Willie Saylor, Editor

The big news this week came from Ohio, where St. Edward, who has been wrestling one of the toughest schedules you’ll ever see, downed Michigan powers St. Johns and Detroit Catholic Central.

Eds won 10 bouts in a 39-15 win over previous #3-St. Johns, after ousting #13-DCC, 41-12.

During the course of the season, Eds competed against every team in the Top 15 other than #4-Canon McMillan and #8-Bettendorf. Their only blemish was a narrow 27-22 dual loss at the hands of #1-Blair.

In Iowa…

A showdown between the states two top squads took place in the finals of the Mendenhall duals where #8-Bettendorf (Cheesehead Runners-Up) took on #17-Southeast Polk (Cheesehead 4^th).

SEP turned two deficits into falls, as the Rams upset Bettendorf, 34-29.

At 160, SEP’s Tim Miklus trailed Drake Chase 3-0 in the third and got the pin. And at 106, it was the Bett’s Jake Schwarm up comfortably 10-2 with in the waning moments of the bout. Schwarm was looking for a fall when the hold broke and SEP’s Aaron Meyer pounced on top for a pin of his own.

In Pennsylvania, #11-Bethlehem Catholic (Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd, ETR Champs) gave HM-Easton their second loss in a week. Easton, which wrestled a grueling slate of their own this last week, beat Collins Hill and lost to Blair at the Final Four two Saturdays ago. During the week the beat the always competitive Northampton (PA) on Wednesday, cross-river rival Phillipsburg on Thursday, and took on BECA Saturday.

In a pressure-packed dual featuring the reigning AA Dual Champions and the AAA Dual Runners-Up, the two squads traded seven bouts, with BECA posting more bonus points and a 29-26 win.

Changes:

After some consideration and the results from St. Johns’ most meaningful competition of the year, there is some reorganization in the middle of the Top 10. Canon-Mac jumps up to #4. They’re undefeated in duals, including a thrashing of the field at Virginia Duals with a win over the 5^th place Clash team, #12-Christiansburg, 47-18, in which they won 10 of 14 bouts.

St. Johns, who won just four bouts in their dual with #2-St. Edward, moves from #3 to #7, behind Brandon and Clovis, who were both 1^st bracket finalists at the Clash.

And Non-Changes:

Southeast Polk upset the higher-ranked Bettendorf for the second week in a row, suggesting it may not be an upset at all. But Bettendorf has been missing star 220lber, Nate Shaw.

Combine that with Bettendorf’s outplacing of SEP at the Cheesehead, and the circumstances of the dual win (a 19point swing if the two results hold as opposed to the falls the other way), and we’ll defer to their impending future match-ups. The two will see each other on a few more occasions this season.

This Week:

A big dual looms in the Sooner State. Last week both #19-Broken Arrow and #20-Tulsa Union beat Sapulpa, the #3 team in Oklahoma. BA and Union will tangle on Thursday. Here are there box scores from Sapulpa:

Broken Arrow 47, Sapulpa 18

106: Simmons (BA) t.f. E. Jones, 17-2. 113: Edwards (BA) p. Draffin, 1:17. 120: C. Clark (BA) d. Heiden, 7-4. 126: N. Clark (BA) p. C. Jones, 1:56. 132: Archer (BA) d. Conley, 3-1. 138: Boland (S) p. Ferman 2:55. 145: T. Bailey (BA) p. Luper, 1:11. 152: P. Bailey (BA) p. Barrett, 3:29. 160: Foshee (BA) d. Mendez, 9-7. 170: Warren (BA) p. Daniels, 3:35. 182: Keigley (S) d. M. Owens, 5-2. 195: Cotter (S) d. Calvert, 8-1. 220: Fisher (BA) d. Johnston, 3-2. 285: Duke (S) p. Hamilton, 1:28.

Union 36, Sapulpa 30

106: Godfrey (U) d. Jones, 6-2; 113: Heiden (S) m.d. Lombardo, 9-1; 120: Walker (U) p. Jones, 3:28; 126: Wolfenberger (U), inj. def. Peper; 132: B.Crutchmer (U) m.d. Conley, 13-4; 138: Boland (S) p. Barr, 1:57; 145: Barrett (S) m.d. Ash, 12-3; 152: K.Ash (U) p. Daniels, 1:08; 160: Mendez (S) d. Young, 7-4; 170: Wilson (U) t.f. Keigley, 25-9; 182: K.Crutchmer (U) p. Busby, 1:00; 195: Johnston (S) d. Wegent, 5-1; 220: Cotter (S) d. Walser, 5-3; Hvy: Duke (S) p. Allya, 1:39.

#1-Blair had their dual with Bergen Catholic cancelled last week. But they’ll be back in action in a big way Saturday as they take on #9-Sr. Paris Graham.

And, how quickly the season moves! Several states are conducting legs of their postseason tournaments. Michigan and Pennsylvania begin their dual qualifying with district tournaments while Illinois and Indiana have Regional Duals. Virginia and Florida start their individual series with district tournaments.

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)

Last Week: Dual with Bergen Catholic cancelled
This Week: @ #9-St. Paris-Graham

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, Beast Champs, POWERade Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)

Last Week: Beat #3-St. Johns, 39-15; Beat #13-Detroit Catholic Central, 41-12

This Week: Home tri-meet, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up, Clash Champs, DI State Duals Champs

#3 Apple Valley – Minnesota  (4)

Last Week: Won Forest Lake Duals

This Week: Lakeville North, Thurs.; HM-Kasson-Mantorville, Fri.; Robbinsdale Armstrong Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Delano, 1^st – Minn. Christmas, Clash Runners-Up, Cheesehead Champs, Lisbon Champs

#4 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)

Last Week: Won Sectionals

This Week: District Championships

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – North Canton, 2^nd – Powerade, VA Duals Champs

#5 Clovis – California  (5)

Last Week: Beat Buchanan HS

This Week: @ Clovis North, Wed.; Mission San Jose Tournament Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments:  1^st – Newbury, 1^st - Clovis West Shootout, 1^st – Zinkin, Clash 3^rd, Doc B Champs, Temecula Valley Champs

#6 Brandon – Florida  (6)

