By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Millington Trojan and Munford Cougar wrestlers made the trip to Franklin this weekend for the TSSAA State Championships (Division I Class A, Division I Class AA, Girls) to be held at the Williamson County Ag Exposition Arena.
Class A 132
Munford High School is home to a State champion in wrestling. Senior Wemawamungu Moktani is the best of 132 pounds in Class A for Tennessee in 2022.
Known as “Moe,” the senior grappler’s journey to the top of the medal stand started with a win over Holden Roaten (Elizabethton). Next up was a pinfall victory for Moktani over Wyatt Davis from Whitwell.
The third match of the tournament would be a win for Moe taking down Sam Hutchison (Knoxville Halls). The only person standing in Moktani’s way of the crown was junior Grant Hawkinson from Page High School. Moktani’s survival over Hutchison seemed to give him an extra boost as he dominated the championship round 12-4 to win the State title.
Class A 106
Millington sophomore William Howard won the first round match over Aiden Loy from Carter High School. Chris Lagorio from Hixson was able to defeat Howard in the second round. Having to win out to reach the medal stand, Howard started off well with a win over Justin Frank from Tullahoma. But Howard’s second defeat came in the next round courtesy of Luke Carpenter from East Hamilton.
Class A 138
With a pair of standouts at this weight level, seniors Garrett Haley of Millington and Christian Perez Jr. of Munford were on a collision course.
The two Regional rivals picked up first round wins with Haley beating Juleon Maldonado from Gibbs. Perez took care of Charles Dabney from Greeneville. The area duo suffered defeats in the sound round. That delayed the Perez vs. Haley final showdown. Perez advanced with a win over Dezsel Rambaud from David Crockett. Haley beat Beau Banks from Tullahoma.
Finally those who made the drive to Franklin from West Tennessee got a chance to see two of the best on the mat one more time. But this Perez/Haley match would end in injury. Haley suffered a separated shoulder. After checking on his rival, Perez advanced to take on Perry Roller from Tennessee High School. Roller picked up the win ending Perez’s day.
Class A 152
Another Millington senior represented the school in this weight class with De’anton Yarbrough. Taking on three tough draws, Yarbrough dropped his opener to Josh Ward from Page High School. Then the man known as “Ant” won his second match with a pin over Aiden Fennell. Then Wes Sexton from Knoxville Halls eliminated Yarbrough 7-2.
Class A 285
Trojan senior TJ Graves made another trip to State and his first match was against a fellow 12th grader in Trenton Taylor of Elizabethton. The battle was won by Taylor and Graves had to win or go home. His next match was his final on the mat in black and gold. Jacob Nealen of Cumberland County was able to outlast Graves to stay alive.
