Hillsborough: Wrestling Preview

By TERRY JONES
Published January 30, 2008

Class 3A, District 5

Saturday at East Bay. First round 11 a.m., finals at 5

Skinny: Durant is favored to take the title, with a strong challenge from Lakeland, Alonso and Bloomingdale. The Ravens could send as many as 10 to regionals. The Bulls also have strong individuals, primarily brothers Austin (130) and Chris Figari (145) and could send 10 or more to regionals. Durant is young, but could send eight or more forward.

Teams: Alonso, Bloomingdale, Durant, East Bay, Gaither, Lakeland, Plant City, Sickles, Riverview

Class 2A, District 7

Saturday at King. First match at 11 a.m., finals at 6

Skinny: Brandon is favored in all weights except 171 and 189. The top wrestlers for the Eagles are state champs Eric Grajales (130) and Joey Cozart (140), state runnerup Kevin Timothy (135) and state placer Zaq Berridge (160). Lake Gibson and Armwood should battle for second place.

Teams: Armwood, Auburndale, Brandon, George Jenkins, King, Lake Gibson, Lake Region, Newsome, Winter Haven

Class 2A, District 8

Saturday at Chamberlain. First match at 11 a.m., finals at 6

Skinny: With no clear powerhouse, this is anyone's district to win. Each team has one or two top wrestlers, so the outcome should be close.

Teams: Blake, Chamberlain, Freedom, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Leto, Middleton, Plant, Wharton

Class A, District 9

Saturday at Lakeland McKeel. First match at 11 a.m., finals at 5

Skinny: Jesuit has been the district champion for almost a decade and should repeat. But Tampa Prep and Kathleen may challenge. Top individuals include Tampa Bay Christian's defending state champ Clark Glass (112) and state contender Rossi Bruno (103). Tampa Prep's Tyler Liberatore (112) should challenge Glass all the way to state. All three are eighth-graders.

Teams: Jesuit, Lakeland Kathleen, Lennard, McKeel, Mulberry, Spoto, Tampa Bay Christian, Tampa Prep

Class A, District 10

Saturday at Admiral Farragut. First match at 11 a.m., finals at 6

Skinny: Robinson doesn't have a lock, but the Knights should be in the hunt for the team title and the chance to advance 10 or more to regionals. CCC and SPC should contest for the team title.

Teams: Admiral Farragut, Berkeley Prep, Calvary Christian, Clearwater Central Catholic, Indian Rocks Christian, North Side Christian, Robinson, St. Petersburg Catholic

[Last modified January 29, 2008, 21:09:40]