Last Week: Won County Tournament

This Week:  District Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Cougar Invitational, 1^st – Graves, Clash 4^th, Ippolito Champs

#7 St. Johns– Michigan (3)

Last Week: Lost to #2-St. Edward, 39-15

This Week: CAAC League Tournament

Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs, Goodrich Champs, Redwing Invit. Champs

#8 Bettendorf – Iowa (8)

Last Week: Lost to #17-Southeast Polk, 34-29

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Keith Young, 1^st – KC Classic, Cheesehead Runners-Up, MAC Champs, Ed Winger Runners-Up

#9 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (10)

Last Week: Beat New Lexington

This Week: vs. #1-Blair Academy, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 3^rd at Ironman, Clash 6^th, DII State Duals Champs, Top Gun Champs

#10 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (9)

Last Week: 3-0 at Gilman Duals

This Week: @ Wyoming Valley West, Wed.; @ Delbarton, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st - Clyde Cole, Ironman 4^th, Beast Runners-Up, Bethlehem Holiday Champs, Eastern States Champs

#11 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (11)

Last Week: Beat HM-Easton, 29-26

This Week: District Duals, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd, Christmas City Champs, ETR Champs

#12 Christiansburg – Virginia (12)

Last Week: Lost to HM-Colonial Forge, 40-25

This Week: Individual Districts

Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7^th, Beast – 4^th, Clash 5^th, VA Duals Runners-Up

#13 Detroit Catholic Central – Michigan  (13)

Last Week: Lost to #2-St. Edward, 42-12

This Week: District Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Oakland County, Medina Champs

#14 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (14)

Last Week: Won three duals

This Week: Sectionals

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5^th, SW Ohio Champs, Clash 7^th, DI State Runners-Up, Catholic Schools Champs

#15 Simley – Minnesota (15)

Last Week: Beat HM-Kasson-Mantorville, 43-25

This Week: Suburban Conference Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Minn. Christmas Tournament, Clash 8^th, Cheesehead 3^rd

#16 Perry Meridian – Indiana (16)

Last Week: Won Sectionals

This Week: Regional Duals, Wed.; Regionals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Marion County, 1^st- North Montgomery

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (17)

Last Week: Defeated #8-Bettendorf, 34-29

This Week: Central Iowa Metro League Tournament, Fri./Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Gardner-Edgerton, Cheesehead 4^th, Ed Winger Champs

#18 Poway – California (18)

Last Week: Won Raul Huerta over HM-Bakersfield, 327 to 266

This Week: vs. Torrey Pines, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – El Dorado, 1^st – La Quinta Duals, 1^st – Reno TOC, 3^rd – Doc B, 2^nd – Temecula Valley

#19 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (19)

Last Week: Beat Sapulpa, 47-18

This Week: vs. #20-Tulsa Union, Thurs.; vs. Bishop Kelley, Fri.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8^th, Geary Champs, Sand Springs Champs

#20 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (20)

Last Week: Beat Sapulpa, 36-30

This Week: vs. #19-Broken Arrow, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Mid America Nationals, Reno Runners-Up, Geary Runners-Up, Newton Champs, Midwest Duals Champs

#21 Allen – Texas (21)

Last Week: Beat Southlake Central, 58-12

This Week: District Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – The Woodlands, 3^rd – Mid America Nationals, 5^th – KC Classic, Texas Outlaw Champs, Cheeshead 5^th , State Duals Champs, Midwest Duals Runners-Up

#22 Montini Catholic – Illinois (22)

Last Week: Beat Oak Park-River Forest, 37-24

This Week: Regional Tournament, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, 15^th, Dvorak Champs, Cheesehead 6^th

#23 Iowa City West – Iowa (23)

Last Week: Won MVC Tournament

This Week: vs. Waterloo East and Dubuque, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2^nd – Cedar Rapids Duals, 1^st – Battle of Waterloo, Dvorak – 3^rd, Ed Winger – 3^rd

#24 Lowell – Michigan (24)

Last Week: Lost to #3-St. Johns, 41-18; Beat #10-Detroit Catholic Central, 27-24

This Week: District Duals

Season Accomplishments: Beat #13-DCC, Beat Glenbard North

#25 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (25)

Last Week: Beat CD East and Garden Spot

This Week: District Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Brandywine, 5^th – Beast, 3^rd – POWERade

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA

Blue Springs, MO

Camden County, GA

Christian Brothers, TN

Collins Hill, GA

Colonial Forge, VA

Easton, PA

Foley, MN

Long Beach, NY

Lowell, MI

Luxemburg-Casco, WI

Kasson-Mantorville, MN

Massillon-Perry, OH

McDonogh School, MD

Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA

St. Michael-Albertville, MN

St. Peter’s Prep, NJ

Scott West, MN

Shenendehowa, NY

South Plainfield, NJ

Tuttle, OK

Wantagh, NY

West Fargo, ND

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

All questions and comments will be answered on our High School forum. Please direct your concerns there.

FORUMS

Again, we know we are far from perfect, but we do our best to stay on top of things, there are a lot of wrestlers across the nation. If you feel we are overlooking someone or are unaware of them, please send us a bio or fill out the ranking profile and a RESPECTFUL note as to why they should be ranked. This does not mean we will rank them, but it will give us info to follow that wrestler. You can send info to rankings@theopenmat.com

106

113

120

126

132

138

145

152

160

170

182

195

220

HWT

Willie Saylor, Editor

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)

Last Week: Won the Final Four
This Week: Dual vs. Bergen Catholic, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, Beast Champs, POWERade Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)

Last Week: Beat #11-St. Paris-Graham, 39-17

This Week: Double Dual (St. Johns/DCC/St. Vincent-St. Mary’s)

Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up, Clash Champs, DI State Duals Champs

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)

Last Week: @ Williamston Invitational

This Week: @ St. Ed’s Double Duals

Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs, Goodrich Champs

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota  (4)

Last Week: Won Lisbon Tournament

This Week: Bloomington-Kennedy, Fri.; Forest Lake Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Delano, 1^st – Minn. Christmas, Clash Runners-Up, Cheesehead Champs

#5 Clovis – California  (5)

Last Week: Beat Central HS

This Week: Central Valley Invitational, Sat.

