Region 1

[ukpridewrestler11 276]

Union ended up with nine #1 seeds. Grant-Hall is not listed, instead Daniel Knight will be wrestling 113 for Christian County. 

[john cena 0]

When will brackets be released?

[FalconWrestling 147]

As soon as brackets are up I'll do region predictions, well hopefully as soon as possible

[ukpridewrestler11 276]

Got that tidbit from a coach. Looking like brackets will be released at 10pm on Friday night even though wrestling starts that evening. 

[halfhalfhalf 121]

Wrestling will not start Friday. It is going to be on Saturday only. Almost all brackets are 8 man brackets

[FalconWrestling 147]

2 minutes ago, ukpridewrestler11 said:

Got that tidbit from a coach. Looking like brackets will be released at 10pm on Friday night even though wrestling starts that evening. 

Ya I just saw that myself, just going to say if that was intentional that that's ridiculous, what purpose does that serve?

Edit- Checking other regions that may be the default setting and the tournament director needs to go in and change it

[ukpridewrestler11 276]

Half, I was just going by track info deadlines. Didn't realize brackets weren't full at all. Good to see you at middle school state. Congrats on Tomerlin's big win. Now if only you can keep them around. 

[halfhalfhalf 121]

14 minutes ago, ukpridewrestler11 said:

Half, I was just going by track info deadlines. Didn't realize brackets weren't full at all. Good to see you at middle school state. Congrats on Tomerlin's big win. Now if only you can keep them around. 

Thanks bud. Good seeing you. You coming down this weekend?

 

 

yes there are some weights with 5-6 kids. Biggest bracket has like 10 kids.

[halfhalfhalf 121]

29 minutes ago, ukpridewrestler11 said:

Half, I was just going by track info deadlines. Didn't realize brackets weren't full at all. Good to see you at middle school state. Congrats on Tomerlin's big win. Now if only you can keep them around. 

Very proud of Tomerlin for getting the big win. He wrestled very well. Gave up 1 point the entire tourney. Definitely like that venue. Would be great for the HS state tourney 

[ukpridewrestler11 276]

I'll be down at the horse park. Too far from northeast Ohio to come down for regions. So many teams in the region, still hurting for numbers it seems. Hoping a certain set of twins make it through to state tho! Good luck to everyone in west KY. 

[FalconWrestling 147]

9 minutes ago, ukpridewrestler11 said:

I'll be down at the horse park. Too far from northeast Ohio to come down for regions. So many teams in the region, still hurting for numbers it seems. Hoping a certain set of twins make it through to state tho! Good luck to everyone in west KY. 

I think the numbers issue may be nationwide, at least statewide

[opinional_start 3]

It is sad to hear that the numbers are down this year. I hope that over the next couple of years it will pick back up. It is hard to believe just a few years ago that each bracket was almost full. From what I was told there are a couple weight classes if the guys just show up basically they will be going to state. UNBELIEVABLE!!! Sounds like Region 1 will be dominated by Union in most of the weights as usual. With the exception of 160, 170, 195 and 220. I am sure Union will have placers at those weights as well. Winning 10 of 14 weight classes in your region is impressive. I believe Christian County will be a distant second behind Union for the team race. Best of luck to all the wrestlers!!  

Speaking with a few folks up north, it sounds like 138 is going to be quite a showdown at state. Hard to believe so many guys are moving to 138 but it is good for the sport though. Everyone wants to test the water with Sheffer I guess. At the state tourney it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Sheffer will leave region 1 undefeated but can he hold them top dogs off at state which will be interesting.

[tekejew 19]

Can't speak for other Region's, but Region 1 numbers seem to be down due to injuries along with a few guys just quitting their team.  Hate to hear any kid removing themselves from a sport before it's over.  I know it makes things hard on the Coaching staff and the fact you don't want that type of behavior to become a habit even after your done with wrestling. 

