Its a long wrestling season.

But the Dawson County varsity wrestlers hope that their season will keep going even longer as the Tigers look to turn in a big performance at the Area Traditional Tournament this Friday and Saturday.

The team will be aiming to land as many top-four finishes as possible in individual weight classes at the tournament to make sure it is well-represented at the State Sectionals the following weekend.

Not only would the Tigers like to top last years total of four qualifiers and two alternates, but they are more than capable this year after a strong regular-season campaign.

Dawson improved to an impressive 33-8 record last week after its tri-match against Gainesville (Class AAAAA) and Lumpkin (Class AAAA).

Leading the Dawson team were four wrestlers who went undefeated that night including sophomore Gavin Brown (182 pounds) who had two pins to remain undefeated at 44-0 this season.

Senior Evan Kells (170) also finished with two pins to improve his individual record to 42-3.

Senior Cory Jenkins (132) and junior Keaton Toal (195) both won their matches as well for Dawson.

The Tigers dropped their first match to a talented Lumpkin County team 46-21.

But Dawson returned to the mat with renewed determination later in the evening and bounced back with a 60-16 victory over Gainesville.

Earning individual wins against the Red Elephants were Jacob Haberkam (220), Harley Vaughan (Hwt.), Justin Evans (106), Harrison Adams (126), Levi Pressley (138), Anthony Underwood (113) and Zach Guy (160).

Dawson County will begin its competition at the Area Tournament this Friday in Pike County.