Season Accomplishments:  1^st – Newbury, 1^st - Clovis West Shootout, 1^st – Zinkin, Clash 3^rd, Doc B Champs, Temecula Valley Champs

#6 Brandon – Florida  (6)

Last Week: Won Ippolito Tournament

This Week:  Hillsborough County Championships, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Cougar Invitational, 1^st – Graves, Clash 4^th

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)

Last Week: Won Sectional Championships

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – North Canton, VA Duals Champs

#8 Bettendorf – Iowa (8)

Last Week: Ed Winger Runners-Up

This Week: Mendenhall Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Keith Young, 1^st – KC Classic, Cheesehead Runners-Up, MAC Champs

#9 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (9)

Last Week: Won 3 Duals at Northfield Mt. Hermon

This Week: Gilman Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st - Clyde Cole, Ironman 4^th, Beast Runners-Up, Bethlehem Holiday Champs, Eastern States Champs

#10 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (11)

Last Week: Lost to #2-St. Edward, 39-17

This Week: @ #2-St. Edward, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 3^rd at Ironman, Clash 6^th, DII State Duals Champs, Top Gun Champs

#11 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (12)

Last Week: Beat Northampton; Parkland Snowed Out

This Week: vs. Liberty, Wed.; vs. #25-Easton, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd, Christmas City Champs, ETR Champs

#12 Christiansburg – Virginia (13)

Last Week: Won Big Blue Duals

This Week: Home Tri-Meet

Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7^th, Beast – 4^th, Clash 5^th, VA Duals Runners-Up

#13 Detroit Catholic Central – Michigan  (10)

Last Week: Lost to HM-Lowell, 27-24; Beat #14-Moeller, 34-19

This Week: @ St. Ed’s Super Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Oakland County, Medina Champs

#14 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (14)

Last Week: Lost to #10-Detroit Catholic Central, 34-19

This Week: vs. St. Xavier, Fri.; vs. Mason and Lakota East, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5^th, SW Ohio Champs, Clash 7^th, DI State Runners-Up, Catholic Schools Champs

#15 Simley – Minnesota (15)

Last Week: Beat St. Thomas and Mahtomedi

This Week: @ Henry Sibley, Thurs.; Swalla Duals @ HM-Kasson-Mantorville, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Minn. Christmas Tournament, Clash 8^th, Cheesehead 3^rd

#16 Perry Meridian – Indiana (16)

Last Week: beat Ben Davis HS

This Week: Sectionals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Marion County, 1^st- North Montgomery

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (17)

Last Week: Ed Winger Champs

This Week: vs. Johnston, Tues.; vs. Indianola, Thurs.; @ Ed Winger Invite, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Gardner-Edgerton, Cheesehead 4^th

#18 Poway – California (18)

Last Week: Beat Westview

This Week: vs. Mount Carmel, Thurs.; Canyon Springs Tournament, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – El Dorado, 1^st – La Quinta Duals, 1^st – Reno TOC, 3^rd – Doc B, 2^nd – Temecula Valley

#19 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (19)

Last Week: Beat Owasso

This Week: vs. Stillwater, Tues.; @ Claremore, Thurs.; @ Sapulpa, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8^th, Geary Champs, Sand Springs Champs

#20 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (20)

Last Week: Midwest Duals Champs. Beat #21-Allen, 34-30

This Week: vs. Sapulpa, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Mid America Nationals, Reno Runners-Up, Geary Runners-Up, Newton Champs

#21 Allen – Texas (21)

Last Week: Midwest Duals Runners-Up. Lost to #20-Tulsa Union, 34-30

This Week: Southlake, Thurs.; St. Marks Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – The Woodlands, 3^rd – Mid America Nationals, 5^th – KC Classic, Texas Outlaw Champs, Cheeshead 5^th , State Duals Champs

#22 Montini Catholic – Illinois (22)

Last Week: Mon two duals

This Week: vs. HM-Oak Park River Forest, Wed.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, 15^th, Dvorak Champs, Cheesehead 6^th

#23 Iowa City West – Iowa (23)

Last Week: Ed Winger, 3^rd

This Week: @ CR-Washington and CR-Prairie, Thurs.; Miss. Valley Conference Tourney, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2^nd – Cedar Rapids Duals, 1^st – Battle of Waterloo, Dvorak – 3^rd

#24 Lowell – Michigan (HM)

Last Week: Lost to #3-St. Johns, 41-18; Beat #10-Detroit Catholic Central, 27-24

This Week: @ East Grand Rapids and Holland, Wed.

Season Accomplishments:

#25 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (24)

Last Week: Beat Big Springs and Carlisle

This Week: @ CD East, Thurs.; @ Garden Spot, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Brandywine, 5^th – Beast, 3^rd – POWERade

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA

Blue Springs, MO

Camden County, GA

Christian Brothers, TN

Collins Hill, GA

Colonial Forge, VA

Easton, PA

Foley, MN

Long Beach, NY

Lowell, MI

Luxemburg-Casco, WI

Kasson-Mantorville, MN

Massillon-Perry, OH

McDonogh School, MD

Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA

St. Michael-Albertville, MN

St. Peter’s Prep, NJ

Scott West, MN

Shenendehowa, NY

South Plainfield, NJ

Tuttle, OK

Wantagh, NY

West Fargo, ND

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

All questions and comments will be answered on our High School forum. Please direct your concerns there.

FORUMS

Again, we know we are far from perfect, but we do our best to stay on top of things, there are a lot of wrestlers across the nation. If you feel we are overlooking someone or are unaware of them, please send us a bio or fill out the ranking profile and a RESPECTFUL note as to why they should be ranked. This does not mean we will rank them, but it will give us info to follow that wrestler. You can send info to rankings@theopenmat.com

106

113

120

126

132

138

145

152

160

170

182

195

220

HWT

There was no shortage of big time clashes last week. Before our rankings update, we’ll take you across the country with briefs of the major events.

NHSCA Wrestling Festival

#1-Blair Academy and #2-St. Edward battled in eastern PA. The result, which obviously had national title implications, was a tight and wild (if not controversial) affair.

The dual started at 138, meaning that an individual match-up of #2-Mark Grey and #7-Edgar Bright, would be the finale.

