As the 2013-14 season draws closer, we’ve assembled a list of this season’s potentially most exciting match-ups in each weight class, regardless of division. Enjoy!

106lbs – Toribio Novaro- Junior, Bradley Central vs Eli King- Freshman, Father Ryan

Why We’re Excited- This will be Eli’s first big test in his high school career. He has medaled in just about every Junior National Tournament, including the Ohio Tournament of Champions, Tulsa Nationals, Liberty Nationals, Dixie Nationals, et al. Novaro is the defending Division 1 state champion and a monster on the mat, and as technically sound as any of the Bradley Central wrestlers.

Will It Happen- If it were to happen, it would probably be at the midway point of the season at the Cleveland Duals, or perhaps the GP West.

Prediction- Novaro dec King in OT

113- Chris Debian- Junior, Cleveland vs Devan Cyree- Junior, Tullahoma

Why We’re Excited- This is a textbook clash of styles. Debian is very technically sound and likes scrambles, and Cyree likes to put the pressure on his opponents. Its a classic agility vs defense. Expect to see a lot of scrambles in a very high scoring match.

Will It Happen- Unfortunately this one may not actually happen until February. Even though Cleveland and Tullahoma are pretty close, it isn’t certain if they would meet up until the state tourney.

Prediction- Debian dec Cyree

120- Elijah Oliver- Junior, Christian Brothers vs Austin Stevenson- Senior, Cleveland

Why We’re Excited- Truthfully, Oliver may very well go undefeated. He’s a tiny Jordan Burroughs right here in TN. Every
time he gets on the mat he displays a very fast-paced, explosive offense. Stevenson had a tough state tourney last year losing in the quarters to Hackett of Beech in a very high scoring match then losing his next match to Insalaco of Wilson Central in a very low scoring match. However, he’s a two time state medalist and former state champ so he’s been on the big stage before. He has a fantastic style and may be the best match up for Oliver’s fast paced style.

Will It Happen- This could be another match that could happen at the Cleveland Duals since both teams usually go.

Prediction- Oliver maj Stevenson

126- Tristen Hackett- Junior, Beech vs Packy Mullin- Junior, Notre Dame

Why We’re Excited- Last year Hackett beat the defending state champion in the quarter finals of the state tournament in an extremely high scoring match, and then lost to him for 5th and 6th. Mullin also beat the 2 seed and then the 3 seed and had a shot at winning in the finals but came up short. It would be a very interesting match. Beech wrestlers do a lot of traveling during the offseason, so if Mullin doesn’t put the work in during the offseason and they meet early on in the season, Hackett could win by a considerably large margin. However, if they meet in February it could go the other way.

Will It happen- It could possibly happen at the Soddy Daisy Showdown midway through the year, if not then I would expect to see it in the later rounds of the state tournament

Prediction- Hackett dec Mullin (Soddy), Mullin dec Hackett (TSSAA)

132- Tucker Russo- Sophomore, Soddy Daisy vs Brooks Knight- Junior, Centennial

Why We’re Excited- This match could’ve happened last year at the state tourney. Russo made it all the way to the semis as a freshman then lost by 2 to the eventual state champ, and for whatever reason, Knight didn’t wrestle. It should be a very exciting match as Knight is a very entertaining wrestler to watch.

Will It Happen- Probably not during the regular season but depending on the draw, it could happen in February.

Prediction- Knight dec Russo

138- Tate Robinson- Senior, Baylor vs Adam Connell- Senior, McCallie

Why We’re Excited- The real question here is why WOULDN’T someone be excited for this match? This potentially could be the matchup of the year if it happens. Connell is a two time state champ for the big blue machine and is looking for his third and final title his senior year. Robinson had to sit out last season because of the transfer has been putting in the offseason work. He’s a multi-time Fargo AA and THE premier recruit this year. It’ll be interesting to see where they end up next year and this may not be the only time they’ll face; it could also happen in college. I would expect a low scoring match with a lot of scoring opportunities and a lot of scrambles. Both of wrestlers have a good offense.

Will It Happen- Don’t expect to see this match until February.

Prediction- Robinson dec Connell in OT

145- Blake Sutherland- Junior, Baylor vs Austin Richard- Senior, Wilson Central

Why We’re Excited- This would be an exciting match for a any number of reasons. Its an awesome style matchup. Sutherland is very well versed on his feet but Richard is very good on the mat. If Sutherland gets the first takedown it could be a long six minutes for Richard but if he’s able to scramble out it could go the other way. Richard’s scrambles are awesome and could scramble out of the first takedown and ride Sutherland out.

Will It Happen- As farfetched as this matchup may look on paper, Wilson Central is hosting a quad during the season and Baylor will be present so its a possibility.

