The North Hall wrestling team moved one step closer to capturing its second Class 3A title in the past three seasons Thursday with a 54-14 win over Pike County in the quarterfinals of the state tournament in Macon. 

The Trojans received a bye in the first round and dispatched the Pirates in a night bout following Pike County’s win over Benedictine earlier in the day.

“We were pleased to get a win to start the tournament out,” North Hall coach David Nichols said. We’re just looking at it one round at a time. You’ve got to get started the right way.” 

With the win, North Hall will move on to take on Jackson County in the state semifinals today at 6 p.m.

It will be a rematch of last year’s state semifinal, a contest that the Trojans won 43-18 to advance to the title bout. 

“We’ve had some good matches with them in the past,” Nichols said. “So we look forward to the matchup tomorrow.”

North Hall was not the only Hall County school to compete in the state meet on Thursday.

Gainesville upset Evans 46-34 in the first round of the Class 6A tournament, but fell 71-3 to Creekview in the second. 

The Red Elephants will match up with the winner of Sequoyah and Stephenson in the consolation bracket today. 

Flowery Branch fell to Gilmer in the opening round of the Class 4A tournament, 48-22. The Falcons will look to bounce back in the consolation bracket today when they take on Columbus.