Blair swept the first three bouts, though no bonus points made the lead just 9-0. Ed’s won the next three with a major from #7-Mark Martin, putting the Eagles ahead, 10-9, before the teams would flop regular decisions heading to HWT.

With Blair now trailing, 13-12, #1-Brooks Black pinned Ed’s back-up Joe Belford, who was in for injured #3-Greg Kuhar, making the Bucs lead five points at the turn.

After a regular decision in Blair’s favor at 106, Ed’s Sr. Alex Moore posted an unexpected fall at 113. Blair 21, Ed’s 19.

Joey McKenna, who started the season at 113 for Blair, and who is ranked 3^rd nationally at that weight, wrestled 120 and downed Colin Heffernan, 7-1. The Blair lead was back to five with two bouts to go, 24-19.

Ed’s stud, #5-Dean Heil, took a 4-1 decision from HM-Max Hvolbeck, to set up the drama.

Grey was in deep on a shot early, but after a wild scramble, no points were earned.

At the end of the period, a controversial call developed when Bright was initially awarded a takedown when he had a cradle locked up. It was subsequently blown off after referees and table workers conferred.

After a relatively uneventful remainder of regulation and neutral portion of overtime, Grey rode out Bright before gaining a quick escape to start his portion of the ride-out, sealing Blair’s win 27-22.

Box Score:

138: #5-Todd Preston, BA, dec. Nick Barber, STE, 4-2 – BA 3-0

145: #9-Dylan Milonas, BA, dec. Markus Scheidel, STE, 12-6 – BA 6-0

152: #16-Russ Parsons, BA, dec. Martin Van Curen, STE, 7-1 – BA 9-0

160: HM-Jacob Davis, STE, dec. HM-Patrick Coover, BA, 2-1 – BA 9-3

170: #7-Mark Martin, STE, md. Addison Knepshield, 14-3 BA – 9-7

182: #12-Domenic Abounader, STE, dec. Michael Mocco, BA, 10-3 – STE 10-9

195: #14-Frank Mattiace, BA, dec. #17-James Suvak, STE, 3-0 – BA 12-10

220: #11-Ty Walz, STE, dec. David Farr, BA, 10-8 OT – STE 13-10

HWT: #1-Brooks Black, BA, wbf. Joe Belford – BA 18-13

106: Jordan Kutler, BA, dec. LJ Bentley, STE, 4-2 – BA 21-13

113: Alex Moore, STE, wbf. Chaz Tucker, BA – BA 21-19

120: #3-Joey McKenna, BA, dec. Colin Heffernan, STE, 7-1 – BA 24-19

126: #5-Dean Heil, STE, dec. HM-Max Hvolbeck, BA, 4-1 – BA 24-22

132: #2-Mark Grey, BA, dec. #7-Edgar Bright, STE, 2-1 OT – 27-22

Virginia Duals

Canon-McMillan looked good in storming through a tough VA Duals National High School Bracket. Wrestling without two-time state finalist, Connor Schram (120) didn’t prevent the #7 Big Macs from bringing home the title in dominant fashion. In their four dual victories, they dropped just ten individual bouts. In the semi’s they doubled up HM-McDonogh (MD), 44-22. In the finals, they took out #13-Christiansburg, the 5^th place finisher at this year’s Clash. From 138 on, Canon Mac lost just one match to the Blue Demons. The 3^rd place dual featured two Honorable Mention squads. South Plainfield won the first seven bouts over McDonogh, who then won the last seven. But bonus points were the difference as SP took it, 37-32.

Iowa City West Duals

#4-Apple Valley, #23-Iowa City West, HM-Oak Park River Forest, and Marmion Academy got together for a great quad.

First Round
#4-Apple Valley 44  – OPRF 20
#23-ICW 55  - Marmion Academy 10

Second Round
#4-Apple Valley 75 – Marmion Academy 6
#23-ICW 38 – OPRF 29

Final Round Box Score:

Apple Valley 40, Iowa City West 16
106 – Maolu Woiwor (AV) tech. fall Bailey 17-2.
113 – #13-Phil Laux (W) major dec. Brock Morgan 16-7.
120 – HM-Seth Gross (AV) dec. Willis 5-2.
126 – #16- Jack Hathaway (W) dec. #13-Dakota Trom 2-0.
132 – HM- Kyle Bauer (W) dec. Cory Rathman 6-4.
138 – HM-Dayton Racer (AV) dec. Kegan Wakefield 8-4.
145 – HM-Mason Manville (AV) major dec. Sam Chalkley 9-0.
152 – #9-Brandon Kingsley (AV) pinned Gradey Gambrall :21.
160 – #14-Justin Koethe (W) dec. Ben Sullivan 4-3.
170 – HM-Daniel Woiwor (AV) major dec. Watkins 11-1.
182 – Corbin Farrell (AV) pinned Kelsay 2:29.
195 – Mikey Pelfrey (W) dec. Trom Peterson 6-1.
220 – Paul Cheney (AV) pinned P. Pelfrey 1:12.
Hwt. – Zach Martens (AV) dec. Foerstner 3-0.

Eastern States Classic

#9-Wyoming Seminary dominated the deep NYS field. The Knights outdistanced Runners-Up, HM-Shenendehowa by 89pts. Sem was paced by five champions: Evan Botwin (120), Dom Malone (126), Eric Morris (170), AJ Vizcarrando (220), and Michael Johnson, Jr. (HWT).

Top Gun @ Alliance, Ohio

Some have called the SPG Falcon studs, ‘the big five’. But Micah Jordan has been on a tear. Make that ‘the big six’.

#11-St. Paris-Graham, one of the best deep tournament teams in the country, blitzed the all-Ohio field, 72pts ahead of #25-Massillon Perry. Winning titles for the Falcons were Ryan Taylor (120), Micah Jordan (126), Blake Kastl (145), Bo Jordan (152), Isaac Jordan (170), and Huston Evans (182).