[opinional_start 3]

I had not heard of anyone quitting this late in the season. That is horrible to hear! It is sad to hear that a young man walks out on his team mates after this deep into the season. They should not let a coach or team member deter them from something they enjoy if that is the case. I remember when I first started wrestling many moons ago now and I was not truly bought in the first year. Once I started seeing success, it was game on and if I did not like the coach I would have wrestled him to see who would leave the team, HAHA!

As for injuries, those are expected but unfortunate for anyone. I have not seen anything on the brackets for Region 1 yet but I did hear the numbers were disappointing though. 

[halfhalfhalf 121]

Brackets will be posted soon.

[FalconWrestling 147]

1 hour ago, halfhalfhalf said:

Brackets will be posted soon.

I wait with bated breath 

[Wky 25]

Brackets are on track 

[DrBaker 497]

Awesome. Few questions answered. Knight is at 113. Buckman is at 182. Nicoloa is at hwt. 

Gonna be some good battles to go to state. 

[Nathaniel Bryan 6]

http://www.trackwrestling.com/predefinedtournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=253192009

106 POUNDS
1. Zeke Escalera, Union Co., 8, 42-0
2. Keaton Elliott, Calloway Co., 8, 16-4
3. Dylan Walls, Caldwell Co., 7, 23-9
4. Ashur Jones-Powers, McCracken Co., 7, 9-4
5. Gage Fowler, Christian Co., 8, 7-1
6. JaRon Nicholas, Hopkinsville, 8, 8-7
7. Caige Clark, Ohio Co., 7, 16-6
8. John Michael Bronson, Univ. Heights, 7, 0-0
*Empty*
113 POUNDS
1. Gabe Adams, Union Co., 9, 31-3
2. Daniel Knight, Christian Co., 12, 12-3
3. Ethan Futrell, Trigg Co., 8, 17-9
4. Jack Probus, Ohio Co., 9, 31-7
5. Eli Peyton, McCracken Co., 8, 12-9
6. Semaj Kimbrough, Caldwell Co., 9, 12-24
7. Hailey Watson, Calloway Co., 10, 11-22
8. Hunter Dubois, Hopkinsville, 8, 7-7
9. Quinn Atnip, Paducah Tilghman, 9, 5-1
120 POUNDS
1. Sam Bacon, Union Co., 10, 42-6
2. Devonta Turner, Trigg Co., 12, 22-6
3. Jakerion Merritt, Christian Co., 9, 28-9
4. Ray Hamilton, Paducah Tilghman, 10, 5-1
5. Ethan Wells, Univ. Heights, 9, 0-0
6. Max Dubois, Hopkinsville, 8, 7-12
7. Kolbee Koepp, McCracken Co., 7, 1-4
*Empty*
*Empty*
126 POUNDS
1. Payne Carr, Union Co., 8, 35-5
2. Dylan Martin, McCracken Co., 10, 23-7
3. Nick Dickerson, Calloway Co., 11, 31-14
4. Isaac Aguiar, Trigg Co., 9, 22-12
5. Austin Gibson, Christian Co., 11, 14-10
6. Shane Gray, Ohio Co., 10, 22-17
7. Colin Walls, Caldwell Co., 7, 0-0
*Empty*
*Empty*
132 POUNDS
1. Saul Ervin, Union Co., 11, 46-1
2. Ishmael Griffie, Christian Co., 11, 24-12
3. David Conner, McCracken Co., 8, 14-10
4. Damien Crisp, Fort Campbell, 9, 11-21
5. Tristan Tinsley, Caldwell Co., 9, 12-18
6. Caitlin Powers, Calloway Co., 8, 9-26
7. Crissie Purcell, Fulton City, 10, 0-6
*Empty*
*Empty*
138 POUNDS
1. Bryce Sheffer, Union Co., 12, 47-0
2. Kestin McClain, McCracken Co., 11, 16-6
3. Louie Regalado, Fort Campbell, 12, 36-3
4. Kaleb O`Campo, Caldwell Co., 10, 20-15
5. Joe Fernandez, Christian Co., 9, 15-16
6. Tyler Thomas, Hopkinsville, 10, 15-14
7. Angus Bruce, Trigg Co., 10, 3-7
8. Gavin English, Ohio Co., 8, 17-11
9. Tristan Ives, Calloway Co., 10, 2-19
145 POUNDS
1. Chance Oxford, Union Co., 12, 44-3
2. Klemmer Nicodemus, Ohio Co., 9, 33-9
3. Zlatko Skuljan, Hopkinsville, 9, 24-10
4. Rey Vela, Fort Campbell, 12, 32-8
5. Hunter Vlach, McCracken Co., 8, 7-6
6. Briley Mohan, Mayfield, 9, 0-0
7. Jacob Kramer, Calloway Co., 12, 17-20
8. Neal Aldridge, Christian Co., 9, 20-11
*Empty*

