Class AAAAA: Collins Hill completes three-peat

By Brandon Brigman
GNWA Correspondent

Fans across the state are ready to claim Collins Hill the greatest team ever in Georgia history. Eagles coach Cliff Ramos isn't ready to talk about where his team ranks among the state's best.
"Talk to me Feb. 20 about that," Ramos said. "We don't have that wrapped up."
Collins Hill defeated Pope on Saturday at the Macon Centreplex for the second year in a row to win the Class AAAAA state championship. It was the third straight title for the Eagles and the fourth in six years.
The Eagles were dominate against Pope just like they have been for most of the season. During the state tournament, Collins Hill only lost six individual matches during its four dual wins.
Collins Hill defeated Johnson-Savannah (84-0), Centennial (58-11) and Valdosta (60-6) to reach the finals. Against Pope, the Eagles jumped out a large lead before winning 38-9.
"Losing for this team hurts. This is the best team we've ever had. I'm not sure it matters who you lose to," Pope coach Jim Haskin said. "They have a very good team and should be proud of what they accomplished."
Bazell Partridge (decision), Joseph Doyague (major decision), T.J. Mitchell (pin), Steven Bradtmueller (decision) and Devante Brown (major decision) picked up wins to give Collins Hill a 20-0 lead.
Mac Bennet's win at 189 pounds clinched the state title for the Eagles.
Joel Smith (decision), Jamie Hertica (decision), Nick Holbert (decision), Thomas Delain (decision) and Drew Ferguson (decision) added wins for the Eagles.
The Eagles are ranked No. 11 in the nation by Amateur Wrestling News, which is the highest ranking ever for a Georgia team. Collins Hill has traveled to national tournaments throughout the season, winning the Toshiba Midwest Classic in Kansas City and placing second at the Powerade Invitational in Pennsylvania. The Eagles are 25-1 in duals this season, with the lone loss coming to No. 4 ranked Brandon (Fla.) by 10 points.
Collins Hill will compete in the prestigious Final Four dual tournament in Pa. this weekend before returning to defend its traditional state championship next month.
"It's just going to get tougher," Mitchell said.  "We got the Final Four this weekend where we'll wrestle the No. 1 team in the nation (Blair Academy, N.J).