Escape the Rock

#12-Bethlehem Catholic bested a 31-team field at the southeastern PA tournament. Solanco (PA) were Runners-Up, followed by HM-Colonial Forge (VA). BECA had two champions on five finalists wrestling without nationally ranked Zeke Moisey (120). Winning titles for the Hawks were Randy Cruz (132) and Elliot Riddick (170), while Darian Cruz (113), Zane Heller (126), and Josh Alpha (195), finished 2^nd.

Detroit CC Super Duals

A showdown pitting the top two teams in Michigan, and two of TOM’s Top 10 programs nationally, was a tight affair. #10-Detroit Central Catholic lead #3-St. Johns the majority of the dual. DCC still had the lead with three bouts remaining, but, with the dual starting at 215 (Michigan uses the ‘old’ weights) St. Johns had hammers coming.

With the score 21-17 and three bouts to go, consecutive falls by #20-Jordan Wohlfert (160) and #1-Taylor Massa (171) iced it. HM-Payne Hayden beat HM-Andrew Garcia at 189, and after a team point was deducted, St. Johns had a 31-21 win.

Central Dauphin Breaks PA Dual Streak

#24-Central Dauphin set a Pennsylvania state record for consecutive dual wins on Saturday, winning their 78^th in a row. The previous mark was held by Dallastown from 1983 through 1989.

CD won four more duals Saturday to up that mark to 82 in total. The current streak began in January of 2008 and spans the course of four straight PA State Dual Championships.

Collins Hill Dethroned on Criteria

Two Honorable Mention squads went at it for the Georgia State 5A (largest class) dual title. Earlier this year, Collins Hill and Camden County met in a tournament format and it was neck-and-neck, with Camden out-placing the Eagles. It turned out to be as close as ever in a dual competition, too.

In the end, the score was tied at 27, with Camden County winning on criteria: most pins. Collins Hill had won four straight State Duals titles, and hadn’t lost a dual to a GA team since 2008.

Jefferson, who placed 10^th at the Clash, won the AA title, winning four duals and never allowing more than 11pts against them. They won in the finals, 55-9.

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)

Last Week: Beat #2-St. Edward, 27-22
This Week: vs. NHSCA Final Four

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, Beast Champs, POWERade Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)

Last Week: Lost to #1-Blair, 27-22

This Week: vs. #11-St. Paris-Graham

Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up, Clash Champs, DI State Duals Champs

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)

Last Week: Beat #10-Detroit CC, 30-21

This Week: @ Williamston Invatational

Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs, Goodrich Champs

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota  (4)

Last Week: Beat HM-Oak Park River Forest, 44-20; beat #23-Iowa City West, 40-16

This Week: vs. Rosemount, Thurs.; @ Lisbon Tournament, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Delano, 1^st – Minn. Christmas, Clash Runners-Up, Cheesehead Champs

#5 Clovis – California  (5)

Last Week: Won Temecula Valley Tournament

This Week: vs. Central HS, Wed.

Season Accomplishments:  1^st – Newbury, 1^st - Clovis West Shootout, 1^st – Zinkin, Clash 3^rd, Doc B Champs

#6 Brandon – Florida  (6)

Last Week: Idle

This Week:  Ippolito Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Cougar Invitational, 1^st – Graves, Clash 4^th

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)

Last Week: Won Virginia Duals; beat HM-McDonogh, 44-22; beat #13-Christiansburg, 47-18

This Week: Sectional Championships

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – North Canton

#8 Bettendorf – Iowa (8)

Last Week: Won MAC Championship with 6 Champs

This Week: vs. Davenport Assumption, Thurs.; Ed Winger Invite, @ Urbandale, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Keith Young, 1^st – KC Classic, Cheesehead Runners-Up

#9 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (9)

Last Week: Won Eastern States Classic by 89pts.

This Week: NHSCA Final Four

Season Accomplishments: 1^st - Clyde Cole, Ironman 4^th, Beast Runners-Up, Bethlehem Holiday Champs

#10 Detroit Central Catholic – Michigan  (10)

Last Week: Lost to #3-St. Johns, 30-21

This Week:

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Oakland County, Medina Champs

#11 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (11)

Last Week: Won Top Gun Tournament

This Week: @ #2-St. Edward, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 3^rd at Ironman, Clash 6^th , DII State Duals Champs

#12 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (12)

Last Week: Won Escape the Rock Tournament

This Week: Vs. Northampton, Wed.; Parkland, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd, Christmas City Champs

#13 Christiansburg – Virginia (13)

Last Week: Runners-Up at VA Duals; beat HM-South Plainfield, 37-29, lost to #7-Canon Mac, 47-18

This Week: Home Duals

Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7^th, Beast – 4^th, Clash 5^th

#14 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (14)

Last Week: Won Catholic School Championships

This Week: Catholic School Championships

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5^th, SW Ohio Champs, Clash 7^th, DI State Runners-Up

#15 Simley – Minnesota (15)

Last Week: Beat Tartan, 58-9; Beat S. St. Paul, 54-10

This Week: St. Thomas and Mahtomedi, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Minn. Christmas Tournament, Clash 8^th, Cheesehead 3^rd,

#16 Perry Meridian – Indiana (16)

Last Week: Beat Cathedral, 39-18; Won Conference Indiana Tournament

This Week: @ Ben Davis HS, Wed.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Marion County, 1^st- North Montgomery

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (17)

Last Week: Beat Urbandale, 52-30

This Week: vs. Johnston, Tues.; vs. Indianola, Thurs.; @ Ed Winger Invite, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Gardner-Edgerton, Cheesehead 4^th

#18 Poway – California (18)

Last Week: Runners-Up at Temecula Valley

This Week: @ Westview, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – El Dorado, 1^st – La Quinta Duals, 1^st – Reno TOC, 3^rd – Doc B

#19 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (19)

Last Week: Won Sand Springs Tournament

This Week: vs. Owasso, Fri.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8^th, Geary Champs

#20 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (20)

Last Week: Beat Muskogee, 36-26, Won Newton Tournament of Champions

This Week: District Duals, Thurs.; OCU Duals, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Mid America Nationals, Reno Runners-Up, Geary Runners-Up

#21 Allen – Texas (21)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Midwest National Duals (El Reno, OK), Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – The Woodlands, 3^rd – Mid America Nationals, 5^th – KC Classic, Texas Outlaw Champs, Cheeshead 5^th

