2011 California State Tournament Preview- By Ernie Ciaccio
2011 California State Tournament Preview- By Ernie Ciaccio
103
MY PICKS
1. EMELIO SAVEEDRA PITMAN #1
2. MASON PENGILLY PORTERVILLE #4
3. JOHNSON MAI NORTH TORRANCE #2
4. ISAIAH LOCSIN LIVE OAK #3
5. MICHAEL CLEMMENSON ATASCADERO #5
6. JAXON FITZGERALD FOOTHILL (PALO CEDRO) #15
7. ADRIAN CAMPASANO CENTRAL #11
8. GIONN PERRALTA VACAVILLE #9
NOTES
In a weight class that is extremely competitive one name stands out ahead of the rest, Emelio Saveedra. Emelio won the Doc Buchanan and Temecula Valley tournaments and has a win against both Mai and Locsin. North Torrance's Johnson " freight train" Mai who was a match away from placing in 2010 likely will face freshman sensation and Fargo All American Pengilly in a rematch of a Doc Buchanan semi-final that came down to Mai hitting a mixer in the final twenty seconds to get the win. Pengilly won the central section masters and looks to join Saveedra in an all diaper dandy finals. Gionn Peralta may be the dark horse here as well as Campasano. Peralta has quietly carried on his winning ways in his transition from a youth wrestler to the high school ranks. Campasano has two coaches with a combined 4 CA state titles and 5 CA state finals appearances and has given Pengilly and others fits this year with his fluid cat like style.
TOUGH LUCK
Lief Dominguez runs into Mason Pengilly in his first match out of the tunnel. I guess if I was coach Varela I would be preaching the beat him and take his seed speech. There is no doubt that Dominguez has a lot of big time match experience but I am sure he would rather have had a warm up match as Pengilly was fortunate to receive drawing an out bracket match.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
The Clovis Cinderella story may run parallel with the Andy Ia Story. Andy a senior has sat behind the Gaytan’s for the last few years and found a way to get through the central section qualifying tournaments in his first year in the varsity lineup. I like his draw and while I don’t have him placing, it would not surprise me to see him in the quarter finals and possibly even in the medal rounds.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
DOMINGUEZ VS PENGILLY RD 2 MENDEZ VS MANZO RD 1 WILLIAMS VS LOCSIN RD 2 TAMEZ VS ELIZALDE RD 1
BRACKET BUSTER
Campasano may be the bracket buster here. It would be no easy task but if he found a way past Mai in the Quarters he has proven he can take Pengilly to the threshold of defeat. There is an old saying you have to be coached by a champion (Flores & Tirapelle) to be a champion. It isn’t an absolute but it definitely doesn’t hurt
112
MY PICKS
1. NASHON GARRETT CHICO #1
2. VINCENT GOMEZ FRONTIER #5
3. JONAS GAYTAN CLOVIS #10
4. PAUL FOX GILROY #6
5. MICAH PEREZ CENTRAL UNION #2
6. ANDRES TORRES WINDSOR #9
7. MICHAEL KNOBLAUCH CLOVIS WEST #25
8. IAN NICKELL BAKERSFIELD #4
NOTES
One of the deepest fields in the whole tournament can be found in the 112 pound weight class. This weight class has four returning state placers and two dynamic diaper dandies in it to compliment a slew of returning state qualifiers. It could prove important in deciding the team race as well between Clovis and Bakersfield. Clovis sends Jonas Gaytan to conquer the tough task of getting to the podium. The task is tough notably because if the seeds hold up he will be in the consolation bracket early after he tangos with defending state champ Garrett in the round of 16. Gaytan who had a poor tournament last year could pick up some big team points during his way back through the consolation bracket. If returning state placer Nickell can find a way to navigate past his old foe Garrett Fortado who beat him last year in the medal rounds; then he could end up in the semi-finals and impact the team race. A ton of scenarios here that could add valuable points or take them away amongst some hombres that always seem to provide sparks when they get together.
TOUGH LUCK
The top quarter bracket is down-right nasty. It boasts two returning state placers (Fortado and Nickell), a round of 12 guy (Torres), a Mark Halvorson coached section champ (Ramirez) and the diaper dandy (Knoblauch) who has proved he can be on both the giving and receiving end of some big time upsets this year.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Whoever put this entire group of world beaters in the central section. Gomez, Nickell, Gaytan, Knoblauch, Navarro, Olea and even Marquez can go deep in this year’s tournament. Look for this group to send some kids to the showers early only to likely knock each other off in the consolation quarters.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
KNOBLAUCH VS RAMIREZ RD 2 PEREZ VS PEREZ RD 1 PEREZ VS POLANCO RD 2 FOX VS OLEA RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Paul Fox is a guy here that can really do some damage. I don’t know if he can beat Garrett but I don’t know that he can’t either. In the finals of the Mid Cals he defeated Javier Gasca who actually beat Garrett earlier this year. He has beaten Gaytan in the preseason and is capable of causing some real drama here. I don't quite know who I would rather be the upset minded freshman facing the defending state champ or vice versa. If it plays out like I think one thing is certain people will be talking about Greg Varela's diaper dandies and Paul Fox is certainly one of them.
119
MY PICKS
1. DANIEL GAYTAN CLOVIS #3
2. STEVEN KNOBLAUCH CLOVIS WEST #1
3. MARTIN RAMIREZ ELK GROVE #4
4. JAVIER GASCA CENTRAL #2
5. RAY DELGADO OAK HILLS #6
6. JOHN JAY CHAVEZ DE LA SALLE #10
7. VINCENT HERRERA SOUTH HILLS #11
8. TY STEVENSON MCKINLEYVILLE #9
NOTES
This is the deepest weight class in the tournament by far from top to bottom. Five returning state placers, one extremely scary freshman and a host of returning state qualifiers make the 119 pound weight class nothing other than a funeral procession. I have labeled this weight class the retirement villa simply because high level wrestlers will be heading to the showers early in this bracket. Three returning state placers Hermillo Esqueviel , Martin Ramirez and Victor Lopez could be in the consolation bracket by 2pm on Friday after the round of 16 is concluded which describes exactly how difficult it will be to take any bling in this bracket home.
TOUGH LUCK
Last week in the Central Section masters Javier Gasca faced Daniel Gaytan in the first round due to Daniel Gaytan defaulting to 6th the previous week in divisionals as a result of illness. Gasca fell in that match at masters to Gaytan on some questionable calls and now draws into a stormy path in the topside of the bracket which has four returning state place winners and John Jay Chavez. One thing I do know is Javier seems to make his own luck so I am not counting him out by a long shot. Like Campasano there may not be a better coaching corner in the state or at least one with more state titles so rest assure Gasca will have wise council.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
John Jay Chavez will be the likely culprit at some point. In Vegas at the NUWAY Southwest Kickoff Classic he actually beat Knoblauch. He will have a 2nd round showdown with Elk Grove’s Martin Ramirez who took third last year at the state meet. If John Jay were to pull the upset he would then have to face Gasca and Knoblauch on his way to the finals. If he were to fall early then he would certainly cause some trouble in a consolation bracket that should be loaded with heartache and heartbreak.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
CHAVEZ VS RAMIREZ RD 2 OBOURKE VS GAYTAN RD 1 JUAREGIE VS POLLOCK RD 2 AROUNVONG VS ESPARZA RD 1
BRACKET BUSTER
Besides John Jay “The Baby Faced Assassin” Chavez the bracketbusting duties may fall in the lap of South Hills returning state qualifier Vincent Herrera. Herrera who won the Southern Section Masters would likely have a path starting in the round of 16 with returning state finalist Victor Lopez, then 2009 state finalist Stevan Knoblauch leading to a showdown in the semis with either Ramirez, Esquviel or Chavez. That’s one way to bust a bracket wide open. Lopez could also steal Herrera’s dream and path if he were to be able to come out of the round of 16 match with his name circled on the bout sheet.¨
125
MY PICKS
1. ALEX CISNEROS SELMA #1
2. FABIAN GARCIA TURLOCK #2
3. NICO VILLARREAL GIROY #5
4. VINCE RODRIGUEZ CLOVIS NORTH #3
5. CONNOR LARSON CLOVIS EAST #7
6. MATT GAY CLOVIS #10
7. JOSH LOPEZ FRONTIER #12
8. ALI NASSER EL CAMINO REAL #4
NOTES
Okay I know I sound like a recording in regards to how deep these weight classes are but really the 125 pound division is sick. I am in quite the predicament as I swore an oath not to ever bet even in thought against Alex Cisneros again. The kid is a down right winner, he just gets it done. With that being said the 2011 Diaper Dandy of the year award is without a doubt going to Nico Villarreal. While Nick Nevills has made waves in at the heavyweight division we may see a semifinals matchup that could decide who our next four time state champ may be. Cisneros first real test of the tournament should come against the youngster from Gilroy who has but two in state losses both to Natrell Demison before he made the drop to 125. Fabian Garcia looks to become a rare four time place winner and has only lost to Cisneros. Rodriguez the NHSCA Junior Champ and returning state finalist has lost to both Cisneros and Garcia this year.
TOUGH LUCK
Two will lose in the semis and then another one will perish in the finals. This weight class is sending at least three wrestlers home without a state title this year that have already proven that they are amongst the best in the country. Washington state champ Kyle Kirkendale had his high school program dropped and decided to make the move to sunny California and try his luck amongst California’s best. If he finds himself in the consolation bracket after the round of 16 he will likely share the same fate as many who will have failed in their attempt to brave the storm of 2011 that seems to be most evident in this weight class.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Likely trouble makers will include Ali Nasser who will likely storm through the consi bracket or his round of 16 opponent Matt Gay. Both of these wrestlers have unique styles that equally will make them hard to beat. Nasser wrestles a European style and is flexible and slick. Originally from Afghanistan where his father wrestled for the soviet team in the 1980’s he has wrestled Cisneros to two one point matches. Matt Gay who is freakishly athletic is another first year varsity starter out of the Tirapelle school of brutality at Clovis. Gay has beaten several top ranked wrestlers this season. Both will likely show several of their statesmen the true meaning of a bad day.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
MOITA VS CRUZ RD 2 GAY VS WULFERT RD 1 GARCIA VS ROCHA RD 2 FREGOSO VS HA RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
I have already told his mother to make the traditional celebration Lumpia. Nico Villareal is my bracket buster here, I won’t bet against Alex but I will hedge my bet and go on the record admitting that I did tell a father Halloween weekend his boy would win it all, and he did, from that moment on I was a believer. Look for this weight to provide some drama in the semi -finals possible sending shock waves throughout the nation via way of Gilroy.