152 POUNDS
1. Micah Ervin, Union Co., 9, 42-6
2. Colin Stevens, Trigg Co., 9, 25-8
3. Jack Hanes, Calloway Co., 12, 39-7
4. Seth Slayton, Caldwell Co., 8, 0-0
5. John Bowling, McCracken Co., 20-7
6. Jermese Hathorn, Christian Co., 10, 9-17
7. Bailey Conley, Fort Campbell, 12, 9-7
8. Jordan Hopson, Hopkinsville, 10, 10-8
*Empty*
160 POUNDS
1. Dylan Gray, Caldwell Co., 11, 36-3
2. Corbin Ryder, Fort Campbell, 12, 30-9
3. Antonio Abren, Christian Co., 10, 28-12
4. Trevor Tilley, McCracken Co., 11, 18-14
5. Malik Cunningham, Trigg Co., 12, 15-7
6. Carlos Perry, Union Co., 10, 17-10
7. Mason Whitten, Fulton City, 9, 0-6
8. Kevonni young, Hopkinsville, 9, 7-15
*Empty*
170 POUNDS
1. Diion Leavell, Christian Co., 11, 25-1
2. Matthias Ervin, Union Co., 9, 40-8
3. Ethan Tomerlin, Fort Campbell, 8, 14-7
4. Logan Deasel, McCracken Co., 9, 25-7
5. Kolby Morris, Hopkinsville, 11, 16-11
6. Coleman Pickard, Mayfield, 10, 0-0
7. Dylan Bell, Calloway Co., 10, 15-26
8. Caleb Martin, Trigg Co., 12, 2-6
9. Rodney hollowell, Fulton City, 9, 0-0
182 POUNDS
1. Avery Buckman, Union Co., 12, 45-2
2. Niko Bussell, Christian Co., 9, 27-12
3. Katayvon Anthony, Hopkinsville, 12, 20-2
4. Colton Stoner, Trigg Co., 12, 21-8
5. Josh Efinger, Calloway Co., 12, 34-10
6. Jesus Avila, Fort Campbell, 9, 13-24
*Empty*
*Empty*
*Empty*
195 POUNDS
1. David Woods, Calloway Co., 11, 36-1
2. Ross Hicks, Union Co., 11, 30-13
3. Nick Owens, Hopkinsville, 12, 24-4
4. Dylan Lynn, Ohio Co., 11, 10-11
5. Dustin Montgomery, Christian Co., 11, 11-11
6. Mandee Schermerhorn, Trigg Co., 11, 5-5
7. Nautica Bonds, McCracken Co., 8, 6-8
*Empty*
*Empty*
220 POUNDS
1. Colby Culver, Calloway Co., 12, 45-3
2. Jackson Fitzgerald, Paducah Tilghman, 12, 5-1
3. Markus Green, Christian Co., 10, 11-12
4. Deion Lane, Hopkinsville, 12, 19-10
5. Andrew Pottle, Ohio Co., 8, 8-13
6. John Fuqua, Union Co., 9, 3-8
*Empty*
*Empty*
*Empty*
285 POUNDS
1. David Nikolao, Fort Campbell, 12, 8-1
2. Payton Snyder, Union Co., 11, 33-14
3. Gavynn Davis, McCracken Co., 11, 21-12
4. Keith Martin, Fulton City, 10, 8-2
5. Seth Riley, Christian Co., 10, 9-7
*Empty*
*Empty*
*Empty*
*Empty*

 

 

Region1PDF.pdf

[DrBaker 497]

Looks awesome except for some people with missing records.