#22 Montini Catholic – Illinois (22)

Last Week: Did Not Compete

This Week: Home Tri, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, 15^th, Dvorak Champs, Cheesehead 6^th

#23 Iowa City West – Iowa (23)

Last Week: Beat HM-Oak Park River Forest, – ;lost to #4-Apple Valley,

This Week: Ed Winger Classic, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2^nd – Cedar Rapids Duals, 1^st – Battle of Waterloo, Dvorak – 3^rd

#24 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (24)

Last Week: Won five duals

This Week: @ Big Springs, Wed.; vs. Carlisle, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Brandywine, 5^th – Beast, 3^rd – POWERade

#25 Massillon Perry – Ohio (25)

Last Week: Runners-Up at Top Gun

This Week: @ McKinley, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 9^th – Ironman, 2^nd – KOM, Medina Runners-Up, State Duals 3^rd,

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA

Blue Springs, MO

Camden County, GA

Christian Brothers, TN

Collins Hill, GA

Colonial Forge, VA

Easton, PA

Foley, MN

Long Beach, NY

Lowell, MI

Luxemburg-Casco, WI

Kasson-Mantorville, MN

McDonogh School, MD

Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA

St. Michael-Albertville, MN

St. Peter’s Prep, NJ

Scott West, MN

Shenendehowa, NY

South Plainfield, NJ

Tuttle, OK

Wantagh, NY

West Fargo, ND

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

TEMECULA, CA  — The 2012 Clinch Gear Battle for the Belt, hosted by Temecula Valley High School, was a star-studded affair with both state and national implications. One of the country’s premiere high school wrestling competitions, the January 13-14  Clinch Gear Battle for the Belt featured 16 of California’s top 30 high school wrestling teams, including three nationally ranked teams and nine nationally ranked athletes.

Clovis High School (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Team Rankings #5, TheCaliforniaWrestler.com #1) stormed to the team points lead during the semi-final round and never looked back, advancing six wrestlers to the finals. The Cougars finished the grueling two-day tournament with three champions, nine total medalists and 272.5 team points.

Poway High School (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Team Rankings #18, TheCaliforniaWrestler.com #2) finished a distant second in the team standings with 203 team points. The Titans had one finalist and eight place winners.

Bakersfield High School (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Team Rankings Honorable Mention, TheCaliforniaWrestler.com #3) finished third in the Clinch Gear Battle for the Belt team race with 150.5 team points. The Drillers had three individual champions and four placers, as well as a fourth finalist representing the Bakersfield “B” squad.

Defending California state champion Johnson Mai (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Rankings #3) of North Torrance won the title at 106, recording a technical fall over the state’s fifth-ranked wrestler, Angel Velasquez of Central Catholic. Mai earned the Lower Weight MVP award with four falls and two technical falls. St. John Bosco’s freshman phenom, Zahid Valencia (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Rankings #2), did not compete.

At 113, returning California state runner-up Isaiah Locsin (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. Clinch Gear National HS Rankings #7) of Live Oak HS, ranked second in the state, defeated fifth-ranked Joseph Dominguez of St. John Bosco by a 5-0 score to capture the championship. Micah Perez (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. Clinch Gear National HS Rankings #8) of Central Union, a junior currently ranked third in the state, did not compete.

Clovis HS brothers Jonas and Daniel Gaytan each moved up a weight class and took home the belts at 120 and 126, respectively. Jonas is currently the state’s top-ranked wrestler at 113, while Daniel, a returning California state champion, is ranked second at 120.

Righetti’s Josh Rodriguez, the state’s second-ranked wrestler at 126 and the Clinch Gear Battle for the Belt top seed, placed third. Second seed Connor Pollock of Folsom, ranked third in the state, finished in third.

St. John Bosco freshman standout Anthony Valencia, ranked first in the state at 126, claimed the title at 132, shutting out third-ranked Martin Ramirez of Elk Grove, 7-0. Ramirez placed third in the 2011 California CIF State Championships. Poway’s Victor Lopez, ranked sixth in the state, beat returning Nevada 4A state champion Zack Perry of Green Valley in the third place match.

It was an all-Bakersfield HS affair at 138, as Natrelle Demison (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Rankings #14), ranked second in California, bested teammate Micah Cruz. Ranked fifth at 132, Cruz wrestled up a weight and represented the Drillers’ “B” team. It was Demison’s third career Battle for the Belt title.

Fifth-seeded Luke Wilson of Righetti pulled off the upset win at 145 over Bakersfield’s Maxx Ramirez, the state’s fourth-ranked wrestler, recording a fall just 24 seconds into the first period.

Lemoore junior Isaiah Martinez (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Rankings #2), a returning state champion who is currently ranked first at 152, defeated Del Oro’s Austin Branum, the state’s third-ranked wrestler, by technical fall, 23-8. It was the third consecutive Clinch Gear Battle for the Belt title for Martinez, who was named the tournament’s Champion of Champions. Second seed Coleman Hammond (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Rankings #6) was injured in the quarterfinal round and withdrew from the tournament.

Two Nevada standouts squared off at 160, with Spring Valley’s Ray Waters, a 2011 4A runner-up at 152, pinning Green Valley’s Ryder Newman, a 2011 4A state champion at 145, in the third period to claim the Clinch gear Battle for the Belt championship. Clovis’ Adrian Salas, ranked third in the California, was upset in the second round but came back to place third.

The 170 final pitted two nationally ranked wrestlers, Zach Nevills (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Rankings #4) of Clovis versus Bakersfield’s Silas Nacita (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Rankings #15), who are also ranked first and second in the California, respectively. Nacita, who lost to Nevills in the third-place match at the 2011 California CIF State Championships, turned the table with a 5-3 victory. Poway’s Connor King (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Rankings #17) placed fifth.

At 182, California’s fifth ranked Kyle Pope of Bakersfield narrowly defeated third-ranked Ryan Davies of Clovis to capture the tourney belt. Sixth-ranked Jon Wixom of Chaparral HS finished third.