130
MY PICKS
1. NICK PENA SELMA #2
2. WILLIE FOX GILROY #6
3. NATRELL DEMISON BAKERSFIELD #1â
4. CODY TOW UNION MINE #5
5. CHRIS CALCAGNO CLOVIS NORTH #7
6. PATRICK PHAYSAMONE CLOVIS EAST #16
7. SHAYNE TUCKER BELLA VISTA #4
8. JUAN SALAS CLOVIS #11
NOTES
The storyline of this weight class may be the fact that there are two wrestlers looking to become four time state place winners a feat accomplished less than twenty times. Both Pena and Tow are seeking their respective fourth medals. Pena the defending state champion avenged his lower than expected Doc Buchanan performance in January by returning to the central section masters final where he dropped a nail biter to Demison. Tow fell short of carrying an undefeated season into the state tournament when he lost this past weekend in his sectionals but came back to take third. This weight class may best be characterized as a box of chocolates, never knowing what you are going to get. For example Demison, Calcagno, Phaysamone, Fox, and Salas have each knocked off each other as well as several of the top wrestlers here, and all look to stand on the podiums highest step. This is just a dirty weight class in every aspect as far as trying to find a sure thing.
TOUGH LUCK
Andrew Shulte from Centennial of Corona came into high school as an icon amongst youth wrestling aficionados, and after a transfer early last year he has returned to elite form in this his junior season. Shulte won the southern section masters title last week but faces a path that seems more like a land mine field than a reward. He draws a tough Tanner Feurstein from Oakdale right out of the shoot. Feurstein has proven that he can beat anyone in the top eight here as he scored several upsets at both the Doc B and Temecula Valley tournaments in January. If Shulte gets to the round of 16 he will likely face Willie Fox from Gilroy and then Nick Pena of Selma in the quarters. So for future reference if you think you are going to Disneyland after winning the infamous meat grinder known as the southern section masters think again. The state tournament pairings computer can be downright brutal.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
The trouble maker could possibly Alex Annunciation from Marina. Alex beat Shayne Tucker at Five Counties in the finals earlier this year; though it is said Tucker was ill. If Annunciation is to cause any trouble he is going to have to likely beat a seasoned Juan Salas from Clovis who was a match away last year. Some may think it is inconceivable that a first year state qualifier albeit a senior can travel the road that he would be required to in his quest to stand on the podium this weekend. If he gets by Salas you can expect to see him in the semifinals and on the stand Saturday night.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
SHULTE VS FEURSTEIN RD 2 PHAYSAMONE VS SERGI RD 1 ZIMMER VS FOX RD 2 CALCAGNO VS LONGO RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Patrick Phaysamone from Clovis East is what some would call a firecracker with a short fuse. The kid has shown that if he is on he can make this thing called wrestling look pretty darn easy. Last week he wrestled Demison to a one point match, and earlier in the year he beat Salas. He can score points in a hurry from any position on the mat. Phaysamone has a tough Brian Sergi in an out bracket match to start his morning Friday, and then will likely have to get through returning state placer Lizarraga from Brawley for a rematch with Salas in the quarter finals. The key for Phaysamone is to get rolling early in the winner’s bracket.
135
MY PICKS
1. BLAKE KASTL GILROY #4
2. CHRIS MECATE REDLANDS EAST VALLEY #1
3. SHANE YACUTA PORTERVILLE #2
4. SHANE TATE OAKDALE #8
5. TIMMY BOX BAKERSFIELD #3
6. MIGUEL GALLEGOS SAN FERNANDO #6
7. DALTON METEVIER LINCOLN #7
8. LUKE MCDONALD SERVITE #13
NOTES
The 135 pound weight class is the same old story; just nails. I am starting to think the California state wrestling tournament was designed to break hearts. I have five of the returning six state placers making it to the podium here but I would not be shocked to see one or two more of them falling short. Adam Hendrickson is rumored to be hurt and this is not a bracket that will be easy to navigate while at less than your best. If the extra week from masters to the state tournament helps him, then expect even more heartbreak for someone. Also in the bracket are some likely trouble makers like freshman Fargo All American Bryan Salinas from Northview who wouldn’t be the first diaper dandy to bracket bust at the state tournament. In addition Jacob Leon is part of a trio of Alta Loma wrestlers that could make some noise this year and if he heats up you could see him in the quarter finals and possibly on the podium.
TOUGH LUCK
If it is true that Adam Hendrickson is less than one hundred percent it is unfortunate. He has had a great season and did well at the state tournament last year; placing as a sophmore in the middle weights is no easy task. Right off the bat he gets Jason Ladd from Clovis who has somehow found a way to the big dance. With a team title on the line and a very active wrestler in Ladd Hendrickson will have his hands full. If Hendrickson can get by Ladd he will eventually meet both Box and Mecate who stand in his way to a date on the raised platform Saturday evening.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
The likely culprit could be Miguel Gallegos from San Fernando. Miguel is undefeated this year and a Temecula Valley champ where he bested Willy Fox from Gilroy. It isn’t a cake walk for anyone in this bracket but Gallegos will have one of the toughest paths I have witnessed in many years. He will likely have Salinas in RD.2, then a sectional champion in Morelli from Paradise. If Gallegos can get to the quarters he will likely face returning state placer Kastl before meeting returning state placer Yacuta in the semifinals. No easy task but Miguel’s lanky frame, incredible mat wrestling ability and high wrestling IQ makes him a big time trouble maker.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LADD VS HENDRICKSON RD 2 YACUTA VS SANTOS RD 1 SALINAS VS GHANNAM RD 1 WILSON VS SERRANO RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Luke Mcdonald from Servite may have the toughest first match of the tournament in his round two meeting with Bakersfield’s Timmy Box. If by some chance Mcdonald was able to upset Box then his path goes through the said to be injured Hendrickson. Mcdonald may not be able to take out Chris Mecate in the semifinals but he definitely can get to the podium and break some Driller hearts. I am a Box fan so this may be one bracket buster that may cause me to shed a tear.
140
MY PICKS
1. ISAIAH MARTINEZ LEMOORE #1
2. NICK CANO SAINT FRANCIS #2
3. AUSTIN BRANUM DEL ORO #4
4. BRADY BERSANO CLOVIS #7
5. DAVID MEZA BUENA PARK #3
6. ELI MACK ALTA LOMA #15
7. ALEX ABONO DE LA SALLE #5
8. SPASO ILICH RAMONA #9
NOTES
The 140 pound weight class at first glance looks to be maybe the least difficult of the fourteen if you base it on resume. From a birds-eye view with only two returning state placers at this weight namely Nick Cano and Isaiah Martinez. Some would speculate Isaiah “I can do whatever I want” Martinez may have caused returning talent to migrate down to 135 or up to 145. I have chosen to look at it with a different set of glasses highlighting the fact that twenty of the forty athletes competing in the bracket are underclassman. This is much higher than the two weight classes directly above and below it which average four-teen underclassman. So in short I choose to chalk it up to some youngsters that are ready and willing to make a name for them.
TOUGH LUCK
Whoever loses between Max Ramirez and Alex Abono in the out bracket will feel like they had a case of tough luck. Once again two great wrestlers entering and one headed to the consolation bracket before 11am in the morning. If Ramirez falls short this could affect the team race as he would have to win five matches to get to the podium.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Isaiah Martinez has a way of making his opponents look helpless on the mat. Many remember the consolation finals last year where he majored a very good Jessie Delgado sitting on his opponents back admiring the crowd for the last ten seconds. Delgado ended up winning senior nationals in Viirginia Beach. The Temecula Valley finals between Cano and Martinez showed he can be challenged but let’s call a spade a spade not many of the elite seniors wanted to take their chances in this bracket if they had their hearts set on a state title.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LOECHLER VS ILICH RD 2 ABONO VS RAMIREZ RD 1 AGUILAR VS WESLEY RD 1 CANO VS GOMEZ RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
If there is a bracket buster here it may be none other than Eli Mack. He has been wrestling for a long time but has had injury problems thus far in high school. If Mack could find a way to use his slick style to out point Cano then he could end up in the finals.
145
MY PICKS
1. DAMO ARREDONDO BUCHANAN #2
2. COLEMAN HAMMOND BAKERSFIELD #3
3. DAVID FERRY OAKDALE #6
4. JAKE ELLIOT OAKMONT #1
5. BRANDON SOTOMAYOR CENTENNIAL #7
6. HAYDEN SHARBROUGH GLENDORA #5
7. DEVIN POINDEXTER CLOVIS NORTH #13
8. CHASE BOONTJER FOOTHILL PC #9
NOTES
The 145 pound weight class is scary deep boasting four returning state placers and a returning state champion. What is most remarkable is the number of returning state qualifiers in the bracket; I stopped counting at fifteen. I am affectionately dubbing this bracket “the heartbreak hotel” as I have at least one of the returning state placers leaving Bakersfield this weekend empty handed. The storyline is the emergence of Jake Elliot and his ride to the top ranking in the state. I have heard some snicker as his body of work was done primarily at one event where he knocked off Arredondo, Ferry, and state placer Baldazo all in the consolation bracket. The question is will the above mentioned three be peaking this weekend. This bracket will definitely produce some incredible Friday action due to its depth.