 

[tja 150]

Lacking overall good numbers this year but definitely not lacking exciting matchups

[FalconWrestling 147]

I'll post predictions tomorrow possibly

[opinional_start 3]

I spent some time last night doing my thoughts on the potential outcomes. I am sure Falconwrestling will bring some fire and brimstone with his objections to my predictions. Like always this is just to get the chatter started and bring excitement to the air once it all begins. The unfortunate part is, I will be working so I can't head down to Hoptown to watch it all unfold this year. By the way, it is a bit difficult researching through track wrestling and this forum trying to piece it all together. I try to stay up on it all by pinging folks I know in the areas but that does not always pan out for me. Anyway, I PRAY EVERYONE HAS A SAFE TOURNAMENT!! Best of luck to everyone!!  

 

 

 

106 POUNDS
1. Zeke Escalera, Union Co., 8, 42-0
2. Keaton Elliott, Calloway Co., 8, 16-4

3. Gage Fowler, Christian Co., 8, 7-1

4. Dylan Walls, Caldwell Co., 7, 23-9

5. Ashur Jones-Powers, McCracken Co., 7, 9-4

 

I believe Fowler with pull out 3rd. We will find out off the rip if he can take out Jones-Powers and then see if he can take downs Walls for 3rd. I believe he is a bracket buster for 106!
 

 

113 POUNDS
1. Gabe Adams, Union Co., 9, 31-3

2. Daniel Knight, Christian Co., 12, 12-3
3. Jack Probus, Ohio Co., 9, 31-7
4. Ethan Futrell, Trigg Co., 8, 17-9
5. Eli Peyton, McCracken Co., 8, 12-9
 

I know Futrell won by fall over Probus at CCI in DEC but Probus has wrestled a more difficult opponents this season since that tournament and I believe he will pull out the win for 3^rd.

 

120 POUNDS
1. Sam Bacon, Union Co., 10, 42-6
2. Devonta Turner, Trigg Co., 12, 22-6
3. Jakerion Merritt, Christian Co., 9, 28-9
4. Ray Hamilton, Paducah Tilghman, 10, 5-1
5. Ethan Wells, Univ. Heights, 9, 0-0
 

I agree this will play out with the seeding criteria. The difference with the 2&3 seeds will be who has the better cardio. Wells and Hamilton could go either way.

 

126 POUNDS
1. Payne Carr, Union Co., 8, 35-5
2.  Nick Dickerson, Calloway Co., 11, 31-14

3. Dylan Martin, McCracken Co., 10, 23-7
4. Isaac Aguiar, Trigg Co., 9, 22-12
5. Shane Gray, Ohio Co., 10, 22-17

I know Martin dec Dickerson recently 6-5 but I believe Dickerson will turn that around this time out.

 

132 POUNDS
1. Saul Ervin, Union Co., 11, 46-1
2. Ishmael Griffie, Christian Co., 11, 24-12
3. David Conner, McCracken Co., 8, 14-10
4. Damien Crisp, Fort Campbell, 9, 11-21
5. Tristan Tinsley, Caldwell Co., 9, 12-18
 

I believe this one will play out with the seeding criteria. I was really sorry to hear about Dearmond. I wish that young man the best on his future endeavors!

 

138 POUNDS
1. Bryce Sheffer, Union Co., 12, 47-0
2. Kestin McClain, McCracken Co., 11, 16-6
3. Louie Regalado, Fort Campbell, 12, 36-3
4. Kaleb O`Campo, Caldwell Co., 10, 20-15
5. Joe Fernandez, Christian Co., 9, 15-16
 

I believe the rematch between McClain and Regalado will be a good one. I am sure Regalado will be coming with his jets on but I believe McClain will have the answer for him a second time. Sheffer will be waiting to collect his win after those two decide who gets to stand next to him on the podium.