In the 195 division, Bucknell-bound Robert Marchese recorded two falls, a tech fall, a major decision and two decisions to earn the Upper Weight MVP award. Marchese, the state’s top-ranked wrestler, beat number three-ranked Dakota Gordon of Clovis in the final, 3-1. Bellarmine’s Danny Chaid, ranked fourth in the state, finished third.

De La Salle senior Justin Walker, ranked second in California at 195, claimed the Clinch Gear Battle for the Belt title at 220 with a 3-1 victory over Elk Grove’s Josh Letuligasenoa, who upset third-ranked Richard Durr of Poway in the semi-finals.

At 285, Clovis sophomore Nick Nevills (Clinch Gear/T.O.M. National HS Rankings #5), ranked first in the state, notched a 3-2 win over’s sixth-ranked senior Robert Chism of Downey.

The 2012 Clinch Gear Battle for the Belt is one of just 21 high school events nationwide to earn the prestigious FloNationals Major designation, welcoming over 60 top high school wrestling teams from throughout California, Colorado & Nevada.

Final Team Standings:

1. Clovis 272.5

2. Poway 203

3. Bakersfield 150.5

4. Lemoore 129

5. Righetti 112

6. Green Valley 108

7. Sultana 105

8. Chico 104.5

9. Spring Valley 101

10. St. John Bosco 98

Individual Results:

106: Mai Johnson, North Torrance def. Angel Velasquez, Central Catholic, TF 18-3

113: Isaiah Locsin, Live Oak def. Joseph Dominguez, St. John Bosco, 5-0

120: Jonas Gaytan, Clovis def. Josh Miranda, Poway, 2-1

126: Daniel Gaytan, Clovis def. Evan McKirdy, Del Norte, 4-1

132: Anthony Valencia, St. John Bosco def. Martin Ramirez, Elk Grove, 7-0

138: Natrelle Demison, Bakersfield def. Micah Cruz, Bakersfield “B”, 12-3

145: Luke Wilson, Righetti def. Maxx Ramirez, Bakersfield, F 0:24

152: Isaiah Martinez, Lemoore def. Austin Branum, Del Oro, TF 23-8

160: Ray Waters, Spring Valley def. Ryder Newman, Green Valley, F 5:18

170: Silas Nacita, Bakersfield def. Zach Nevills, Clovis, 5-3

182: Kyle Pope, Bakersfield def. Ryan Davies, Clovis, 2-1

195: Robert Marchese, Oak Hills def. Dakota Gordon, Clovis, 3-1

220: Justin Walker, De La Salle def. Josh Letuligasenoa, Elk Grove, 3-1

285: Nick Nevills, Clovis def. Robert Chism, Downey, 3-2

Individual Awards:

Lower Weight MVP: Johnson Mai, North Torrance

Upper Weight MVP: Robert Marchese, Oak Hills

Champion of Champions: Isaiah Martinez, Lemoore

It all comes down to this.

#1-Blair Academy (NJ) and #2-St. Edward (OH), two of the most storied high school programs in the country, will battle at the NHSCA Wrestling Festival at Pleasant Valley (Broadheadsville, PA) on Saturday.

Blair beat St. Ed by 12pts at the Ironman on the first weekend of the season. The Bucs went on to roll at the Beast of the East and POWERade. St. Ed bested a deep dual field at The Clash.

On a great weekend for wrestling nationwide, with good competitions being staged in every nook of the country, no single result will mean more to the national rankings.

Join TheOpenMat live at 4:45 on Saturday for live audio.

The History

When they meet on Saturday, Blair will be looking for its 10^th national title. The St. Ed Eagles, it’s 12^th. Here is a list of the years they’ve been named the country’s #1 team:

Blair: 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009

St. Edward: 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1998, 2000, 2007

The Line-Ups

106: Fr. Jordan Kutler or Fr. Chaz Tucker (BA) vs. Fr. LJ Bentley (STE)

At Ironman: Did not meet. Kutler was 2-2. Bentley was 0-2. Tucker, who was a round from placing in Fargo, hasn’t been in the line-up yet this year, but could be here.

Analysis: With Kutler, it’s a slight edge to Blair. Bentley had his struggles this season. At the Clash, he was 3-3, getting pinned twice but beating a solid Chase Piperato (Jefferson, GA), and having a close 5-4 bout with ranked stud, Coy Ozias (Christiansburg, VA). With Tucker Blair’s chances would be greater.

Advantage: Blair

TOM’s Pick:  Tucker,  8-3.

113: #3So. Joey McKenna (BA) vs. Sr. Alex Moore (STE)

At Ironman: McKenna was Runner-Up. Moore lost in the first round and battled all the way back for 4^th place.

Analysis: You have to favor McKenna, who is one of the nation’s best. But in six minutes, anything could happen. Moore has been a pleasant surprise for the Eagles.

Advantage: Blair

TOM’s Pick:  McKenna, 6-2.

120: HM-So. PJ Klee (BA) vs. Collin Heffernan (STE)

At Ironman: Klee lost first round and wrestled back for 6^th. Heffernan didn’t compete at Ironman and made 120 last weekend for the first time this year. He was 6-0 at Cadet Duals summer at 130lbs.

Analysis: This should be one of the more interesting bouts of the dual. As a Fargo AA, Klee is certainly tough. But Heffernan being down at 120 might pose problems; he’s a long, lanky kid, and has had success at higher weights.

Advantage: Toss-Up

TOM’s Pick:  Klee, 9-6.

126: HM-Sr. Max Hvolbeck (BA) vs. #5-Jr. Dean Heil (STE)

At Ironman: Hvolbeck lost to Cox’s Brandon Jeske in the quarters, 6-3. Heil then beat Jeske in the semifinals, 4-2. Heil won the title, Hvolbeck was 7^th.

Analysis: Heil is the favorite here, but Hvolbeck should be game. A real clash of styles, Heil uses straight forward power, while Hvolbeck is lanky and clingy.

Advantage: St. Ed

TOM’s Pick:  Heil, 7-2.

132: #2-Sr. Mark Grey (BA) vs. #7-Jr. Edgar Bright (STE)

At Ironman: Both wrestlers were knocked off by Randy Cruz (Bethlehem Catholic); Grey in the semi’s, Bright in the finals. Grey finished 4^th, Bright 2^nd. Should be a barnburner between two Fargo Champions.