TOUGH LUCK
Whoever loses between Morfin and Ferry in the first out bracket is going to walk away devastated. Ferry hasn’t had the year one would expect from a defending state champion but mark my words the kid knows what it takes to get it done on the first weekend of March. Morfin is a tank and should give Ferry all he wants and then some. The winner then will likely face returning state placer and Fargo AA Baldazo in the RD of 16. Another draw that has you bringing out the Kleenex is Sultana’s Michael Gonzales who actually won the Doc Buchanan bracket that had Baldazo, Ferry, Arredondo, and Elliot in the consolations. First match out Gonzales faces the always game Anthony Linares who stands in the way of a RD of 16 match-up with Arredondo. The path does not get any either with Ferry / Baldazo / Sotomayor /Morfin in the top quarter bracket.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Some would argue that it was Joey Davis at 152 and Isaiah Martinez at 140 who traffic jammed all of this talent in the 145 pound bracket. I won’t go that far but I will say these kids have been knocking off each other all year and it is a very senior laden class. The top quarter bracket is likely sending a top ranked kid or two to the showers prior to the medal rounds. I guess in short there are just too many trouble makers to list. If I had to settle on one it would have to be Oxnard’s Andrew Gonzales who would have to upend Arredondo in the quarter finals to have a shot of creating some drama.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
GONZALES LINARES RD 2 MORFIN VS FERRY RD 1 SOTOMAYOR VS MERRITT RD 1 BARAJAS VS CRUZ RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
I may be extremely biased here but look for Brandon Sotomayor or Devin Poindexter to bracket bust at this weight. The central section masters bracket at 145 last week had four of my predicted placers as well as Morfin in it. Any one of these five qualifiers could have won other sections. Poindexter and Sotomayor are seasoned wrestlers who have the ability to damage in this bracket based on their draws. Sotomayor if he can sneak by Merritt will get the Baldazo/Ferry/Morfin winner in the quarters and a rematch with Arredondo if he bracket busts. Poindexter will likely have to beat the Cruz/Barajas winner in the RD of 16 to advance to the quarters where he will meet returning state placer Coleman Hammond for the third week in a row. Poindexter has given Hammond fits in the two close matches he dropped.
152
MY PICKS
1. JOEY DAVIS SANTA FE #1
2. VICTOR PEREIRA NEWARK MEMORIAL #2
3. ADAM FIERRO BAKERSFIELD #4
4. MATT HICKMAN CAMARILLO #3
5. BLAKE THOMPSON CLOVIS #10
6. STEFAN WEIDEMANN GUNN #8
7. JUAN ALVARADO BLOOMINGTON #7
8. GIANPIERRE YANEZ SERVITE #5
NOTES
The 152 pound weight class is one that I am excited for as it is filled with some exciting wrestlers. 2010 state finalist Joey Davis from Santa Fe is one of the state’s most explosive wrestlers. Victor Pereira from Newark Memorial who placed last year is also a kid who can put big time points on the board quickly. If the two meet in the finals I think we could see a shootout. To get there they will both have to navigate a field that includes crafty veterans like Fierro, Hickman, and Thompson who have already proven that they can slow down the match against Pereira and Davis as they have in their meetings at Raul Huerta between Davis and Fierro, the Mission San Jose where Pereira escaped a close call with Thompson, and the southern section masters finals in the case of Hickman taking Davis into troubled waters. Bloomington’s Alvarado along with Yanez and Weidemann, have proved to be tough adversaries. While I have Joey “Iceman’ Davis winning the ultimate prize there is no doubt in my mind that he will be challenged. As Joey Davis Sr. exclaimed “these kids aren’t no tomato cans we got to wrestle every match like it’s the finals.
TOUGH LUCK
Shervin Iranhia from Monte Vista placed at the state tournament as a sophomore but failed to repeat the feat last year. This year right out of the gate he faces Wasco’s Michael Martinez who is making his third trip to the state tournament in as many years. If Iranhia gets past a very game Michael Martinez he will then face Oakdale’s Dustin Harris an equally tough task. Iranhia’s tough luck is compounded by being in the same quarter bracket as Davis. While I don’t have him placing I see Iranhia going as deep as the blood round where he will likely run into a Thompson or Yanez.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
No real trouble makers here, just a slew of top end kids that should make it as drama free of a ride to the quarters as possible in a tournament as tough as this. One name that strikes me as scary is Josue Terrones from Washington Union who may be able to wrestle with Hickman in the RD of 16 opening up the bottom bracket to a little intrigue.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LATIFI VS ZECHINNI RD 2 POSTON VS PEREIRA RD 1 IRANIHA VS MARTINEZ RD 1 ALVARADO VS HOPKINS RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Call me crazy but every year Wayne Branstetter brings his green machine to Bakersfield and every year someone under the radar makes some noise. Remember this name; Maudin Latifi a senior who may be cut in the same type of mold as the Conrad Snell’s of the world who Poway typically reloads with has a chance to bracket bust the bottom quarter bracket. We know Weidamann is solid but there is just something to be said about facing a Poway wrestler who stays in great position and wrestles hard for six minutes.
160
MY PICKS
1. BRYCE HAMMOND BAKERSFIELD #1
2. VINCE WALDHAUSER OAK RIDGE #2
3. SCOTTY BACON SANTIAGO #5
4. JIM WILSON MCNAIR #3
5. HENRY DONAHUE POWAY #10
6. DILLON REID RED BLUFF #4
7. ADRIAN SALAS CLOVIS #8
8. ELIJAH JACKSON ATASCADERO #6
NOTES
For Bryce Hammond the quest started long ago. Many of us have witnessed the journey between father and son, as well as his relationship with his younger brother Coleman. Bryce has battled through injury and managed to silence all the critics time and time again. This weight class returns four state medalists from a year ago as well the Washington transplant Scotty Bacon who was a state champion last year and super 32 Finalist this year. Waldhauser has committed to Virginia, Bacon to Boise State, and Hammond decided to stay home and attend Cal State Bakersfield. We are predicting a rematch of last year’s finals but look to both Bacon and Wilson to try and play spoiler.
TOUGH LUCK
Returning state qualifier Adam Busch from Castro Valley was 2-2 at this tournament last year but draws Bryce Hammond in the first round. Adam will likely be in the consolation bracket early and will have to be mentally prepared soon after to win five matches to get on the stand. While it is not out of the question in my eyes considering the talent pool in this field it just seems improbable.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Adrian Salas from Clovis is an athletic sophomore who has quietly put together a very nice year. His losses to Hammond at the Divisional and the Masters tournament in the finals may have looked lopsided but rest assured he will cause some trouble in the consolation bracket after likely falling to Reid in the RD of 16 or Bacon in the quarters. Look for Salas to be energized by the prospects of being on a state championship team and cause some trouble just because he can.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
SIEGFRIED VS VOTINO RD 1 TIRADO VS WILSON RD 1 SALAS VS THORNTON RD 1 HAMMOND VS BUSCH RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Dylan Rodriguez is the bracket buster here. Dylan has had moments early in his career where he looked light years ahead of his older brother Alex who was a state finalist in 09. Rodriguez bested Jim Wilson in Vegas at the NUWAY Southwest Kickoff Classic showing he can wrestle with this field. If he can get by Poway’s Donahue in the RD of 16 it will set up a quarterfinals match with Waldhauser. Many would list Dylan as a dark horse but in my book he is just as likely to make the finals as he is to not place here. I don’t have him placing here but as I am typing this a subtle fear is setting in for the ridicule I may face on Sunday morning if he does.
171
MY PICKS
1. NIKKO REYES CLOVIS WEST #1
2. JUSTIN LOZANO SELMA #2
3. ZACH NEVILLS CLOVIS #3
4. TRENT NOON OAKDALE #6
5. JAKE PENDELTON LEMOORE #8
6. ROBERT MARCHESE OAK HILLS #4
7. HUDSON BUCK VACAVILLE #7
8. SILAS NACITA BAKERSFIELD #10
NOTES
There are six returning state medalists in the 171 pound division led by Nikko Reyes from Clovis West. Nikko looks to have separated himself after Temecula Valley defeating both Lozano and Nevills. This field is talented and the order from four to eight could be different depending on how these guys fair battling back through the backside of the bracket. One interesting note is Silas Nacita from Bakersfield who has improved steadily every weekend this season. Nacita has taken Nevills down to the wire and had good showings against Reyes. Nacita moving up a few spots would definitely help the Drillers in the team race.
TOUGH LUCK
I guess if there you were going to make a case for tough luck in this bracket it could be found in the bottom quarter bracket where Noon, Pendelton, and Marchese all find themselves. To be frank I am not quite sure who is getting through to the semifinals to meet Lozano but I do have all three of them making the stand for a second year in a row.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
If there is a trouble maker here it would be none other than Ryan McWatters from Sultana who will have to get bye Nacita in the RD of 16 that will lead him into a match against Nevills in the quarterfinals. McWatters can wrestle with all of these guys and if he gets rolling early then he can put himself in a position to medal. What McWatters and his coach Rocky Humphrey obviously do not want is a long road in the consolation that would materialize if he were to lose to Nacita.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
CRIDER VS BUCK RD 2 DONAHUE VS SANDOVAL RD NICHOLS VS TROCKMAN RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Silas Nacita would be the ultimate bracket buster here. While the notion of beating McWatters, Nevills, and Reyes seems improbable make no mistake it is not impossible. If Nacita finds a way to the platform on Saturday night then rest assured the drillers will be taking home the team title.
