MCHS grapplers open season Tuesday vs. Banks County

Madison County’s wrestling team opens its 2012-13 season in “The Barn” Tuesday against Banks County.

Red Raider head coach Ritchie Houston says he’s not quite sure what to expect from his team. The squad is very young this year, with only two seniors Max Nash and Donnie Harper. The Red Raiders also returns Erik Smith from last year.

“Everybody else is pretty new except for those three,” said Houston.

Of course, the coach is pretty excited about Nash’s prospects for this season. The senior standout has wrestled twice a week since the end of last season in Gwinnett County. Nash, who will wrestle at 132 lbs., is drawing some college interest.

“He’s our stud,” said Houston of the senior who was eliminated last year in the state consolation quarterfinals. “He was one round away from placing.”

The coach said he’s also impressed with the off-season efforts of two young guys, Dylan Gaddis, 106 lbs., and Justin Bishop, 113 lbs.

“They made all 27 workouts this summer,” said Houston. “They’re two good freshmen.”

Houston said the region’s top team this year could be Chestatee.

“They’re athletic and strong,” said Houston. “It won’t be easy.”

The JV wrestling Red Raiders open their season this Saturday at the JV Rockdale Bulldawg Tournament. The JV will then participate in the Athens Christian JV Tournament Nov. 24. Madison County’s varsity wrestlers will then hit the mats again at Franklin County Nov. 27.