Analysis: Grey is Grey. But he’s been dealing with a bum wheel. He should be healed by this time, however. Look for him to win a narrow one.

Advantage: Blair

TOM’s Pick:  Grey, 3-1.

138: #5-Sr. Todd Preston (BA) vs. Sr. Nick Barber (STE)

At Ironman: Preston beat Barber 1-0 in consi-semi’s. Preston would place 3^rd, Barber 5^th.

Analysis: Both this kids are grinders. Preston is tough on top and one of the best in the biz at mat returns.

Advantage: Blair

TOM’s Pick:  Preston, 3-1.

145: #9-So. Dylan Milonas (BA) vs. Jr. Markus Scheidel (STE)

At Ironman: Milonas won the title, and now has Fargo, Ironman, and Beast of the East titles on his mantle. Scheidel placed 6^th at both Ironman and Fargo.

Analysis: Scheidel has come a long way over the last year. But Milonas might be the most improved kids in the country. Most importantly, he’s showed grit and toughness.

Advantage: Blair

TOM’s Pick:  Milonas, 7-4.

152: #16-Jr. Russ Parsons (BA) vs. Sr. Martin Van Curen (STE)

At Ironman: Parsons upended Van Curen 7-4 in a wild quarterfinal bout. Parsons ultimately took 4^th, Van Curen was a bout from placing.

Analysis: Parsons isn’t flashy, but he’s one of the hardest-working, blue-collar kids you can find. His match with Van Curen was a fun one at Ironman. I’ll go with a similar result.

Advantage: Toss-Up

TOM’s Pick:  Parsons, 7-6.

160: So. Patrick Coover (BA) vs. HM-Sr. Jacob Davis (STE)

At Ironman: Both guys were on the top half of the bracket. Coover was beaten 6-2 by Geordan Speiller (Pine Castle, FL) in quarters. Davis lost to Speiller 9-2 in semi’s. Final placings: Davis 6^th, Coover 7^th.

Analysis: When thinking about the match-ups of this dual, many will overlook this bout. But it will pit two fine wrestlers, and be as pivotal as any. Davis is one of the biggest 160’s in the country. But he takes risks, whereas Coover stays a little more ‘at home’. I’ll take Coover to win what is perhaps the biggest toss-up of the dual.

Advantage: Toss-Up

TOM’s Pick:  Coover, 6-3.

170: So. Addison Knepshield (BA) vs. #7-Sr. Mark Martin (STE)

At Ironman: Martin beat Knepshield in the semifinals, 10-2, before going on to take the title. Knepshield finished 5^th.

Analysis: Knepshield is also coming off an injury (knee). In fact, he might not even be a go for this dual. If not, expect Jack Wedholm to go for the Bucs. Martin gets ‘up’ for big duals like no other. There’s bonus coming here.

Advantage: St. Ed

TOM’s Pick:  Martin by fall.

182: Sr. Michael Mocco (BA) vs. #12-Jr. Domenic Abounader (STE)

At Ironman: The second consecutive Blair-Eds semi saw Abounader beat Mocco 7-1.  Abounader lost a close final, Mocco finished 4^th.

Analysis: Strength vs. Athleticism. Mocco kept it close the first go-round. Look for Abounader to open it up a little with Eds needing points.

Advantage: St. Ed

TOM’s Pick:  Abounader, 12-3.

195: #14-Jr. Frank Mattiace (BA) vs. #17-Sr. James Suvak (STE)

At Ironman: As the 2 and 4 seeds, Mattiace and Suvak were on opposite sides of the bracket. Suvak was beaten by Broken Arrow’s Seth Calvert, 4-0 in semi’s. Mattiace beat Calvert in the finals, 6-1.

Analysis: Along with Milonas, Mattiace has come on like a true horse. That being said, Suvak has been wrestling great. Along with 132 and HWT, this is my most anticipated bout.

Advantage: Toss-Up

TOM’s Pick:  Suvak, 3-2.

220: Sr. David Farr (BA) vs. #11-Sr. Ty Walz (STE)

At Ironman: Walz has two recent wins over Farr. He won 10-5 in the 5^th place bout at Ironman, and also beat Farr in the first round at Fargo, 2-0, 6-0.

Analysis: For a big guy, Walz has a great motor. Look for him to approach bonus territory.

Advantage: St. Ed

TOM’s Pick:  Walz, 12-6.

HWT: #1-Jr. Brooks Black (BA) vs. #4-Sr. Greg Kuhar (STE)

At Ironman: Black has a perfect 3-0 record vs. Kuhar. The latest was a 3-1 win in Ironman finals.

Analysis: Kuhar looked great at the Clash, dominating positioning in a 6-2 win over previous #3-Nick Nevills. But Black is the #1 big man in the land, and controlled the Ironman finals. Kuhar likes to consistently move forward. Look for Black to create an angle and capitalize on it.

Advantage: Blair

TOM’s Pick:  Black, 5-3.

TOM’s Final Score: Blair 27, St. Edward 19

Dual Analysis:

As you can see from the final projected score, one upset could tighten things up. Two could flip the result entirely.

Although through their histories and pedigrees Grey and Black are on-paper favorites, they’re both wrestling highly ranked talent. Additionally, all three bouts from 138 through 152 will be tightly contested.

On the other hand, should Mattiace win (most probably think he will, and psst…I didn’t want to take Blair in ALL the toss-ups), we could be looking at a lopsided score, something along the lines of 30-16.

In the end, it will come down to who wins the close ones. It’s a college style dual at the high school level.

Don’t take my word for it; these are just hunches and paper favorites. With talent of their level up and down the line-up, many bouts will swing on one scramble, one flurry. And the dual will twist and turn with it.

All questions and comments will be answered on our High School forum. Please direct your concerns there.

FORUMS

Again, we know we are far from perfect, but we do our best to stay on top of things, there are a lot of wrestlers across the nation. If you feel we are overlooking someone or are unaware of them, please send us a bio or fill out the ranking profile and a RESPECTFUL note as to why they should be ranked. This does not mean we will rank them, but it will give us info to follow that wrestler. You can send info to rankings@theopenmat.com

106

113

120

126

132

138

145