 

145 POUNDS
1. Chance Oxford, Union Co., 12, 44-3
2. Klemmer Nicodemus, Ohio Co., 9, 33-9
3. Rey Vela, Fort Campbell, 12, 32-8
4. Zlatko Skuljan, Hopkinsville, 9, 24-10
5. Neal Aldridge, Christian Co., 9, 20-11
 

I believe Oxford and Vela could "possibly" be a good match. Oxford has faced a tougher schedule this season so I give the upper hand to Oxford. Ohio Co will pull the string on Hoptown and then Vela will take the 3^rd over Hoptown. The last time Vela and Skujian faced I believe it was 4-3 but looking at the schedule for each Vela has had the harder road and I give him the nod for 3^rd.

 

152 POUNDS
1. Micah Ervin, Union Co., 9, 42-6
2. Colin Stevens, Trigg Co., 9, 25-8
3. Jack Hanes, Calloway Co., 12, 39-7
4. Seth Slayton, Caldwell Co., 8, 0-0
5. John Bowling, McCracken Co., 20-7

 

I think Ervin and Stevens will be a good match. It was a tight match at the region duals from my understanding. Union just rides a really difficult schedule and I believe Ervin can pull out a tough match. I do think the seeding criteria shows the overall results here as well.

 

160 POUNDS
1. Dylan Gray, Caldwell Co., 11, 36-3
2. Corbin Ryder, Fort Campbell, 12, 30-9
3. Antonio Abren, Christian Co., 10, 28-12
4. Trevor Tilley, McCracken Co., 11, 18-14
5. Malik Cunningham, Trigg Co., 12, 15-7
 

The finals should be Gray and Ryder. Ryder has the get through Abren again. Abren is not an opponent to take lightly but I believe Ryder will pull it out. It should turn out to be quite a storm between Gray and Ryder. They have met three times this season with Gray having the upper hand. Two of the matches were really close according to track wrestling. I saw the match at CCI which was a good one, decided by a late take down. I am sure Ryder will be coming hard with it all on the table right now for state.   

 

 

170 POUNDS
1. Matthias Ervin, Union Co., 9, 40-8
2. Diion Leavell, Christian Co., 11, 25-1
3. Ethan Tomerlin, Fort Campbell, 8, 14-7
4. Logan Deasel, McCracken Co., 9, 25-7
5. Dylan Bell, Calloway Co., 10, 15-26
 

This is one everyone is waiting on. Can Tomerlin (the 8^th grader) take down Mathias (the Freshman)? (Just trying to add some humor) Tomerlin just pulled out a Middle School State Championship but I believe he will find the varsity level will be a bit more challenging. He has some varsity experience this year but only the first half of the season looking at track wrestling. BUT!!! I do believe Ervin moves on and faces off with Leavell again.  Ervin pulls the string on Leavell this time out. So be ready for some fireworks on this one folks.

 

182 POUNDS
1. Avery Buckman, Union Co., 12, 45-2
2. Katayvon Anthony, Hopkinsville, 12, 20-2
3. Niko Bussell, Christian Co., 9, 27-12
4. Colton Stoner, Trigg Co., 12, 21-8
5. Josh Efinger, Calloway Co., 12, 34-10
 

Buckman will walk away the champ but the real battle will be for 2^nd. Last week Bussell pulled off a huge win against Anthony but I think Anthony will have the answer for Bussell this time out.

 

195 POUNDS
1. David Woods, Calloway Co., 11, 36-1
2. Ross Hicks, Union Co., 11, 30-13
3. Nick Owens, Hopkinsville, 12, 24-4
4. Dylan Lynn, Ohio Co., 11, 10-11
5. Dustin Montgomery, Christian Co., 11, 11-11

 

I believe the seeding criteria will hold up for the outcome as well. Woods will be at the top watching the battle for 2^nd-5^th here.

