TexasWrestling
How did the predicted teams do at regionals and who should come out on top at State.
By: Ray Shoaf
My regional predictions went 4/4, and were based solely on the amount of wrestlers going to the regional tournament. Some team races were decided by 3.5 points like the region 4-6A where New Braunfels who I predicted to finish 2nd over Lake Travis proof me wrong by pulling out the win. Allen in 2-6 region ran away with the team title for I lost count of how many years in a row, guessing over 12 though taking 13 boys to the state tournament. Katy took care of business in the region 3-6 winning by over 100 points. The surprise was Arlington Martin proving that that are still on top of their game and deserving of their high team ranking winning their region 1-6 by 55 points. Canyon Randall in the 1-5A took care of business. Burleson Centennial in the 2-5 region having taken the most wrestlers to the tournament fell short to Frisco Centennial by 30 points who only took 10 wrestlers. Region 2-3 College Station A & M Consolidated proved they was champs by 30 points over predicted Lovejoy. Dripping Springs did what was expected in 4-5A.
How will the teams do at the next level?
In the 6A Allen brings the most wrestlers to the big show with 13 wrestlers making the trip. Katy comes in 2nd with 9 wrestlers and Arlington Martin is bringing 8 wrestlers along with College Park. Allen on paper looks in line to secure its 11th straight state team title however it could be a lot tougher this year then in years past as Arlington Martins top 3 ranked wrestlers @ 106, 120, and 126 look to best Allen at those weights. Scatter the other wrestlers who will have other tough teams to deal with it could set up a tight team race between the top 4 teams. If Allen gets by the top 3 Martin wrestlers Allen will win by a landslide again with everyone else vying for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.
In the 5A boys race Canyon Randall and Dripping Springs both bring 10 wrestlers to the big show followed by Frisco Centennial with 9 and College Station A & M Consolidated bring 8. This race will be close as in years past as all the top wrestlers are matched up here. Frisco Centennial beat Randall at state duals by criteria only earlier this year. Dripping Springs has owned everyone in their neighborhood as well as College Station A & M.. This is way to close to predict but my prediction is top 3 teams are decided by less then 15 points. Randall, Centennial, and Dripping Springs. El Paso Eastwood, Cedar Park, and Lovejoy has potential to break the top 5.
Best of Luck to all the teams and safe journeys to Houston
