Newton Citizen

CONYERS - The Rockdale wrestling team made its 2007 season debut Tuesday night in a tri-match with Stone Mountain and Eagle's Landing.

The results were positive.

The Bulldogs wiped the mats with both Eagle's Landing and Stone Mountain to collect their first two wins of the year.

"It was a great start to the season," Rockdale coach Craig Hargrove said. "For them to come out at home and put on that type of performance gives us the momentum we need to go into the season."

The key for the Bulldogs wasn't just their execution, but their conditioning as well.

"Right now, we're in really good shape," Hargrove said. "A lot of those matches were close, and we were able to battle back and win in the third period. Some of our other guys were able to come out quick and get the pin. The conditioning really played a factor. If we can keep pushing that kind of pace, we're going to do well this year."

Against Eagle's Landing, the Bulldogs came out fast and strong and took a 54-17 win over the Golden Eagles.

Jake Morris (pin), Luis Ponce (pin), Dartareian Larry (points), Joseph Richardson (pin), John Collins (points), Ahmed Burton (pin), Ben Gregory (forfeit), Kafuba Donzon (pin) and Jimmy Brown (pin) all gathered wins against Eagle's Landing.

The spread was even greater against Stone Mountain as Rockdale rolled to an 84-15 victory.

Morris (pin), Eris Banks (pin), Ponce (forfeit), Larry (pin), Richardson (pin), Collins (forfeit), Burton (points), Brown (points), and Michael Taylor (forfeit) all contributed to the win.

Rockdale hits the mats again Saturday in the East Metro Duals at Heritage High School.

Brandon Evans can be reached at brandon.evans@rockdalecitizen.com