By BOB PUTNAM and SCOTT PURKS
Published January 9, 2004
Maybe more than anyone in the world, Countryside coach Dave Frayer wants his Cougars to be the team that ends Brandon's win streak.
Shoot, last year, after more than 20 years of waiting, he was ecstatic to just wrestle Brandon, even though the Cougars lost 40-15 in the final of the inaugural Jim Graves Challenge the Streak Tournament.
But could this be the year?
Very, very unlikely.
Yes, Countryside has a strong team (No. 2 in the state among all classifications by Floridakids.us), but it doesn't appear nearly strong enough to compete with the likes of these Eagles.
Brandon not only returns six state champions from last season's squad that won its 14th state title, but it is No. 3 in the country by Wrestling USA after placing second last month in the prestigious Ironman Tournament in Akron, Ohio.
There is good news for the Cougars. If things go according to plan this weekend, Countryside should get another crack at Brandon in the final.
A match Frayer relishes no matter the outcome.
"It might not reflect it in the team score," Frayer said, "but I think we can give them a good match. We can win about four or five weight classes, and some of the other bouts will be close."
Though Countryside lost three state champions from his team that finished second to Brandon at last season's Class 2A state tournament, Frayer said he believes this season's team is more balanced.
The Cougars rolled through the first month of the season with three tournament titles, including a 35-33 victory against powerhouse Oveido in the Winter Springs tournament final.
That helped Countryside move to No. 2 in Floridakids' rankings behind Brandon. Despite being better equipped for dual meets, Frayer said he knows he likely will settle for individual victories against Brandon.
First things first, though. To get to the final, the Cougars most likely will have to beat perennial power Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.