189
MY PICKS
1. MORGAN MCINTOSH CALVARY CHAPEL #1
2. LUKE SHERIDAN DE LA SALLE #2
\3. PRESTON QUAM SAN CLEMENTE #3
4. DAKOTA GORDAN CLOVIS #4
5. JESUS AMBRIZ RANCHO BUENA VISTA #5
6. REUBEN FRANKLIN VISTA MURRIETA #6
7. PAUL YOO CYPRESS #7
8. DANNY CHAID BELLERMINE PREP #9
NOTES
The end of one of the best careers in the history of California high school wrestling is a few days away. Morgan Mcintosh has had one heck of a ride since arriving on the scene as a freshman for the church boys. He likely will win both his third state title and fourth state medal this weekend. For many of us that have come to know both Morgan and his father Brooke, cheering for a kid like him is pretty easy to do regardless of where you coach and I am sure he will have a ton of long distance fans when he heads off to Penn State this summer to start the next leg of his journey. Standing in the way of perfection is Luke Sheridan from De la Salle who is no stranger to success himself as noted with his Greco Roman title this summer at Fargo. Sheridan will likely be able to slow Mcintosh down with his pummeling but the question is how much? I don’t know if he can tame the lion, but I do know he is the best man to attempt to.
TOUGH LUCK
My tough luck case is Kyle Pope from Bakersfield. Pope the son of former NCAA finalist and longtime CSUB coach Darryl Pope is giving up a ton of weight due to the drillers strong lineup from 145-171 but that didn’t slow him down as he advanced through the qualifiers punching his ticket to state. Pope could be my trouble maker, bracket buster and tough luck case all in one. I just don’t know how far this kid can go with the draw he received but then again I don’t know that he won’t be wrestling on Saturday either. He is Darryl Pope’s son and that in itself could propel him past Chaid in the out bracket match. In the RD of 16 he will have returning state place winner Preston Quam in which almost every gambling man would have his run in the championship side of the bracket end. I just can’t place my chips on the pass / or do not pass line here.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
If there were to be a trouble maker in this bracket it could be Dakota Gordan from Clovis. Gordan gave Sheridan all he could handle in the finals of the Doc B and has been ranked in the top five all year long. He will have beat Quam to get a rematch with Sheridan and a chance at meeting Morgan in the finals.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
KELLOGG VS YOO RD 2 POPE VS CHAID RD 1 AMBRIZ VS FLORES RD 2 LONGNECKER VS ERMOLOV RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Jesus Ambriz from Rancho Buena Vista is my pick to bracket bust his way to the semifinals where his ride will likely end against Mcintosh. To do so he will have to get through Paul Yoo of Cypress in the quarterfinals. Ambriz has worked hard and is a hardnosed kid who has had the benefit of having former RBV alum and NCAA All American Brandon Halsey in the room all winter
215
MY PICKS
1. TANK KNOWLES CALVARY CHAPEL #1
2. AC BROWN OAKDALE #4
3. AUSTIN LOBSINGER WEST VALLEY #3
4. SCOTT BRASIL PLEASANT VALLEY #8
5. MALIQUE MICENHEIMER MCNAIR #5
6. JEFF VARGAS SOUTH HILLS #7
7. PORFI SOSA POWAY #2
8. ISMAEL SANCHEZ SILVER CREEK #9
NOTES
What started the year as a questionable weight class as far as depth has become quite competitive. William Tank Knowles is by far the favorite here and will very likely repeat as state champion however he will not have a walk in the park. Oakdale’s AC Brown and a host of others will be looking to play spoiler. Knowles will have a pretty manageable road to the finals. If he can get by his out bracket opponent Sean Medley from Wasco who himself is a returning state qualifier then he will likely see Brasil or Micenheimer in the semifinals. His real challenge will likely be the winner up top between Brown, Sosa, Sanchez, Vargas, and Lobsinger all who will be vying to wrestle under the lights on Saturday evening.
TOUGH LUCK
I guess it may be for the four athletes in the top quarter bracket. I mean heck Jeff Vargas and AC Brown may wrestle in the second round and they were in the finals of the toughest two tournaments in the state facing each other at Doc Buchanan and Temecula Valley. Then you add Lobsinger, Aguirre, and the central section finalist David Ali combined with Brown’s RD 1 opponent Antonio Lopez from Paramount and it becomes apparent real quick that this quarter bracket may be the toughest in any weight class in the tournament. I mean you are talking about the #3,#4,#7,#11, #15, and #18 ranked wrestlers all fighting for one spot in the semis. One word describes it----INSANE
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
A likely trouble maker may be Taylor Ferguson of Clovis. I mean forget that he was a round of 12 guy last year. Forget that he has big little Nick Nevills and Dakota Spartacus Gordon as workout partners. Forgot that the weight of a 2011 team title resting on his shoulders. Forget the fact that former state champion Clint Walbeck and NCAA Champ Adam Tirapelle will likely be in his corner. Actually add all of those things together and the fact that he won the central section masters tournament last week by fall over Ali and you have….well you have a troublemaker.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LOPEZ VS BROWN RD 2 LOBSINGER VS AGGUIRE RD 2 MEDLEY VS KNOWLES RD 1 GONZALES VS WALKER RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
There are just too many to choose from. So in jest I am going out on a limb and saying that Tank Knowles will be in the finals against the bracket buster in this weight class. That top side is just too darn loaded. I like the fact that Lobsinger is a thrower and I have watched him pull the trigger on cue. I have witnessed AC Brown down by 3 in the third period besting a 2x Ohio state placer by scoring three takedowns. I have watched Vargas in spots look phenomenal, and behind all the hype a quite Porfi Sosa coached by the legend himself has amassed an almost perfect season minus his one loss to Vargas. So yep whoever wins the top half is my bracket buster.
HVY
MY PICKS
1. NICK NEVILLS CLOVIS #1
2. ORY ELOR COLLEGE PARK #2
3. WYATT BAKER SERVITE #3
4. JOHN SCHUPP VACAVILLE #4
5. JUAN TOVAR WOODLAKE #10
6. ALEX KELLEY VISTA #14
7. ROBERT CHISM DOWNEY #7
8. BRYAN HAYASHIDA ELK GROVE #13
NOTES
We finish with the dancing bears, the big boys, the earth movers…our beloved heavyweights. This year we have something special to discuss in the fact that a true freshman in Nick “I wrestle like a lightweight” Nevills is in the hunt to win a state title. The feat would be a first at this weight class as no freshman has ever won a state title in a weight class above 152 pounds. The last to do it was Louis Bland who won his first of three at 152 pounds as a freshman. Nevills has three losses on the season, two to Blair Academy’s Brook Black and one to Zach Smith of Temecula where he was caught in a bear hug and stuck. Nevills wrestles like a lightweight and I believe if he wins it this year then he will win four state titles. Here is my simple logic; he isn’t going to get any less technical, any smaller, or any weaker. So the stage is set for the start of a new chapter in the state record books. I am calling it now, so goes Nick so goes Clovis. If he gets to the finals they win.
TOUGH LUCK
How about Wyatt Baker and Dylan Wynn in the out bracket match. I am assuming some college football coach had a plane put at noon Friday and made a call to ensure he saw both of these boys before he left. I mean are you kidding me, is one of these boys is heading to the losers bracket before 11am?
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Well it started a long time ago when Ma Nevills and Pa Nevills decided to raise a family. Out popped Nick and his bigger little brothers and kazaam you have trouble. I mean look there is a ton of great wrestlers here that could all cause trouble but the storyline is the storyline. If I had to choose one kid that could send Nick to the loser’s bracket it would be returning state placer from Granite Bay Gavin Andrews. But he isn’t on my list of placers so if he ends up there it could because he caused Nick, Clovis and a few others some trouble of his own.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LOPEZ VS BROWN RD 2 LOBSINGER VS AGGUIRE RD 2 MEDLEY VS KNOWLES RD 1 GONZALES VS WALKER RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Trevor Kelley of El Camino is coached by an old college teammate of mine. He won his section and I am told he is a late starter to wrestling and improving at a rapid pace. If he can get by Lemoore’s Wood in the round of 16 and Vacaville’s Shupp in the quarters he could bracket bust the already beat up winner of the Wynn/Baker match who should likely win their quarter bracket.
THE TEAM RACE
1. CLOVIS 152- Its simple 14-10=9. That’s Clovis math. No really, this team is pretty special. I don’t know if any team out of the central section has ever sent all 14 wrestlers to state. The path won’t be an easy one as they will likely need 2 finalists, 6 placers, and 12-13 scorers. I see them with 8 placers outdistancing a very good driller team.
2. BAKERSFIELD 132- The Drillers are a special bunch, a family that trains together, travels together and in many cases even preys together. Any other year and they run the table here but to be frank they have not yet beat Clovis at a tournament and I don’t see how they can with Clovis having all 14 at the show.
3. GILROY 96- It may be only 96 points but guess what? Yeah every one of those points will return in 2012. Word of the week next week in Gilroy Diaper Dandy.
4. CLOVIS WEST 94- They have some horses that they can ride to a top five finish. Knoblauch, Reyes, and some of their young guys will need to step up for them to crack it. This team could easily implode and be 7th or 8th but I just don’t feel it will go down that way.
5. DE LA SALLE 93- I could be way wrong here. If the baby faced assassin Chavez lives up to my hype, and Sheridan gets to the finals look for a supporting cast of Moita, Abono, Wynn, Ramirez and others to help them make a run this year at a top three finish.
6. LEMOORE 84- Botelho’s crew could finish much higher here. If Rocha, Esparza, and Wood can join Isaiah and Pendleton on the podium then the tigers could be top three.
7. SELMA 78- I know what you are thinking three finalists plus Aguilar, Morfin, and Flores is worth 90 points. Let’s just say I would rather be wrong then right here.
8. CALVARY CHAPEL 74- Two Champs is all. But two fine ones they were. Calvary has a stable of youngsters and wont stray far from the top 10.
9. CLOVIS NORTH 68- Vince, Calcagno, and a few others should make cracking the top 10 possible.
10. POWAY 62- It has been 15 straight years in the top 5 at state and on paper it ends here. I don’t know I just have a strange feeling that Sosa and a few of his fellow Titans will find a way to make it 16 but I can’t figure it out quite yet so I’ll let them prove me wrong as they have so many times over the years and celebrate it when they do.