Prediction- Richard dec Sutherland

152- Gage Richmond- Senior, Soddy Daisy vs Taylor Warren- Senior, Ravenwood

Why We’re Excited- Another great style clash. The long reach and great stand up offense of Richmond against the brute strength of Warren. I know Soddy and Ravenwood both put in a lot of work during the offseason and this would be a real treat to watch for all the fans. Richmond probably gets a slight edge in this one, but expect a nail biter every time they step on the mat. Richmond is a beast on top, his tilts and leg riding are difficult to stop, but that goes both ways as Warren is also a monster on top, but Richmond is just as good under as he is on top.

Will It Happen- Another that may not happen until February. It’s not certain if Ravenwood goes to the Soddy Invitational or if Soddy goes to the Ravenwood Invitational, but they both could see each other at the GP West at Brentwood.

Prediction- Richmond dec Warren

160- James Simpson- Senior, Father Ryan vs Tyler Garrison- Junior, Blackman

Why We’re Excited- Any time you see the name Simpson you know you’re in for a treat. Both Simpson and Garrison are almost impeccable from any position. Both have solid takedowns and are fantastic on top. Simpson with the traditional Father Ryan half spiral ride and Garrison with his “break you down” mentality on top. The edge would seemingly go to whoever shows up mentally. Both kids show up when the lights are on, but both break down mentally when the pressure gets to them. Garrison should get a slight edge, however, because when he’s on top of his game he’s not an easy takedown. It all depends on who decides to show up.

Will It Happen- We may not see this one at all and that is unfortunate for the fans. It is unlikely that Ryan and Blackman will meet at all at any point during the season, but this would certainly be one of the most exciting matches of the year.

Prediction- Garrison dec Simpson

170- Patrick Dooley- Senior, Franklin vs Chad Solomon- Junior, Maryville

Why We’re Excited- This will be a fantastic match if it happens. Both kids had an awesome run at the state tourney last year with Solomon going all the way to win a ring. Dooley proved himself but came up just short of medaling. He finished 3rd in Region 6 behind the eventual state runner up and 4th place finisher. But all things considered, he had an amazing run beating the number 1 and 2 ranked kids, but that’s what happens with Simpson bloodlines.

Will It Happen- Franklin and Maryville will likely not see each other before February, so this match may not happen until the state Tourney, late in the medal rounds.

Prediction- Solomon dec Dooley

182- Ryan Parker- Sophomore, Baylor vs Garrett Alexander- Senior, Soddy Daisy

Why We’re Excited- Youth vs Age. Parker came out of nowhere last year to win a bracket he wasn’t predicted to win, AND he was a Freshman! Alexander has been on the scene for a while now. Whether it Freestyle, Greco, or Folk, he’s put some good miles in. It’ll be a low scoring but high octane match. Expect lots of scrambles and a lot of opportunities to score but not a whole lot of points.

Will It Happen– There’s a good chance this match could happen if both teams attend the Soddy Invitational.

Prediction- Alexander dec Parker

195- Ethan West- Senior, Cleveland vs Nathan Hoodenpyle- Senior, McCallie

Why We’re Excited- A few things we aren’t certain of. We aren’t completely sure whether or not West was a Jr last year, or if this match happened at the GP West this past season. West had just showed up on the TN scene and was called “lazy” by some in the stadium (actually just 1, but I don’t agree). West is the whole package. The kid is just plain good. He will likely finish off his HS career with two rings from two different states. It’s a good style clash. West is in your face and physical and Hoodenpyle is funky. Good match up.

Will It Happen- if it happened there last year maybe it will again this year. GP West tourney in Brentwood.

Prediction- West dec Hoodenpyle.

220- Johnny Kramer- Junior, Wilson Central vs Billy Raulston- Senior, Walker Valley

Why We’re Excited- Kramer is an exciting wrestler. Plain and simple. Don’t forget, as a freshman he went into the state dual tourney and majored the eventual state champion, almost pinning him twice…AS A FRESHMAN! Raulston wrestles a bit hot and cold, but to his credit he’s hot when it matters. He had some tight matches during the season and then looked awesome in February. If it happens early on in the year I’d expect a blow out but if it happens in February, it could be a little closer.

Will It Happen- Probably not until February.

Prediction- Kramer maj Raulston

285- Bruno Reagen- Senior, Clarksville vs Jashon Robertson- Senior, MBA

Why We’re Excited- No one will beat Reagan. Period. He’s that good. He’s a Judo national champion, went to the Jr Olympics, and is a multi-time State medalist, as well as the defending undefeated Heavyweight champion. The question has to be asked though, does Robertson have the athleticism to hang with Reagan and keep from getting thrown and pinned? Likely yes, but only for a while. In the end, as most of his matches end, Reagan likely gets the pin.

Will It Happen– Probably no,t but I think there’s an outside chance they’d meet at the GP. It’s uncertain if either team goes but they’re both within distance to get an invite.

Prediction- Reagan pin Robertson.