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The South Stanly wrestling team had seven wrestlers qualify for this week’s state finals after competing in the 1A East Regionals at Rosewood High School last Tuesday.

Three South wrestlers earned second-place finishes, including Michael Gabbard at 152 pounds. Gabbard had a bye in the first round and then earned a 13-5 majority decision versus Bishop McGuinness wrestler JAcob Regitz. The South junior then pinned Rosewood’s Kaleb Davis in 45 seconds to reach the finals. Gabbard lost in the finals to Uwharrie Charter’s Grayson Roberts by decision, 12-9.

At 160 pounds, Trent Drake also finished second for the Bulls. After a first-round bye, the South senior pinned Keovin Vance of Rosewood in 3:28. Drake advanced because of an opponent’s injury in the semifinals, falling in the finals to Uwharrie Charter wrestler Doug Bowles in 58 seconds.

Tony Rogers also earned a second place finish for South wrestling at 220 pounds. He had byes in the first two rounds, then won by pinfall in 30 seconds versus Tyler Stevens of Pamlico County. He lost in the finals to Rosewood’s Tyler Parish by pinfall in 1:21.

Ranfere Garcia finished third for South at 138 pounds. He had a bye and a pinfall before losing in the semifinals. The sophomore bounced back in the third-place match with a pinfall in 4:34 versus Rosewood’s Gavin Davis.

The other third-place finish for South came from Hunter Barrier at 170 pounds. Barrier also had a first-round bye and advanced to the semis with a pinfall in 2:58. After losing in the semis 8-6, Barrier won by pinfall in 4:41 versus Pamlico’s Trevor Wood.

Chris Ramierz (120 pounds) and Jaquavius Caraway (132) both placed fourth in their respective weight classes and advanced to the state tournament.

The 1A state finals will be Saturday at Glenn High School in Kernersville. Weigh-in will be at 8 a.m., with matches starting at 9.