MY PICKS
1. EMELIO SAVEEDRA PITMAN #1
2. MASON PENGILLY PORTERVILLE #4
3. JOHNSON MAI NORTH TORRANCE #2
4. ISAIAH LOCSIN LIVE OAK #3
5. MICHAEL CLEMMENSON ATASCADERO #5
6. JAXON FITZGERALD FOOTHILL (PALO CEDRO) #15
7. ADRIAN CAMPASANO CENTRAL #11
8. GIONN PERRALTA VACAVILLE #9
NOTES
In a weight class that is extremely competitive one name stands out ahead of the rest, Emelio Saveedra. Emelio won the Doc Buchanan and Temecula Valley tournaments and has a win against both Mai and Locsin. North Torrance's Johnson " freight train" Mai who was a match away from placing in 2010 likely will face freshman sensation and Fargo All American Pengilly in a rematch of a Doc Buchanan semi-final that came down to Mai hitting a mixer in the final twenty seconds to get the win. Pengilly won the central section masters and looks to join Saveedra in an all diaper dandy finals. Gionn Peralta may be the dark horse here as well as Campasano. Peralta has quietly carried on his winning ways in his transition from a youth wrestler to the high school ranks. Campasano has two coaches with a combined 4 CA state titles and 5 CA state finals appearances and has given Pengilly and others fits this year with his fluid cat like style.
TOUGH LUCK
Lief Dominguez runs into Mason Pengilly in his first match out of the tunnel. I guess if I was coach Varela I would be preaching the beat him and take his seed speech. There is no doubt that Dominguez has a lot of big time match experience but I am sure he would rather have had a warm up match as Pengilly was fortunate to receive drawing an out bracket match.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
The Clovis Cinderella story may run parallel with the Andy Ia Story. Andy a senior has sat behind the Gaytan’s for the last few years and found a way to get through the central section qualifying tournaments in his first year in the varsity lineup. I like his draw and while I don’t have him placing, it would not surprise me to see him in the quarter finals and possibly even in the medal rounds.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
DOMINGUEZ VS PENGILLY RD 2 MENDEZ VS MANZO RD 1 WILLIAMS VS LOCSIN RD 2 TAMEZ VS ELIZALDE RD 1
BRACKET BUSTER
Campasano may be the bracket buster here. It would be no easy task but if he found a way past Mai in the Quarters he has proven he can take Pengilly to the threshold of defeat. There is an old saying you have to be coached by a champion (Flores & Tirapelle) to be a champion. It isn’t an absolute but it definitely doesn’t hurt
112
MY PICKS
1. NASHON GARRETT CHICO #1
2. VINCENT GOMEZ FRONTIER #5
3. JONAS GAYTAN CLOVIS #10
4. PAUL FOX GILROY #6
5. MICAH PEREZ CENTRAL UNION #2
6. ANDRES TORRES WINDSOR #9
7. MICHAEL KNOBLAUCH CLOVIS WEST #25
8. IAN NICKELL BAKERSFIELD #4
NOTES
One of the deepest fields in the whole tournament can be found in the 112 pound weight class. This weight class has four returning state placers and two dynamic diaper dandies in it to compliment a slew of returning state qualifiers. It could prove important in deciding the team race as well between Clovis and Bakersfield. Clovis sends Jonas Gaytan to conquer the tough task of getting to the podium. The task is tough notably because if the seeds hold up he will be in the consolation bracket early after he tangos with defending state champ Garrett in the round of 16. Gaytan who had a poor tournament last year could pick up some big team points during his way back through the consolation bracket. If returning state placer Nickell can find a way to navigate past his old foe Garrett Fortado who beat him last year in the medal rounds; then he could end up in the semi-finals and impact the team race. A ton of scenarios here that could add valuable points or take them away amongst some hombres that always seem to provide sparks when they get together.
TOUGH LUCK
The top quarter bracket is down-right nasty. It boasts two returning state placers (Fortado and Nickell), a round of 12 guy (Torres), a Mark Halvorson coached section champ (Ramirez) and the diaper dandy (Knoblauch) who has proved he can be on both the giving and receiving end of some big time upsets this year.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Whoever put this entire group of world beaters in the central section. Gomez, Nickell, Gaytan, Knoblauch, Navarro, Olea and even Marquez can go deep in this year’s tournament. Look for this group to send some kids to the showers early only to likely knock each other off in the consolation quarters.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
KNOBLAUCH VS RAMIREZ RD 2 PEREZ VS PEREZ RD 1 PEREZ VS POLANCO RD 2 FOX VS OLEA RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Paul Fox is a guy here that can really do some damage. I don’t know if he can beat Garrett but I don’t know that he can’t either. In the finals of the Mid Cals he defeated Javier Gasca who actually beat Garrett earlier this year. He has beaten Gaytan in the preseason and is capable of causing some real drama here. I don't quite know who I would rather be the upset minded freshman facing the defending state champ or vice versa. If it plays out like I think one thing is certain people will be talking about Greg Varela's diaper dandies and Paul Fox is certainly one of them.
119
MY PICKS
1. DANIEL GAYTAN CLOVIS #3
2. STEVEN KNOBLAUCH CLOVIS WEST #1
3. MARTIN RAMIREZ ELK GROVE #4
4. JAVIER GASCA CENTRAL #2
5. RAY DELGADO OAK HILLS #6
6. JOHN JAY CHAVEZ DE LA SALLE #10
7. VINCENT HERRERA SOUTH HILLS #11
8. TY STEVENSON MCKINLEYVILLE #9
NOTES
This is the deepest weight class in the tournament by far from top to bottom. Five returning state placers, one extremely scary freshman and a host of returning state qualifiers make the 119 pound weight class nothing other than a funeral procession. I have labeled this weight class the retirement villa simply because high level wrestlers will be heading to the showers early in this bracket. Three returning state placers Hermillo Esqueviel , Martin Ramirez and Victor Lopez could be in the consolation bracket by 2pm on Friday after the round of 16 is concluded which describes exactly how difficult it will be to take any bling in this bracket home.
TOUGH LUCK
Last week in the Central Section masters Javier Gasca faced Daniel Gaytan in the first round due to Daniel Gaytan defaulting to 6th the previous week in divisionals as a result of illness. Gasca fell in that match at masters to Gaytan on some questionable calls and now draws into a stormy path in the topside of the bracket which has four returning state place winners and John Jay Chavez. One thing I do know is Javier seems to make his own luck so I am not counting him out by a long shot. Like Campasano there may not be a better coaching corner in the state or at least one with more state titles so rest assure Gasca will have wise council.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
John Jay Chavez will be the likely culprit at some point. In Vegas at the NUWAY Southwest Kickoff Classic he actually beat Knoblauch. He will have a 2nd round showdown with Elk Grove’s Martin Ramirez who took third last year at the state meet. If John Jay were to pull the upset he would then have to face Gasca and Knoblauch on his way to the finals. If he were to fall early then he would certainly cause some trouble in a consolation bracket that should be loaded with heartache and heartbreak.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
CHAVEZ VS RAMIREZ RD 2 OBOURKE VS GAYTAN RD 1 JUAREGIE VS POLLOCK RD 2 AROUNVONG VS ESPARZA RD 1
BRACKET BUSTER
Besides John Jay “The Baby Faced Assassin” Chavez the bracketbusting duties may fall in the lap of South Hills returning state qualifier Vincent Herrera. Herrera who won the Southern Section Masters would likely have a path starting in the round of 16 with returning state finalist Victor Lopez, then 2009 state finalist Stevan Knoblauch leading to a showdown in the semis with either Ramirez, Esquviel or Chavez. That’s one way to bust a bracket wide open. Lopez could also steal Herrera’s dream and path if he were to be able to come out of the round of 16 match with his name circled on the bout sheet.¨
125
MY PICKS
1. ALEX CISNEROS SELMA #1
2. FABIAN GARCIA TURLOCK #2
3. NICO VILLARREAL GIROY #5
4. VINCE RODRIGUEZ CLOVIS NORTH #3
5. CONNOR LARSON CLOVIS EAST #7
6. MATT GAY CLOVIS #10
7. JOSH LOPEZ FRONTIER #12
8. ALI NASSER EL CAMINO REAL #4
NOTES
Okay I know I sound like a recording in regards to how deep these weight classes are but really the 125 pound division is sick. I am in quite the predicament as I swore an oath not to ever bet even in thought against Alex Cisneros again. The kid is a down right winner, he just gets it done. With that being said the 2011 Diaper Dandy of the year award is without a doubt going to Nico Villarreal. While Nick Nevills has made waves in at the heavyweight division we may see a semifinals matchup that could decide who our next four time state champ may be. Cisneros first real test of the tournament should come against the youngster from Gilroy who has but two in state losses both to Natrell Demison before he made the drop to 125. Fabian Garcia looks to become a rare four time place winner and has only lost to Cisneros. Rodriguez the NHSCA Junior Champ and returning state finalist has lost to both Cisneros and Garcia this year.
TOUGH LUCK
Two will lose in the semis and then another one will perish in the finals. This weight class is sending at least three wrestlers home without a state title this year that have already proven that they are amongst the best in the country. Washington state champ Kyle Kirkendale had his high school program dropped and decided to make the move to sunny California and try his luck amongst California’s best. If he finds himself in the consolation bracket after the round of 16 he will likely share the same fate as many who will have failed in their attempt to brave the storm of 2011 that seems to be most evident in this weight class.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Likely trouble makers will include Ali Nasser who will likely storm through the consi bracket or his round of 16 opponent Matt Gay. Both of these wrestlers have unique styles that equally will make them hard to beat. Nasser wrestles a European style and is flexible and slick. Originally from Afghanistan where his father wrestled for the soviet team in the 1980’s he has wrestled Cisneros to two one point matches. Matt Gay who is freakishly athletic is another first year varsity starter out of the Tirapelle school of brutality at Clovis. Gay has beaten several top ranked wrestlers this season. Both will likely show several of their statesmen the true meaning of a bad day.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
MOITA VS CRUZ RD 2 GAY VS WULFERT RD 1 GARCIA VS ROCHA RD 2 FREGOSO VS HA RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
I have already told his mother to make the traditional celebration Lumpia. Nico Villareal is my bracket buster here, I won’t bet against Alex but I will hedge my bet and go on the record admitting that I did tell a father Halloween weekend his boy would win it all, and he did, from that moment on I was a believer. Look for this weight to provide some drama in the semi -finals possible sending shock waves throughout the nation via way of Gilroy.
