Third annual Mustang Duals
Where: Mitchell
When: Saturday. Weigh-ins at 8:30 a.m.; wrestling starts at 10.
Teams: Mitchell, River Ridge, Sunlake, Ridgewood, Hudson, Gulf, Wiregrass, Naples
2012 champion: River Ridge
Skinny: Pool A will include host Mitchell, River Ridge and Gulf, along with Ridgewood. The Buccaneers have five state-ranked wrestlers scheduled to compete, including Jarred Kruse (182 pounds), the top-ranked competitor in Class A in his weight class. Tanner Abbott (126), Robert Napolitano (145), Josh Rodriguez (195), and Kenny Hayes (220) should also make a major impact for Gulf. Defending champion River Ridge comes armed with Max Reynolds (182) and Brandon Sims (220), both ranked in Class 2A. The Mustangs will lean heavily on Storm Schenk (160) and Connor Murchie (220), both up-and-coming standouts for the program. In Pool B, the favorite is Wiregrass Ranch, which boasts Jarred Lanier (113), ranked fourth in Class 2A. Max Quinones (126) should also be a factor for the Bulls.
Second annual Combs Springstead Duals
Where: Springstead
When: Saturday. Weigh-ins at 9 a.m.; wrestling starts at 10:30.
Teams: Fivay, Springstead, North Marion, Nature Coast, Lowndes (Ga.), Jesuit
2012 champion: Springstead
Skinny: The three-time defending state champion Eagles went 5-0 last year in their home duals, defeating Tallahassee Lincoln 54-18 for the title. Matt Landgraff and Jordan Rivera were among the wrestlers who went undefeated in that run, and the duo will be back in uniform for Springstead this weekend. Landgraff (106) is the second-ranked lightweight in the state, while Rivera (145) is the favorite to repeat as an individual state champion. The competition will be stiffer this time around with local programs Nature Coast and Fivay boasting some top wrestlers. Jesuit will be led by Adam Lewis (138), a state finalist last season, while national power Lowndes will bring two-time state champion Matt Moody (160) and two state placers in Davis Ison (145) and Austin Ogburn (195).
Derek J. LaRiviere, Times correspondent