Danny Federico - reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Suwannee High School hosted its annual Billy Saylor Duals wrestling tournament on Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11, drawing 16 top-tier high school programs for two days of intense competition. The Bulldogs advanced to the finals after dominating the competition in the preliminary rounds, ultimately securing second place in the prestigious event with an impressive 7-1 record.
Commanding victories marked Suwannee's path to the finals. The Bulldogs opened with a staggering 77-3 win over the Mosley Dolphins, followed by a 64-18 triumph over the Crystal River Pirates. They continued their dominant run with a 52-26 victory over the Fleming Island Golden Eagles and capped off the preliminary rounds with a 56-16 win against the Bay High School Tornadoes.
In the finals, the Bulldogs faced a tough challenge against Zephyrhills High School, which is ranked second in the state of Florida. Suwannee battled hard but ultimately fell 49-26. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs' performance throughout the tournament was a highlight of the team's resilience and skill.
The duals also saw the Bulldogs claim a decisive victory against the Lincoln Marauders in a third-round matchup of the finals, winning 48-22. The Marauders secured third place in the tournament standings, having fallen to Zephyrhills 48-30 earlier in the second round of the finals.
Ultimately, Zephyrhills claimed first place, followed by the Bulldogs in second and the Marauders in third.
The Billy Saylor Duals have long been a highlight of Suwannee's wrestling program calendar, providing a platform for wrestlers to test their skills against top-tier opponents. This year's event continues the tradition, serving as a testament to the strength and dedication of Suwannee's athletes while also spotlighting the intensity of high school wrestling in the region.
With their strong showing at the duals, the Bulldogs look to build on this momentum as they prepare for Regionals on Thursday, Jan. 16. The matchup will begin at 5 p.m. at Suwannee High School, located at 1314 Pine Ave. SW, in Live Oak.
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