130
MY PICKS
1. NICK PENA SELMA #2
2. WILLIE FOX GILROY #6
3. NATRELL DEMISON BAKERSFIELD #1â
4. CODY TOW UNION MINE #5
5. CHRIS CALCAGNO CLOVIS NORTH #7
6. PATRICK PHAYSAMONE CLOVIS EAST #16
7. SHAYNE TUCKER BELLA VISTA #4
8. JUAN SALAS CLOVIS #11
NOTES
The storyline of this weight class may be the fact that there are two wrestlers looking to become four time state place winners a feat accomplished less than twenty times. Both Pena and Tow are seeking their respective fourth medals. Pena the defending state champion avenged his lower than expected Doc Buchanan performance in January by returning to the central section masters final where he dropped a nail biter to Demison. Tow fell short of carrying an undefeated season into the state tournament when he lost this past weekend in his sectionals but came back to take third. This weight class may best be characterized as a box of chocolates, never knowing what you are going to get. For example Demison, Calcagno, Phaysamone, Fox, and Salas have each knocked off each other as well as several of the top wrestlers here, and all look to stand on the podiums highest step. This is just a dirty weight class in every aspect as far as trying to find a sure thing.
TOUGH LUCK
Andrew Shulte from Centennial of Corona came into high school as an icon amongst youth wrestling aficionados, and after a transfer early last year he has returned to elite form in this his junior season. Shulte won the southern section masters title last week but faces a path that seems more like a land mine field than a reward. He draws a tough Tanner Feurstein from Oakdale right out of the shoot. Feurstein has proven that he can beat anyone in the top eight here as he scored several upsets at both the Doc B and Temecula Valley tournaments in January. If Shulte gets to the round of 16 he will likely face Willie Fox from Gilroy and then Nick Pena of Selma in the quarters. So for future reference if you think you are going to Disneyland after winning the infamous meat grinder known as the southern section masters think again. The state tournament pairings computer can be downright brutal.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
The trouble maker could possibly Alex Annunciation from Marina. Alex beat Shayne Tucker at Five Counties in the finals earlier this year; though it is said Tucker was ill. If Annunciation is to cause any trouble he is going to have to likely beat a seasoned Juan Salas from Clovis who was a match away last year. Some may think it is inconceivable that a first year state qualifier albeit a senior can travel the road that he would be required to in his quest to stand on the podium this weekend. If he gets by Salas you can expect to see him in the semifinals and on the stand Saturday night.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
SHULTE VS FEURSTEIN RD 2 PHAYSAMONE VS SERGI RD 1 ZIMMER VS FOX RD 2 CALCAGNO VS LONGO RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Patrick Phaysamone from Clovis East is what some would call a firecracker with a short fuse. The kid has shown that if he is on he can make this thing called wrestling look pretty darn easy. Last week he wrestled Demison to a one point match, and earlier in the year he beat Salas. He can score points in a hurry from any position on the mat. Phaysamone has a tough Brian Sergi in an out bracket match to start his morning Friday, and then will likely have to get through returning state placer Lizarraga from Brawley for a rematch with Salas in the quarter finals. The key for Phaysamone is to get rolling early in the winner’s bracket.
135
MY PICKS
1. BLAKE KASTL GILROY #4
2. CHRIS MECATE REDLANDS EAST VALLEY #1
3. SHANE YACUTA PORTERVILLE #2
4. SHANE TATE OAKDALE #8
5. TIMMY BOX BAKERSFIELD #3
6. MIGUEL GALLEGOS SAN FERNANDO #6
7. DALTON METEVIER LINCOLN #7
8. LUKE MCDONALD SERVITE #13
NOTES
The 135 pound weight class is the same old story; just nails. I am starting to think the California state wrestling tournament was designed to break hearts. I have five of the returning six state placers making it to the podium here but I would not be shocked to see one or two more of them falling short. Adam Hendrickson is rumored to be hurt and this is not a bracket that will be easy to navigate while at less than your best. If the extra week from masters to the state tournament helps him, then expect even more heartbreak for someone. Also in the bracket are some likely trouble makers like freshman Fargo All American Bryan Salinas from Northview who wouldn’t be the first diaper dandy to bracket bust at the state tournament. In addition Jacob Leon is part of a trio of Alta Loma wrestlers that could make some noise this year and if he heats up you could see him in the quarter finals and possibly on the podium.
TOUGH LUCK
If it is true that Adam Hendrickson is less than one hundred percent it is unfortunate. He has had a great season and did well at the state tournament last year; placing as a sophmore in the middle weights is no easy task. Right off the bat he gets Jason Ladd from Clovis who has somehow found a way to the big dance. With a team title on the line and a very active wrestler in Ladd Hendrickson will have his hands full. If Hendrickson can get by Ladd he will eventually meet both Box and Mecate who stand in his way to a date on the raised platform Saturday evening.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
The likely culprit could be Miguel Gallegos from San Fernando. Miguel is undefeated this year and a Temecula Valley champ where he bested Willy Fox from Gilroy. It isn’t a cake walk for anyone in this bracket but Gallegos will have one of the toughest paths I have witnessed in many years. He will likely have Salinas in RD.2, then a sectional champion in Morelli from Paradise. If Gallegos can get to the quarters he will likely face returning state placer Kastl before meeting returning state placer Yacuta in the semifinals. No easy task but Miguel’s lanky frame, incredible mat wrestling ability and high wrestling IQ makes him a big time trouble maker.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LADD VS HENDRICKSON RD 2 YACUTA VS SANTOS RD 1 SALINAS VS GHANNAM RD 1 WILSON VS SERRANO RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Luke Mcdonald from Servite may have the toughest first match of the tournament in his round two meeting with Bakersfield’s Timmy Box. If by some chance Mcdonald was able to upset Box then his path goes through the said to be injured Hendrickson. Mcdonald may not be able to take out Chris Mecate in the semifinals but he definitely can get to the podium and break some Driller hearts. I am a Box fan so this may be one bracket buster that may cause me to shed a tear.
140
MY PICKS
1. ISAIAH MARTINEZ LEMOORE #1
2. NICK CANO SAINT FRANCIS #2
3. AUSTIN BRANUM DEL ORO #4
4. BRADY BERSANO CLOVIS #7
5. DAVID MEZA BUENA PARK #3
6. ELI MACK ALTA LOMA #15
7. ALEX ABONO DE LA SALLE #5
8. SPASO ILICH RAMONA #9
NOTES
The 140 pound weight class at first glance looks to be maybe the least difficult of the fourteen if you base it on resume. From a birds-eye view with only two returning state placers at this weight namely Nick Cano and Isaiah Martinez. Some would speculate Isaiah “I can do whatever I want” Martinez may have caused returning talent to migrate down to 135 or up to 145. I have chosen to look at it with a different set of glasses highlighting the fact that twenty of the forty athletes competing in the bracket are underclassman. This is much higher than the two weight classes directly above and below it which average four-teen underclassman. So in short I choose to chalk it up to some youngsters that are ready and willing to make a name for them.
TOUGH LUCK
Whoever loses between Max Ramirez and Alex Abono in the out bracket will feel like they had a case of tough luck. Once again two great wrestlers entering and one headed to the consolation bracket before 11am in the morning. If Ramirez falls short this could affect the team race as he would have to win five matches to get to the podium.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Isaiah Martinez has a way of making his opponents look helpless on the mat. Many remember the consolation finals last year where he majored a very good Jessie Delgado sitting on his opponents back admiring the crowd for the last ten seconds. Delgado ended up winning senior nationals in Viirginia Beach. The Temecula Valley finals between Cano and Martinez showed he can be challenged but let’s call a spade a spade not many of the elite seniors wanted to take their chances in this bracket if they had their hearts set on a state title.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LOECHLER VS ILICH RD 2 ABONO VS RAMIREZ RD 1 AGUILAR VS WESLEY RD 1 CANO VS GOMEZ RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
If there is a bracket buster here it may be none other than Eli Mack. He has been wrestling for a long time but has had injury problems thus far in high school. If Mack could find a way to use his slick style to out point Cano then he could end up in the finals.
145
MY PICKS
1. DAMO ARREDONDO BUCHANAN #2
2. COLEMAN HAMMOND BAKERSFIELD #3
3. DAVID FERRY OAKDALE #6
4. JAKE ELLIOT OAKMONT #1
5. BRANDON SOTOMAYOR CENTENNIAL #7
6. HAYDEN SHARBROUGH GLENDORA #5
7. DEVIN POINDEXTER CLOVIS NORTH #13
8. CHASE BOONTJER FOOTHILL PC #9
NOTES
The 145 pound weight class is scary deep boasting four returning state placers and a returning state champion. What is most remarkable is the number of returning state qualifiers in the bracket; I stopped counting at fifteen. I am affectionately dubbing this bracket “the heartbreak hotel” as I have at least one of the returning state placers leaving Bakersfield this weekend empty handed. The storyline is the emergence of Jake Elliot and his ride to the top ranking in the state. I have heard some snicker as his body of work was done primarily at one event where he knocked off Arredondo, Ferry, and state placer Baldazo all in the consolation bracket. The question is will the above mentioned three be peaking this weekend. This bracket will definitely produce some incredible Friday action due to its depth.
