The Social Circle High School wrestling team gave thanks a day early by winning the Parkview Thanksgiving Duals tournament Nov. 25 for the second year in a row. The Redskins dominated their pool and went 5-0 for the day by beating AAAAAA (6A) Lee County High School 54-15 in the cross-over championship.

The event included 10 teams from Georgia and South Carolina (Social Circle, Lee County, West Oak (SC), Brookwood, Woodland (Henry County), Hiram, Parkview, Elbert County, Discovery, and Forest Park). The Redskins scores were: SCHS 78, Discovery 6; SCHS 79, Woodland 3; SCHS 75, Parkview 3; SCHS 51, West Oak 24; SCHS 54, Lee County 15 for the tournament.

Social Circle Randy Prater was extremely happy with the performance of his grapplers in their season opener.

“It was great getting a win in a highly respected tournament early in the season,” Prater said. “It was fun wrestling some teams that we will not see at any other time in the season. The West Oak team from South Carolina was state champions last year.”

Prater also mentioned that fact that “we have attended this tourney for years now. There are always good teams like Gilmer, Alexander and Union Grove. It’s been great winning the last two years.”

The Redskins are off to a strong start on their way to defend their dual and traditional championships from last year. It will be interesting how SCHS handles their success. Gone are the days of the little engine that could, the Redskins will be every teams target at each tournament. This is a very strong team even with the loss of some very good wrestlers. Social Circle has 10 returning state placers in the 14-man lineup which includes five returning state champions.