Josh Irwin and the Gaffney wrestling team open their season tonight against Dorman. Ledger Sports Editor

The Gaffney wrestlers haven’t faced a schedule like this in years - 12 dual matches, two tournaments and a three-team match.

Second-year coach Greg Lawson thinks they’ll be up for the challenge.

“I’m excited about the prospect of what we can do,” he said. “Number-wise we have more wrestlers out than last year.”

The Indians open their season tonight at home against Dorman. They’ll also meet Ridge View and Byrnes before participating in the Byrnes Invitational over the holidays.

They’re also scheduled to wrestle in the Bearcat Invitational before a difficult stretch of dual matches with Fort Mill and Rock Hill - the favorites in the region.

“We are in a real tough region now,” Lawson said. “We have Rock Hill and Fort Mill and they are two of the premier wrestling programs.”

Lawson said he’s still unsettled on several weight classes, including 103 lbs., 125 lbs., 130 lbs., 152 lbs. and 160 lbs. But Lawson will be relying on some veterans at most of the lower weight classifications. Camron Snuggs is back at 112 lbs., while Jonathan Snuggs returns at 119.

Both wrestlers rely on technique.

“We are looking for big years from both of them,” he said.

Josh Irwin, who was named the most outstanding wrestler at the Fort Mill tournament a season ago, is at 135 lbs.

Andrew Larsen at 140 lbs. and 145-lb. David Lux, who reached the Upper State qualifier last season, also return.

Sean Wasco, who also qualified for the Upper State last year, will wrestle in the 171 lbs. weight class.

Robbie Peterson is at 185 lbs., while Kevin Smith and Justin McDaniel will wrestle at heavyweight.

“I think we’ll be better this year,” Lawson said.