 

220 POUNDS
1. Colby Culver, Calloway Co., 12, 45-3
2. Jackson Fitzgerald, Paducah Tilghman, 12, 5-1
3. Markus Green, Christian Co., 10, 11-12
4. Deion Lane, Hopkinsville, 12, 19-10
5. Andrew Pottle, Ohio Co., 8, 8-13

 

I believe the seeding criteria will hold up for this one. Culver will have it on cruise for the day here. Culver could probably jump up and win heavy weight as well. Tough young man!

 

285 POUNDS
1. Payton Snyder, Union Co., 11, 33-14
2. David Nikolao, Fort Campbell, 12, 8-1
3. Gavynn Davis, McCracken Co., 11, 21-12
4. Keith Martin, Fulton City, 10, 8-2
5. Seth Riley, Christian Co., 10, 9-7

 

I am sure Falcon Wrestling will jump all over this one. He has expressed his high regards for Nikolao several times. In his earlier rankings I believe he stated the “KING IS BACK”. I believe the king will tumble in the finals this time out. Last time out Snyder lost 4-3 to Nikolao. From my understanding it was a "slip and fall" that won the match for Nikolao. Snyder has been wrestling all season and had some tough matches and Nikolao has wrestled once looking at track since their last encounter. I believe that will be the deciding factor for the outcome. Nikolao is a tough competitor but I believe his lack of wrestling this season is a big obstacle for him. Looking at track he has only wrestled 7 matches to Synder’s 47 matches. He does have the size on Snyder but I think he will require more than that this time out. Both are great young men and I believe it will be a tough match. I just feel that Snyder’s time on the mat this season will outweigh Nikolao’s.     

[FalconWrestling 147]

There are things we agree on, things we disagree one. Just going to say my predictions are the most I've given to Fort Campbell in awhile, I guess to counteract the many times I've underpredicted them. 

Also in the spirit of full disclosure I will reiterate that I've known and been close with the Nikolao family for a long time and have known David since he was relatively my size, give or take a few pounds. I consider them to be close friends and think nothing but the world of David and it shines through when I talk about him. 

I have my brackets done I just need to do the write up

Edit- If anyone had an issue with something I said I would greatly appreciate a comment about it so we can address it. Also I left the brackets on my desk so I'll have to post my predictions tomorrow

[FalconWrestling 147]

Alright decided to post them here since people have already started posting predictions on these sorts of threads. As always we must remember that this is the regional tournament where a Thracker rises or a Moore falls. You can never 100% predict what will happen and thus in my predictions I always try to pick at least one or two results that don't make sense on paper because paper doesn't decide the regional tournament. I will still do Dark Horse but with how small the brackets are around the state it doesn't really pack the same punch.

106
1. Zeke Escalera, Union
2. Keaton Elliot, Calloway
3. Gage Fowler, Christian
4. Dylan Walls, Caldwell
5. JaRon Nicholas, Hoptown
6. Ashur Jones-Powers, McCracken
Dark Horse- Caige Clark, Ohio

With no Knight Escalera should run untouched through the region as he makes his first real state title run. His name has been whispered around for a couple years and after a debut season last year I expect him to make the full transition to the elite status we have expected from him for a long time. In a sidenote somebody he used to occasionally train with, Christian Isbell, is making a similar transition down in Tennessee I hope the best success to both of those future superstars. Making up the rest of the pack I have Elliot holding his seed but I expect a good semifinal between him and Walls. I have Fowler picking up the win to move against Escalera in the semis and then beating both Nicholas and Walls off the back end.

113
1. Gabe Adams, Union
2. Daniel Knight, Christian
3. Jack Probus, Ohio
4. Ethan Futrell, Trigg
5. Semaj Kimbrough, Caldwell
6. Hunter Dubois, Hoptown
Dark Horse- Quinn Atnip, Paducah

Adams and Knight should be a good regional finals matchup but the absence of Grant-Hall is definitely felt. How much rust Knight has will definitely come into play but a Knight at his A game will be very tough for Adams to pull away from. I have Probus pulling off an upset over Futrell based off what I consider to be a slightly tougher route to the third place match for Futrell. 