TOUGH LUCK
Whoever loses between Morfin and Ferry in the first out bracket is going to walk away devastated. Ferry hasn’t had the year one would expect from a defending state champion but mark my words the kid knows what it takes to get it done on the first weekend of March. Morfin is a tank and should give Ferry all he wants and then some. The winner then will likely face returning state placer and Fargo AA Baldazo in the RD of 16. Another draw that has you bringing out the Kleenex is Sultana’s Michael Gonzales who actually won the Doc Buchanan bracket that had Baldazo, Ferry, Arredondo, and Elliot in the consolations. First match out Gonzales faces the always game Anthony Linares who stands in the way of a RD of 16 match-up with Arredondo. The path does not get any either with Ferry / Baldazo / Sotomayor /Morfin in the top quarter bracket.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Some would argue that it was Joey Davis at 152 and Isaiah Martinez at 140 who traffic jammed all of this talent in the 145 pound bracket. I won’t go that far but I will say these kids have been knocking off each other all year and it is a very senior laden class. The top quarter bracket is likely sending a top ranked kid or two to the showers prior to the medal rounds. I guess in short there are just too many trouble makers to list. If I had to settle on one it would have to be Oxnard’s Andrew Gonzales who would have to upend Arredondo in the quarter finals to have a shot of creating some drama.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
GONZALES LINARES RD 2 MORFIN VS FERRY RD 1 SOTOMAYOR VS MERRITT RD 1 BARAJAS VS CRUZ RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
I may be extremely biased here but look for Brandon Sotomayor or Devin Poindexter to bracket bust at this weight. The central section masters bracket at 145 last week had four of my predicted placers as well as Morfin in it. Any one of these five qualifiers could have won other sections. Poindexter and Sotomayor are seasoned wrestlers who have the ability to damage in this bracket based on their draws. Sotomayor if he can sneak by Merritt will get the Baldazo/Ferry/Morfin winner in the quarters and a rematch with Arredondo if he bracket busts. Poindexter will likely have to beat the Cruz/Barajas winner in the RD of 16 to advance to the quarters where he will meet returning state placer Coleman Hammond for the third week in a row. Poindexter has given Hammond fits in the two close matches he dropped.
152
MY PICKS
1. JOEY DAVIS SANTA FE #1
2. VICTOR PEREIRA NEWARK MEMORIAL #2
3. ADAM FIERRO BAKERSFIELD #4
4. MATT HICKMAN CAMARILLO #3
5. BLAKE THOMPSON CLOVIS #10
6. STEFAN WEIDEMANN GUNN #8
7. JUAN ALVARADO BLOOMINGTON #7
8. GIANPIERRE YANEZ SERVITE #5
NOTES
The 152 pound weight class is one that I am excited for as it is filled with some exciting wrestlers. 2010 state finalist Joey Davis from Santa Fe is one of the state’s most explosive wrestlers. Victor Pereira from Newark Memorial who placed last year is also a kid who can put big time points on the board quickly. If the two meet in the finals I think we could see a shootout. To get there they will both have to navigate a field that includes crafty veterans like Fierro, Hickman, and Thompson who have already proven that they can slow down the match against Pereira and Davis as they have in their meetings at Raul Huerta between Davis and Fierro, the Mission San Jose where Pereira escaped a close call with Thompson, and the southern section masters finals in the case of Hickman taking Davis into troubled waters. Bloomington’s Alvarado along with Yanez and Weidemann, have proved to be tough adversaries. While I have Joey “Iceman’ Davis winning the ultimate prize there is no doubt in my mind that he will be challenged. As Joey Davis Sr. exclaimed “these kids aren’t no tomato cans we got to wrestle every match like it’s the finals.
TOUGH LUCK
Shervin Iranhia from Monte Vista placed at the state tournament as a sophomore but failed to repeat the feat last year. This year right out of the gate he faces Wasco’s Michael Martinez who is making his third trip to the state tournament in as many years. If Iranhia gets past a very game Michael Martinez he will then face Oakdale’s Dustin Harris an equally tough task. Iranhia’s tough luck is compounded by being in the same quarter bracket as Davis. While I don’t have him placing I see Iranhia going as deep as the blood round where he will likely run into a Thompson or Yanez.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
No real trouble makers here, just a slew of top end kids that should make it as drama free of a ride to the quarters as possible in a tournament as tough as this. One name that strikes me as scary is Josue Terrones from Washington Union who may be able to wrestle with Hickman in the RD of 16 opening up the bottom bracket to a little intrigue.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LATIFI VS ZECHINNI RD 2 POSTON VS PEREIRA RD 1 IRANIHA VS MARTINEZ RD 1 ALVARADO VS HOPKINS RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Call me crazy but every year Wayne Branstetter brings his green machine to Bakersfield and every year someone under the radar makes some noise. Remember this name; Maudin Latifi a senior who may be cut in the same type of mold as the Conrad Snell’s of the world who Poway typically reloads with has a chance to bracket bust the bottom quarter bracket. We know Weidamann is solid but there is just something to be said about facing a Poway wrestler who stays in great position and wrestles hard for six minutes.
160
MY PICKS
1. BRYCE HAMMOND BAKERSFIELD #1
2. VINCE WALDHAUSER OAK RIDGE #2
3. SCOTTY BACON SANTIAGO #5
4. JIM WILSON MCNAIR #3
5. HENRY DONAHUE POWAY #10
6. DILLON REID RED BLUFF #4
7. ADRIAN SALAS CLOVIS #8
8. ELIJAH JACKSON ATASCADERO #6
NOTES
For Bryce Hammond the quest started long ago. Many of us have witnessed the journey between father and son, as well as his relationship with his younger brother Coleman. Bryce has battled through injury and managed to silence all the critics time and time again. This weight class returns four state medalists from a year ago as well the Washington transplant Scotty Bacon who was a state champion last year and super 32 Finalist this year. Waldhauser has committed to Virginia, Bacon to Boise State, and Hammond decided to stay home and attend Cal State Bakersfield. We are predicting a rematch of last year’s finals but look to both Bacon and Wilson to try and play spoiler.
TOUGH LUCK
Returning state qualifier Adam Busch from Castro Valley was 2-2 at this tournament last year but draws Bryce Hammond in the first round. Adam will likely be in the consolation bracket early and will have to be mentally prepared soon after to win five matches to get on the stand. While it is not out of the question in my eyes considering the talent pool in this field it just seems improbable.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Adrian Salas from Clovis is an athletic sophomore who has quietly put together a very nice year. His losses to Hammond at the Divisional and the Masters tournament in the finals may have looked lopsided but rest assured he will cause some trouble in the consolation bracket after likely falling to Reid in the RD of 16 or Bacon in the quarters. Look for Salas to be energized by the prospects of being on a state championship team and cause some trouble just because he can.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
SIEGFRIED VS VOTINO RD 1 TIRADO VS WILSON RD 1 SALAS VS THORNTON RD 1 HAMMOND VS BUSCH RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Dylan Rodriguez is the bracket buster here. Dylan has had moments early in his career where he looked light years ahead of his older brother Alex who was a state finalist in 09. Rodriguez bested Jim Wilson in Vegas at the NUWAY Southwest Kickoff Classic showing he can wrestle with this field. If he can get by Poway’s Donahue in the RD of 16 it will set up a quarterfinals match with Waldhauser. Many would list Dylan as a dark horse but in my book he is just as likely to make the finals as he is to not place here. I don’t have him placing here but as I am typing this a subtle fear is setting in for the ridicule I may face on Sunday morning if he does.
171
MY PICKS
1. NIKKO REYES CLOVIS WEST #1
2. JUSTIN LOZANO SELMA #2
3. ZACH NEVILLS CLOVIS #3
4. TRENT NOON OAKDALE #6
5. JAKE PENDELTON LEMOORE #8
6. ROBERT MARCHESE OAK HILLS #4
7. HUDSON BUCK VACAVILLE #7
8. SILAS NACITA BAKERSFIELD #10
NOTES
There are six returning state medalists in the 171 pound division led by Nikko Reyes from Clovis West. Nikko looks to have separated himself after Temecula Valley defeating both Lozano and Nevills. This field is talented and the order from four to eight could be different depending on how these guys fair battling back through the backside of the bracket. One interesting note is Silas Nacita from Bakersfield who has improved steadily every weekend this season. Nacita has taken Nevills down to the wire and had good showings against Reyes. Nacita moving up a few spots would definitely help the Drillers in the team race.
TOUGH LUCK
I guess if there you were going to make a case for tough luck in this bracket it could be found in the bottom quarter bracket where Noon, Pendelton, and Marchese all find themselves. To be frank I am not quite sure who is getting through to the semifinals to meet Lozano but I do have all three of them making the stand for a second year in a row.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
If there is a trouble maker here it would be none other than Ryan McWatters from Sultana who will have to get bye Nacita in the RD of 16 that will lead him into a match against Nevills in the quarterfinals. McWatters can wrestle with all of these guys and if he gets rolling early then he can put himself in a position to medal. What McWatters and his coach Rocky Humphrey obviously do not want is a long road in the consolation that would materialize if he were to lose to Nacita.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
CRIDER VS BUCK RD 2 DONAHUE VS SANDOVAL RD NICHOLS VS TROCKMAN RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Silas Nacita would be the ultimate bracket buster here. While the notion of beating McWatters, Nevills, and Reyes seems improbable make no mistake it is not impossible. If Nacita finds a way to the platform on Saturday night then rest assured the drillers will be taking home the team title.
