Mike Mason coached a two-time state champion last year in D.J. Heard.

The Carrollton High School 119-pound wrestler has since moved on, obviously, but Mason certainly sees a lot of his qualities spilling over into his new crop of grapplers.

Whether or not any of them eventually become state champions is yet to been seen, but that first step toward earning a state berth begins Saturday at the Region 6-AAA Individuals Tournament at Cass.

Mt. Zion, Bremen and Bowdon, meanwhile, will be competing at the Region 6-A Individuals, which the Red Devils will play host. Matches begin at 9 a.m. at both sites.

And while Mason realizes it would be unfair to compare any of his current wrestlers to the likes of Heard, many of them did learn quite a bit from him during the past years.

“Just his work ethic was incredible,” Mason said. “We have some kids like that. James Bennett and Michael Trager. Brian Butler, Mason Mitchem. All them guys have learned from D.J.’s work ethic and tried to implement it.”

Now they’ll have a shot at working their way to the state level, which will take place at the Gwinnett Arena Thursday, Feb. 21, through Saturday, Feb. 23.

The top four individuals from each weight class from Saturday’s region meets will advance to state.

Mason said he expects seven of his wrestlers to advance and could have anywhere up to 11 move on.

He noted that the wrestlers he expects to get seeded Friday night include Butler (103 lbs.), Alfredo Roacha (112 lbs.), Mitchem (119 lbs.), Brandon Kennedy (125 lbs.), Bennett (130 lbs.), Heath Brown (135 lbs.), Josh Young (152 lbs.) and Brandon Dickerson (285 lbs.).

“Then I figure three or four may be able to get in there,” Mason said. “If we get anything over 11, we will have coached our tail off. But I really expect 10 to 11.”

Mitchem has yet to lose to anyone in the area, but he’ll more than likely run into Cass’ top wrestler at that weight class, who just happens to be a two-time state champion himself.

Mason said Cass is the hands-down favorite to win, but thinks Carrollton has a strong shot at second place.

“We expect a good showing,” Mason said. “Cass is extremely loaded this year with several seniors, so they’re going to be tough to beat. Sandy Creek is hot on our heels for second. We’ll be battling for second place with Sandy Creek.”