120
1. Sam Bacon, Union
2. Devonta Turner, Trigg
3. Jakerion Merritt, Christian
4. Ray Hamilton, Paducah
5. Ethan Wells, UHA
6. Max Dubois, Hoptown
Dark Horse- N/A (I won't do this for a 7 man bracket)

Bacon should win the region fairly easily here and is a Dark Horse title threat but Turner is a very dangerous veteran wrestler. Merritt and Hamilton will be two of the better 3/4 guys at state assuming Wells doesn't pull off a highly possible upset. 

126
1. Payne Carr, Union
2. Nick Dickerson, Calloway
3. Dylan Martin, McCracken
4. Austin Gibson, Christian
5. Isaac Aguiar, Trigg
6. Shane Gray, Ohio
Dark Horse- N/A

Really nothing in this weight can be confidently set in stone. I think Carr has made huge strides this season and I expect him to win the region but it isn't a sure thing when he is going up against veterans such as Dickerson. I give Dickerson and Gibson upset nods here but the wrestling should be very close. Aguiar and Gibson will be one of the better first round matches of the tournament.

 132
1. Saul Ervin, Union
2. Ishmael Griffie, Christian
3. David Conner, McCracken
4. Damien Crisp, Fort Campbell
5. Tristan Tinsley, Caldwell
6. Caitlin Powers, Calloway
Dark Horse- N/A

I'd be surprised if Saul gives up a point this year in the region unless he decides to let a kid have an escape. Griffie should finish solidly in second and have Conner/Crisp fight it out for third.

138
1. Bryce Sheffer, Union
2. Louie Regaldo, Fort Campbell
3. Kestin McClain, McCracken 
4. Kaleb O'Campo, Caldwell
5. Gavin English, Ohio
6. Tyler Thomas, Hoptown
Dark Horse- Joe Fernandez, Christian

The big fireworks here is the McClain/Regaldo matchup in the semi's. They are 1-1 with each other and McClain has the last win, does he build off momentum or does Regaldo bounce back? The whole top 3 at this weight are eyeing podium finishes with Sheffer's potential matchup with Trent Johnson on everyone's mind. But before that he has to get through one of two state finalist threats in Regaldo and McClain. O'Campo is the best of the rest but needs to be wary of Thomas and Hoptown's historic tendency to peak at regionals.

145
1. Chance Oxford, Union
2. Zlatko Skuljan, Hoptown
3. Rey Vela, Fort Campbell
4. Klemmer Nicodemus, Ohio
5. Neal Aldrige, Christian
6. Jacob Kramer, Calloway
Dark Horse- Hunter Vlach, McCracken

This is a weight that will probably blow up in my face. 2-4 are neck to neck and the winner will depend on who is the best wrestler that day. Vela will have to come out pistols firing to have a shot at a region title since his loss to Nicodemus puts him in the dreaded top half of the bracket. The Skuljan/Nicodemus semifinal on the bottom half could be a forebear of an intense rivalry depending on how the two's weights fall in the coming seasons. Of the group hoping to slip into state unseeded Vlach could play spoiler.

152
1. Micah Ervin, Union
2. Colin Stevens, Trigg
3. Jack Hanes, Calloway
4. Bailey Conley, Fort Campbell
5. Seth Slayton, Caldwell
6. John Bowling, McCracken
Dark Horse- Jordan Hopson, Hoptown

Ervin and Stevens, two coaches sons and heralded freshmen, sit atop the two regional veterans in Hanes and Conley. Ervin is a dark horse state title threat and Stevens is not far behind him. Behind those two Hanes is as tough as they come and seeks a podium finish at the tournament. Conley has been beset by injuries for most of his career and we will see where his health stands Saturday. Slayton and Bowling both have the ability to break into the top four.