189
MY PICKS
1. MORGAN MCINTOSH CALVARY CHAPEL #1
2. LUKE SHERIDAN DE LA SALLE #2
\3. PRESTON QUAM SAN CLEMENTE #3
4. DAKOTA GORDAN CLOVIS #4
5. JESUS AMBRIZ RANCHO BUENA VISTA #5
6. REUBEN FRANKLIN VISTA MURRIETA #6
7. PAUL YOO CYPRESS #7
8. DANNY CHAID BELLERMINE PREP #9
NOTES
The end of one of the best careers in the history of California high school wrestling is a few days away. Morgan Mcintosh has had one heck of a ride since arriving on the scene as a freshman for the church boys. He likely will win both his third state title and fourth state medal this weekend. For many of us that have come to know both Morgan and his father Brooke, cheering for a kid like him is pretty easy to do regardless of where you coach and I am sure he will have a ton of long distance fans when he heads off to Penn State this summer to start the next leg of his journey. Standing in the way of perfection is Luke Sheridan from De la Salle who is no stranger to success himself as noted with his Greco Roman title this summer at Fargo. Sheridan will likely be able to slow Mcintosh down with his pummeling but the question is how much? I don’t know if he can tame the lion, but I do know he is the best man to attempt to.
TOUGH LUCK
My tough luck case is Kyle Pope from Bakersfield. Pope the son of former NCAA finalist and longtime CSUB coach Darryl Pope is giving up a ton of weight due to the drillers strong lineup from 145-171 but that didn’t slow him down as he advanced through the qualifiers punching his ticket to state. Pope could be my trouble maker, bracket buster and tough luck case all in one. I just don’t know how far this kid can go with the draw he received but then again I don’t know that he won’t be wrestling on Saturday either. He is Darryl Pope’s son and that in itself could propel him past Chaid in the out bracket match. In the RD of 16 he will have returning state place winner Preston Quam in which almost every gambling man would have his run in the championship side of the bracket end. I just can’t place my chips on the pass / or do not pass line here.
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
If there were to be a trouble maker in this bracket it could be Dakota Gordan from Clovis. Gordan gave Sheridan all he could handle in the finals of the Doc B and has been ranked in the top five all year long. He will have beat Quam to get a rematch with Sheridan and a chance at meeting Morgan in the finals.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
KELLOGG VS YOO RD 2 POPE VS CHAID RD 1 AMBRIZ VS FLORES RD 2 LONGNECKER VS ERMOLOV RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Jesus Ambriz from Rancho Buena Vista is my pick to bracket bust his way to the semifinals where his ride will likely end against Mcintosh. To do so he will have to get through Paul Yoo of Cypress in the quarterfinals. Ambriz has worked hard and is a hardnosed kid who has had the benefit of having former RBV alum and NCAA All American Brandon Halsey in the room all winter
215
MY PICKS
1. TANK KNOWLES CALVARY CHAPEL #1
2. AC BROWN OAKDALE #4
3. AUSTIN LOBSINGER WEST VALLEY #3
4. SCOTT BRASIL PLEASANT VALLEY #8
5. MALIQUE MICENHEIMER MCNAIR #5
6. JEFF VARGAS SOUTH HILLS #7
7. PORFI SOSA POWAY #2
8. ISMAEL SANCHEZ SILVER CREEK #9
NOTES
What started the year as a questionable weight class as far as depth has become quite competitive. William Tank Knowles is by far the favorite here and will very likely repeat as state champion however he will not have a walk in the park. Oakdale’s AC Brown and a host of others will be looking to play spoiler. Knowles will have a pretty manageable road to the finals. If he can get by his out bracket opponent Sean Medley from Wasco who himself is a returning state qualifier then he will likely see Brasil or Micenheimer in the semifinals. His real challenge will likely be the winner up top between Brown, Sosa, Sanchez, Vargas, and Lobsinger all who will be vying to wrestle under the lights on Saturday evening.
TOUGH LUCK
I guess it may be for the four athletes in the top quarter bracket. I mean heck Jeff Vargas and AC Brown may wrestle in the second round and they were in the finals of the toughest two tournaments in the state facing each other at Doc Buchanan and Temecula Valley. Then you add Lobsinger, Aguirre, and the central section finalist David Ali combined with Brown’s RD 1 opponent Antonio Lopez from Paramount and it becomes apparent real quick that this quarter bracket may be the toughest in any weight class in the tournament. I mean you are talking about the #3,#4,#7,#11, #15, and #18 ranked wrestlers all fighting for one spot in the semis. One word describes it----INSANE
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
A likely trouble maker may be Taylor Ferguson of Clovis. I mean forget that he was a round of 12 guy last year. Forget that he has big little Nick Nevills and Dakota Spartacus Gordon as workout partners. Forgot that the weight of a 2011 team title resting on his shoulders. Forget the fact that former state champion Clint Walbeck and NCAA Champ Adam Tirapelle will likely be in his corner. Actually add all of those things together and the fact that he won the central section masters tournament last week by fall over Ali and you have….well you have a troublemaker.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LOPEZ VS BROWN RD 2 LOBSINGER VS AGGUIRE RD 2 MEDLEY VS KNOWLES RD 1 GONZALES VS WALKER RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
There are just too many to choose from. So in jest I am going out on a limb and saying that Tank Knowles will be in the finals against the bracket buster in this weight class. That top side is just too darn loaded. I like the fact that Lobsinger is a thrower and I have watched him pull the trigger on cue. I have witnessed AC Brown down by 3 in the third period besting a 2x Ohio state placer by scoring three takedowns. I have watched Vargas in spots look phenomenal, and behind all the hype a quite Porfi Sosa coached by the legend himself has amassed an almost perfect season minus his one loss to Vargas. So yep whoever wins the top half is my bracket buster.
HVY
MY PICKS
1. NICK NEVILLS CLOVIS #1
2. ORY ELOR COLLEGE PARK #2
3. WYATT BAKER SERVITE #3
4. JOHN SCHUPP VACAVILLE #4
5. JUAN TOVAR WOODLAKE #10
6. ALEX KELLEY VISTA #14
7. ROBERT CHISM DOWNEY #7
8. BRYAN HAYASHIDA ELK GROVE #13
NOTES
We finish with the dancing bears, the big boys, the earth movers…our beloved heavyweights. This year we have something special to discuss in the fact that a true freshman in Nick “I wrestle like a lightweight” Nevills is in the hunt to win a state title. The feat would be a first at this weight class as no freshman has ever won a state title in a weight class above 152 pounds. The last to do it was Louis Bland who won his first of three at 152 pounds as a freshman. Nevills has three losses on the season, two to Blair Academy’s Brook Black and one to Zach Smith of Temecula where he was caught in a bear hug and stuck. Nevills wrestles like a lightweight and I believe if he wins it this year then he will win four state titles. Here is my simple logic; he isn’t going to get any less technical, any smaller, or any weaker. So the stage is set for the start of a new chapter in the state record books. I am calling it now, so goes Nick so goes Clovis. If he gets to the finals they win.
TOUGH LUCK
How about Wyatt Baker and Dylan Wynn in the out bracket match. I am assuming some college football coach had a plane put at noon Friday and made a call to ensure he saw both of these boys before he left. I mean are you kidding me, is one of these boys is heading to the losers bracket before 11am?
WHO CAUSED THE TROUBLE?
Well it started a long time ago when Ma Nevills and Pa Nevills decided to raise a family. Out popped Nick and his bigger little brothers and kazaam you have trouble. I mean look there is a ton of great wrestlers here that could all cause trouble but the storyline is the storyline. If I had to choose one kid that could send Nick to the loser’s bracket it would be returning state placer from Granite Bay Gavin Andrews. But he isn’t on my list of placers so if he ends up there it could because he caused Nick, Clovis and a few others some trouble of his own.
KEY 1ST & 2ND ROUND MATCHES
LOPEZ VS BROWN RD 2 LOBSINGER VS AGGUIRE RD 2 MEDLEY VS KNOWLES RD 1 GONZALES VS WALKER RD 2
BRACKET BUSTER
Trevor Kelley of El Camino is coached by an old college teammate of mine. He won his section and I am told he is a late starter to wrestling and improving at a rapid pace. If he can get by Lemoore’s Wood in the round of 16 and Vacaville’s Shupp in the quarters he could bracket bust the already beat up winner of the Wynn/Baker match who should likely win their quarter bracket.
THE TEAM RACE
1. CLOVIS 152- Its simple 14-10=9. That’s Clovis math. No really, this team is pretty special. I don’t know if any team out of the central section has ever sent all 14 wrestlers to state. The path won’t be an easy one as they will likely need 2 finalists, 6 placers, and 12-13 scorers. I see them with 8 placers outdistancing a very good driller team.
2. BAKERSFIELD 132- The Drillers are a special bunch, a family that trains together, travels together and in many cases even preys together. Any other year and they run the table here but to be frank they have not yet beat Clovis at a tournament and I don’t see how they can with Clovis having all 14 at the show.
3. GILROY 96- It may be only 96 points but guess what? Yeah every one of those points will return in 2012. Word of the week next week in Gilroy Diaper Dandy.
4. CLOVIS WEST 94- They have some horses that they can ride to a top five finish. Knoblauch, Reyes, and some of their young guys will need to step up for them to crack it. This team could easily implode and be 7th or 8th but I just don’t feel it will go down that way.
5. DE LA SALLE 93- I could be way wrong here. If the baby faced assassin Chavez lives up to my hype, and Sheridan gets to the finals look for a supporting cast of Moita, Abono, Wynn, Ramirez and others to help them make a run this year at a top three finish.
6. LEMOORE 84- Botelho’s crew could finish much higher here. If Rocha, Esparza, and Wood can join Isaiah and Pendleton on the podium then the tigers could be top three.
7. SELMA 78- I know what you are thinking three finalists plus Aguilar, Morfin, and Flores is worth 90 points. Let’s just say I would rather be wrong then right here.
8. CALVARY CHAPEL 74- Two Champs is all. But two fine ones they were. Calvary has a stable of youngsters and wont stray far from the top 10.
9. CLOVIS NORTH 68- Vince, Calcagno, and a few others should make cracking the top 10 possible.
10. POWAY 62- It has been 15 straight years in the top 5 at state and on paper it ends here. I don’t know I just have a strange feeling that Sosa and a few of his fellow Titans will find a way to make it 16 but I can’t figure it out quite yet so I’ll let them prove me wrong as they have so many times over the years and celebrate it when they do.
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