The 2026 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Wrestling State Championships unfolded over four days beginning February 11, showcasing the state’s top high‑school wrestlers across dozens of weight classes. The tournament’s single‑elimination brackets produced a series of decisive victories, with several athletes securing falls or technical falls en route to the finals.
Semifinal Highlights
In the 106‑1A class, Bryson Rutledge of Chattooga pinned Walker Compton (Oglethorpe County) 34‑2 in just 1:30, while Elijah Merritt (Fitzgerald) fell Cooper Saine (Gordon Lee) 8‑0 in 3:52. Social Circle’s Gable Hargrove dominated Josh Chandler (Trion) 56‑2 with a 0:22 fall, and CRUZ FLOYD (Elbert County) advanced by decision over Ty Smith (Bowdon) 54‑7 to 24‑4.
Other notable semifinals included Noah Brown (Gordon Lee) earning a technical fall over Ethaen Shroyer (Bremen) 45‑1, and James Sievers (Social Circle) pinning Houston Simmons (McNair) 51‑1. Walker Woodard (Social Circle) and Pace Lilenfeld (Mt Pizgah Presbyterian) also secured victories by fall and major decision respectively.
Quarterfinal Overview
Across the quarterfinals, Bryson Rutledge continued his surge, falling Luke Solomon (Berrien County) 34‑2 in under a minute. Elijah Merritt posted a major decision over Colt Redman (Commerce Hs) 8‑0 (16‑3). Gable Hargrove again won by fall, this time over Jude Evearitt (Dade County) 56‑2.
In the 120‑1A bracket, Noah Brown (Gordon Lee) secured a rapid fall over COOPER WEST (Elbert County) 45‑1, while Kaleb Jones (Social Circle) fell Khai Baker (Georgia Military College) 26‑5. Walker Woodard (Social Circle) achieved a technical fall against JESUS MILLS (Elbert County) 54‑3 (15‑0). The 165‑1A class saw Harrison Murdock (Christian Heritage) dominate Lane Moran (Heard County) 14‑0 (17‑2 TF).
Round of 16 Recap
The round of 16 featured several high‑scoring bouts. Bryson Rutledge (Chattooga) again won by fall, this time over Alan Myers (Dublin) 34‑2 in 1:09. Noah Brown (Gordon Lee) pinned Rylan Benton (Brantley County HS) 45‑1. In the 106‑1A class, Lane Fleming (Elbert County) recorded a technical fall against Keller Stringer (Brantley County HS) 35‑14 (15‑0).
Social Circle’s Lauden Ethridge posted a fall over Michael Hansen (Haralson County) 55‑2, while Cohen Hargrove (Social Circle) fell Max Brady (Georgia Military College) 51‑3. James Sievers (Social Circle) continued his dominance with a fall over Jimmy Thomas (Montgomery Co Hs) 51‑1.
For a complete view of the brackets, notice the GHSA Wrestling State Championship Brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wrestlers won their semifinal matches by fall?
Bryson Rutledge (Chattooga) in 106‑1A, Elijah Merritt (Fitzgerald) in 106‑1A, Gable Hargrove (Social Circle) in 113‑1A, Noah Brown (Gordon Lee) in 120‑1A, James Sievers (Social Circle) in 138‑1A, Walker Woodard (Social Circle) in 144‑1A, and several others secured falls as listed in the semifinal results.
What is a technical fall and how often did it occur?
A technical fall ends the match when a wrestler leads by 15 points. The results show multiple technical falls, such as Noah Brown’s 45‑1 win over Ethaen Shroyer (120‑1A) and Harrison Murdock’s 14‑0 win over Lane Moran (165‑1A).
Which weight class had the most decisive victories?
The 106‑1A and 120‑1A classes featured several quick falls and technical falls, indicating particularly decisive outcomes in those divisions.
What moments from this tournament stood out to you, and how might they shape the upcoming season for these athletes?