160
1. Corbin Ryder, Fort Campbell
2. Dylan Gray, Caldwell
3. Antonio Abren, Christian
4. Malik Cunningham, Trigg
5. Trevor Tilley, McCracken
6. Carlos Perry, Union
Dark Horse- Kevonni Young, Hoptown

The first weight Union does not have a region champ is also my first huge upset prediction. Ryder and Gray were extremely close in their last match and Ryder has the senior year edge, can Ryder overcome a promising career being marred with injuries and set himself up for a podium run at state or will Gray maintain his dominance in chasing a possible state title. Abren and the veteran Cunningham make up the rest of the qualifiers but Tilley is seeded to make it, I have him getting upset by Cunningham first round. Perry as a Union kid should always be considered dangerous

170
1. Diion Leavell, Christian
2. Ethan Tomerlin, Fort Campbell
3. Matthias Ervin, Union
4. Logan Deasel, McCracken
5. Kolby Morris, Hoptown
6. Dylan Bell, Caldwell
Dark Horse- Caleb Martin, Trigg

In rare form for me my second big upset is another Fort Campbell wrestler. Tomerlin is wrestling his best at the right time of year to do so coming off of a middle school state title. Matthias however has been proven as a tough wrestler this season as befitting his last name. Regardless of who wins between the two I still pick Leavell to come out ahead, but he will be passing off the torch to the next batch of great young wrestlers that fill up most of the weight class. I feel very confident in this top four maintaining position but Morris and Hoptown have pulled off unexpected wins in the past.

182
1. Avery Buckman, Union
2. Niko Bussell, Christian
3. Katayvon Anthony, Hoptown
4. Josh Efinger, Calloway
5. Colton Stoner, Trigg
6. Jesus Avila, Fort Campbell
Dark Horse- N/A

It is a last hoorah for the veteran batch of Buckman, Anthony, Efinger, and Stoner who have spent several season vying in the upper weight classes. Included in this bunch is young upstart Bussell who seeks a strong end to his first true high school season. Barring a surprising upset by one of the seniors, which is possible, one of these veterans will be left home from the state tournament. Legacy is on the line here as this batch of four very tough seniors battle it out. Buckman will break the very short streak of non-Union region champs and eyes Andreoni in Lexington.

195
1. Ross Hicks, Union
2. David Woods, Calloway
3. Nick Owens, Hoptown
4. Nautica Bonds, McCracken
5. Dustin Montgomery, Christian
6. Dylan Lynn, Ohio
Dark Horse- N/A

Hicks will have a tough go in order to bring another region title to Morganfield in what will probably end up a near sweep by Union. Standing in his way will be first Owens and then Woods, Hicks is favored in one but a substantial underdog in the other. Woods will only have one match going in and it may end up a question of rust vs wear and tear if talent alone is unable to decide it. I give Bonds an upset over Lynn on the back end but don't consider that a firm upset call.

220
1. Colby Culver, Calloway
2. Jackson Fitzgerald, Paducah
3. Deion Lane, Hoptown
4. Markus Green, Christian
5. Andrew Pottle, Ohio
6. John Fuqua, Union
Dark Horse- N/A

Culver is first in the state, the only top ranked non-Union wrestler in the region. There will be a target on his back that Fitzgerald will want to hit but if Culver wants to be that historic first champion he has to prove himself in challenges like this. First he has the veteran Lane, and like I've said Hoptown almost always is a whole different team at the regional tournament and should be feared. Fitzgerald will have Green who has been looking for a breakout win and could notch win with an upset of Fitzgerald.

285
1. David Nikolao, Fort Campbell
2. Payton Snyder, Union
3. Keith Martin, Fulton
4. Gavynn Davis, McCracken
5. Seth Riley, Christian
6. N/A
Dark Horse- N/A

The knee has been the question all year in regards to heavyweight. A Nikolao on a healthy knee has been one of the most dangerous upper weights to face since 2004. But despite being a part of Fort Campbell wrestling for over a decade and being a dominant force for the team in that timespan we still haven't seen a Nikolao on the podium. David looks to break not only that drought but potentially Fort Campbell's 27 year State Champion drought. To do that he will first have to get past Union's Snyder who will seek to close out another impressive regional tournament for Union County. Martin will seek to give Fulton City their first ever state qualifier and has to get past Christian's Seth Riley to do so.