Tallassee finished third at the Class 1A-5A wrestling sectional in Montgomery, Friday and Saturday. Seven THS wrestlers placed within the top eight to qualify for this week's state finals in Hunstville.
Lone senior Zak Haynes (39-3) was a sectional champion in the 126 pound weight class. Mason Bell (58-4) was second in 152. Christian McCrary (48-8) was third in 132. Brendan Emfinger (42-16) in 113, John Burnham (40-19) in 138 and Jake DeBardelaben (43-18) in 160 each placed fourth. Seventh grader Land Bell (48-12) was sixth in 106.
Alexandria took first place in the regional. Ranburne was second.
Tallassee went 31-12 as a team this season. The Tigers placed 11th in the Class 1A-5A team standing at state last year.
Class 1A-5A Sectional Team Standings
1. Alexandria 2. Ranburne 3. Tallassee 4. Beauregard 5. Lincoln 6. Weaver 7. Pike Road 8. Cleburne County 9. Satsuma 10. Saint James 11. Saks 12. Elmore County 13. Piedmont 14. Shelby County 15. Montevallo 16. Thomasville 17. Montgomery Catholic 18. TR Miller 19. Pleasant Valley 20. Ohatchee 21. WS Neal 22. White Plains 23. Reeltown 24. Prattville Christian 25. Alabama School for the Blind 26. Elberta 27. Beulah 28. Holtville 29. Brewbaker Tech 30. Walter Welborn 31. Houston Academy 32. Charles Henderson
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With the wrestling postseason quickly approaching, Tallassee’s Zack Haynes knew he had to get back on the mats to shake off any rust before competing in this weekend’s sectional tournament. After going more than three weeks without a match due to a shoulder injury, Haynes returned to the mat last Tuesday night and pinned Pike Road’s Jacob Arnett at 126 pounds to announce his return.
“It was very exciting for all of us,” Tallassee coach John Mask said. “He continued to work even when he was out so to see him come back with success like that was awesome.”
Haynes did not stop there as he earned two more pins during the regular-season finale, helping the Tigers to a pair of victories to finish the duals season. Haynes improved to 35-3 on the year and is the Elmore County Player of the Week.