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 3.
QUARTERFINALS
Friday, 3:15 p.m.
#1 Richmond (26-5) vs #8 Roscommon (24-5)
Like St. Johns, Richmond is going for the three peat this year. The Blue Devils have talent, depth and versatility. A total of 13 Richmond wrestlers qualified for the state individual finals and 12 Blue Devils have 30 or more wins. Roscommon will put up a fight but will be unable to slow the Richmond express.
Prediction: Richmond 45, Roscommon 12
#4 Birch Run (22-3) vs #5 Otsego (28-2)
Otsego wrestles in the same conference as D2 powerhouse Allegan so the Bulldogs will not be intimidated by anyone. Birch Run is a young and growing program with a bright future under former Panther all-stater Bart Bennett. This dual should be razor close.
Prediction: Birch Run 28, Otsego 27
#3 Chippewa Hills (36-4) vs #6 Whitehall (24-6)
Fans at the Kellogg Arena will suffer whiplash going back and forth between the Birch Run/Otsego match and Chippewa Hills and Whitehall. This quarterfinal shapes up as a thriller that will come down to the end. Chipp Hills is solid in the lower and middle weights and has a deep squad. Whitehall may not have any super stars but it has a lineup for of tough, talented wrestlers from top to bottom. That depth may make the difference in the end.
Prediction: Whitehall 28, Chippewa Hills 26
#2 Dundee (15-7) vs #7 Caro (27-2)
This will be a battle of two programs with long and rich wrestling histories. Both squads are on the young side this season and will only get better. Dundee qualified 11 wrestlers for the individual state meet and that depth will be the difference in this match.
Prediction: Dundee 31, Caro 23
SEMIFINALS
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
Richmond vs. Birch Run
Richmond’s depth and experience will be the difference in this match. Birch Run has plenty of talented young wrestlers like Jerry Fenner, Lake Bennett, Adam Bishop and Damian Johnson but Richmond’s overall depth will be too much for the young Panthers to overcome.
Prediction: Richmond 38, Birch Run 24
Whitehall vs. Dundee
Dundee missed out on a trip to the championship match last season and is determined to make it back this year. This will be a close and interesting match that could come down to the end. Both teams are versatile and matchups will be key.
Prediction: Dundee 35, Whitehall 22 .
FINALS
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Richmond vs. Dundee
The two most successful Division 3 programs will have at it in the finals. The two teams are loaded with talented wrestlers although Richmond may have more wrestlers at the top end. Regardless, it will come down to who wants it more.
Prediction: Richmond 27, Dundee 26