky and uncertain times at tournaments. Their success is through hard work and sacrifice. I am so very blessed and honored to be a part of this team and this program.”
    Bulloch had a bye in the opening round of action. The Gators blasted Deerfield-Windsor, 61-12, in round two, nipped Mount de Sales, 48-36, in the semifinals and outpointed Westfield, 48-30, in the finals to win the tournament.
    Seven Gators won all three of their matches: Justin Lane at the 106-pound division, Joshua Bohannon at 113, Mitchell Ball at 120, Daniel Hendrix at 126, Caleb Bohannon at 170, Asa Johnson at 182 and Codi Johnson at 195. Eddie Howard was 2-1 at 138, Loy Waters had an impressive win at 152 and Mitchell Smith had an exciting overtime victory at 152.
    “This is how all of the hard work pays off,” Tomlin said. “It’s not over yet though and the kids know it. They know that we still have to keep pushing and stay humble.”
    Bulloch hosts the Region 3-AAA traditional tournament Jan. 25 and then travels to Tattnall Square Academy in Macon for the state traditional tournament Feb. 3-4.
    “One of our goals is to win the region crown,” Tomlin said. “Our major goal is to take what we were so close to capturing last season (the Class AAA state championship).”