E.A. Sports Today

State wrestling duals

Weaver, Ranburne get through to Class 1A-4A semifinals, could match up for title Friday at Birmingham CrossPlex.

Weaver has advanced to the state wrestling duals semifinals for the first time. (Submitted photo)

By East Alabama Sports Today

A big week for Weaver wrestling just got bigger.

At Weaver, the Bearcats boys beat Dora 46-28 and Corner 51-18 in Saturday’s state Class 1A-4A duals action, punching their ticket to the state semifinals. Weaver will take on St. John Paul II.

Ranburne got through to the semifinals on the top side of the bracket, beating Oak Grove 42-39 and Cleburne County 39-33 at Oak Grove. The Bulldogs will battle St. James in the semifinals.

Both semifinals will be Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Birmingham CrossPlex. The 1A-4A finals start at 5:15 p.m.

Weaver has won the past two Class 1A-4A state titles in the traditional format and looks to add its first state duals title. They advanced to the duals semifinals for the first time.

Weaver placed 10 girls in the traditional state tournament, which plays out at Thompson High School on Wednesday and Thursday with placement matches Friday, at Birmingham CrossPlex.

“I’m relieved, to be honest,” Weaver coach Andy Fulmer said. “Really proud of our kids. Wrestled with tons of grit and heart.

“Special group of kids we have. They genuinely love each other and compete for one another.”

Weaver’s individual winners in both the Dora and Corner matches by weight class were Cael Fulmer (108), Peyton Andrews (115), Haiden Hise (122), Dylan Brown (140), Gianluca Torres (146), Caden Thornton (159) and Christopher Thornton (167).

Other winners against Dora included Dalton Fink (128) and Dashawn Kirby Barnes (152).

Gabriel Snyder (134), Brandon Jolliff (217) and Zachary Rhodes (287) scored victories against Corner.

Ranburne’s winners in the first round and quarterfinals were Carter Driver (108), Johnny Mack English (128), Curtis Daniel (167), Zack Buchanan (177) and Zaden Benefield (287).

Against Oak Grove, Ranburne also got wins from Isaac Calvert (217) and Cash Ward (152).

Hunter Hulsey (115), Jackson Ralston (122) and Braden Driver (140) won against Cleburne County.

Cleburne County’s winners in its quarterfinal match with Ranburne included Bronson Bell (134), Noah Morgan (146), Austen Mayfield (152), Colton Mayfield (159), Brayden Beam (192) and Will Johnson (217).

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