Each year before State, a couple radio guys go head to head with a couple of newspaper guys in 3-2-1A pick 'ems. What do guys from the Hays Daily News know over informed radio guys? We'll soon find out. Ok...let the debating begin.
103#: Carlos Gallaway, Stockton...believe he'll bounce back from a disappointing Regional
112#: Colt Rogers, Smith Center...taking him to beat Hase again. Rogers is younger but stronger and better on his feet
119#: Brendan Harshman, Chase County...experience and a #1 ranking all year. This was a tough one because I also like Patton from Wellsville
125#: Matt Migchelbrink, Atwood...please. You really going to pick anyone else?
130#: Nathan Broeckelman, Norton...like him in a shootout with Bechtel from Eureka for the second straight year
135#: Brett Swoyer, Rock Creek...a tough choice in a good weight. State runner-up last year
140#: Brad Esterl, Beloit...defending champ who dominated #2 York from Smith Center last week
145#: Jason Pyle, Sabetha...see 125# explanation
152#: Jordan Gienger, St. Francis...could be Sainty's first State Champ since 1999 - Kelly Gabel and Gabe Jenkins
160#: Ryan Patterson, Garden Plain...unbeaten and state savy. Younkin from Oakley in the semis is a potential stumbling block
171#: Derek Oswald, Atchison County...wins the weakest weight in 3-2-1A
189#: Michael Malay, Trego...Ok Malay - I picked you. Now your brother and Dad can get off my back. Should make it two in a row
215#: Aaron Racette, Oakley...finals matchup with Palmer from Smith Center will be a battle of two horses
285#: Duane Zlatnik, Rossville...Alex Thomas from Norton will finish the season with one loss - to Zlatnik in the semis.
**Team**
1. Norton...lossed one of the best senior classes in their history last year and still too deep and talented for anyone to beat
2. Smith Center...I believe all of their wrestlers will score points with a possible 3 collecting big semifinal points
3. Scott City...years of wrestling in 4A prepare the young Beavers for a Top 3 finish
I think Beloit, Phillipsburg and Silver Lake round out the Top 6, in no particular order. I really liked what Beloit did at Regionals last week. They only have one senior!
