By BUTCH HARMON
The pinnacle of high school team wrestling is reached this weekend in Battle Creek with the team state finals at Kellogg Arena. Sports Scene breaks down each division and gives its take on what to expect this weekend in Division 4.
QUARTERFINALS
Friday, 1:00 p.m.
#1 Hudson (24-2) vs #8 Holton (24-8)
While St. Johns and Richmond are going for the three peat, the Hudson Tigers are gunning for their fourth consecutive state title. The Tigers are loaded and have wrestled a rugged schedule peppered with meetings with D1 and D2 wrestlers and teams. Holton is an up and coming wrestling program and the Red Devils have some talent and will win some matches against Hudson, just not enough to throw a scare into the Tigers.
Prediction: Hudson 47, Holton 13
#4 Manchester (27-2) vs #5 Constantine (32-2)
This dual should be close from beginning to end. Both squads have quality wrestlers at every weight class. Bonus points will be the deciding factor. Manchester qualified six wrestlers for the individual state meet and may have the edge.
Prediction: Manchester 29, Constantine 25
#3 Shelby (31-2) vs #6 Decatur (26-2)
Some of the best matches in this dual will come at the lower weights where Shelby features Austin Felt (103) and Will Foster (119) and Decatur counters with Hunter (103) and Luke (112) Bell. Decatur is strong in the lower weights and all of its starters have winning records. Shelby, a long-time D3 power in West Michigan, qualified eight wrestlers for individual state and has talented point scorers up and down the lineup.
Prediction: Shelby 33, Decatur 25
#2 New Lothrop (26-2) vs #7 Rogers City (26-10)
Rogers City looks to score some points in the lower weight classes but after that New Lothrop’s talent and depth will be overwhelming. The Hornets qualified 11 wrestlers for the individual state meet and return a pair of state champs in Clayton Simons and Austin Severn.
Prediction: New Lothrop 46, Rogers City 11
SEMIFINALS
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
Hudson vs. Manchester
The Tigers are rolling and will turn back a familiar foe in Manchester in the semifinals. These long-time rivals have a long history but it is Hudson that is making history this weekend on its drive to four straight state titles.
Prediction: Hudson 45, Manchester 16
Shelby vs. New Lothrop
This semifinal should be a grueling battle. Shelby will score points in the lower weights and can also add points in the upper weights. New Lothrop is solid in the middle and can also score big points up top. The upper weights should prove to be the decisive factor in this semifinal dual.
Prediction: New Lothrop 34, Shelby 20.
FINALS
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Hudson vs. New Lothrop
A classic state final matchup between No. 1 Hudson and No. 2 New Lothrop. Hudson will have the edge in the lower weights with New Lothrop taking the advantage beginning at 125 pounds. Hudson’s duo of Joel Varney (152) and Devan Marry (160) turn the tired in the middle weights. In the upper weights, Hudson features James Herron (189) and James Reiger (285) while New Lothrop counters with Austin Severn (189) and Owen Wilson (285). This could be the best final of the evening session.
Prediction: Hudson 34, New Lothrop 32