Butch Harmon

Sports Scene

The Division 1 team state tournament begins in full force tonight. Long-time D1 power Davison is primed for a big season while Rockford is also looking to get back to Battle Creek. Look for Grand Ledge and Holt to make their move in the Lansing area while Saginaw Heritage and Bay City Central are looking tough in the Bay region.

DIVISION 1 PREVIEW

@FOREST HILLS CENTRAL

Semifinal matchups: East Kentwood vs. Forest Hills Central; Rockford – bye.

The Rams will be able to sit back and watch a pair of tough and familiar foes battle it out. Earlier this season Rockford defeated Kentwood 36-28 and also Forest Hills Central 35-22. No matter who emerges expect them to give the Rams a run before Rockford’s depth wins out.

@HOLT

Semifinal matchups: Holt vs. Jackson, Okemos – bye.

While Holt may not be as strong as it has been in the past, the Rams should breeze through this district. The Rams crowned six conference champions at the CAAC Blue conference meet and that talent will lead the way to a pair of comfortable victories at the district.

@EVERETT

Semifinal matchups: Everett vs. Grand Ledge, East Lansing – bye.

The Comets of Grand Ledge will be looking to add to their trophy case at this district. Fresh off winning the CAAC Blue title, the Comets are poised to breeze through this district. Grand Ledge crowned four champions at the league meet and will put up plenty of points in these two duals.

@PORT HURON NORTHERN

Semifinal matchups: Davison vs. Grand Blanc, Port Huron vs. Port Huron Northern.

The Cardinals of Davison are headed in a different direction for districts this season and by heading east their chances are good for eventually heading west to Battle Creek. Instead of heading south to face the likes of Clarkston or Hartland, Davison heads east to Port Huron where the second-ranked Cardinals should roll. The young and talented Davison wrestlers have been coming on strong and will be unstoppable at this district.

@CARMAN-AINSWORTH

Semifinal matchups: Saginaw Heritage vs. Carman-Ainsworth, Flushing vs. Saginaw.

Heritage placed second behind Bay City Western at the SVL conference meet and the Hawks are looking for that momentum to carry over to team districts. Tyler Balderstone (140 pounds), Brandon Kolka (215) and Ray Delgado (285) all won individual league titles and pace a solid Heritage lineup.

@BAY CITY CENTRAL

Semifinals matchups: Midland Dow vs. Midland; Bay City Central – bye.

Look for a close battle in the semifinals between Dow and Midland. Midland finished just three and a half points ahead of Dow at the SVL meet. Bay City Central should be a slight favorite over the winner. Central placed 20 points ahead of Midland at the SVL meet and is paced by two-time conference champion Davon Jackson at 152 pounds.