Mat Eagles Take Third In Area Duals

The Mat Eagles of East Jackson just missed a trip to the state duals in Macon Saturday, as they took third in the Area Duals, held at EJCHS.

East Jackson tied Banks County in the semifinal round on Saturday, but was beat on criteria, sending Banks to the championship match with Jefferson.

Jefferson beat the Leopards for the top spot on Saturday.

East Jackson went on to face Dawson County for third, taking the win on a criteria tiebreaker.

Coach Frank Caputo said despite the loss to Banks, the team did a tremendous job of not getting down.

“I felt since we didn't qualify for state they would be down,” he said. “They bounced back and beat North Oconee and Dawson. It was very pleasing to see our guys grow. We overcame adversity and responded like young champions.”

The Mat Eagles were slated to face Eastside and Salem on Tuesday on the road. Results were unavailable at press time. East Jackson will next host White County and Rockmart on Tuesday, Jan. 20.