If you are

a wrestling fan, this weekend is like a godsend. The

4-AAAA and 4-AAA area meets start on Saturday, separated

the old Fayette County High School gym, while Sandy Creek

High School will be the setting for the 4-AAA meet.

Fayette

County is most likely the favorite this weekend at the

4-AAAA meet, though McIntosh has been wrestling well

recently. In fact, the last time the two rivals clashed,

at the Fayette County championships, it came down to the

last three wrestlers before a winner was decided. Fayette

County's strongest wrestlers are Jarrod Bailey (135),

Brad West (140), Nick Salters (160) and Phillip McFarlin

(171), while McIntosh's strongest are Ricky Smith (112),

his brother Eddie Smith (130) and Carlos Dinkins (125).

Both Fayette County and McIntosh will get solid

competition from the other schools in the meet,

especially LaGrange. The meet will begin at 9 a.m. on

Saturday.

Starr's

Mill is the obvious favorite in the 4-AAA meet. Last

year, the Panthers sent 13 of their 14 wrestlers to the

state meet, this year they're hoping to send their entire

lineup. Gary James (103) and Chris Coleman (145) are

still undefeated on the season and look to continue that

streak through the state meet. The Panthers are also

getting strong performances from Ariston Bowers (140),

Drew Cofty (152), and Clint Barbour (189). Sandy Creek

has some solid wrestlers as well; John Hilton (103), Ryan

Stanfield (130) and Larry Wright (140).

The state

meet will be held at McEachern next Friday and Saturday

and several county wrestlers should place, if not finish

first.