It’s not that we don’t like Class AA wrestling. We just favor the big-school driven Class AAA ranks and those high-profile matches that keep the viewers eyes glued to the mat.
That being said, this is the week Class AA grabs the spotlight. At least in District 3. With most Class AAA team races decided or, at the very least lacking true drama, it’s time for the little schools to shine.
Boiling Springs makes the trip down 94 to lock up with Bermudian Springs tonight in a rematch of last year’s District 3-AA Team Championships final. On Thursday, the Eagles make a short trek to face rival Biglerville in a York County rumble.
It doesn’t get any better.
The Bubblers already beat Biglerville 36-26 in a match that was closer than the score. The completion of this round-robin between three of the best teams in the state — all three are ranked in the top 10 according to papowerwrestling.com — will determine seeding and strategic playoff positioning.
As a teaser to the Bubblers-Eagles tilt — a slugfest that will feature 15 ranked wrestlers according to our district rankings — we provide match-by-match projections.
106: Jonathan Day has been up-and-down for the Bubblers. That gives an edge to Berm’s Bayley Oberlander, who boasts an 11-7 mark. The Eagles get a major.
113: This is one of the strongest positions for the Bubblers with state runner-up Korbin Myers lurking. We look for Rod Wright to insert A.J. Kostyak, and he responds with a pin over Joe Barnabe.
120: If Wright wins the flip and gets the right starting weight, he will trot out Myers for a pin over Dalton Becker. If not, Grant Bond gets the call.
126: Assuming Myers is at 120, Bond will likely face Ted Marines setting up a Bubblers run. Bond has been money this season and gets a decision to stretch the Bubblers lead.
132: Kyle Shoop returned from a shoulder injury Thursday and fits nicely at this spot. He gets a fall over Jake Ford to cap a four-match Bubblers onslaught.
138: Eagles thumper Austin Jackson has 16 wins this seasons and adds another to his belt. But moving Andrew Mellott to this slot for the Bubblers keeps the damage to a decision.
145: Halfway home, and the Eagles are starting to flex. This is a key swing match with second-ranked Briton Shelton for the Eagles facing third-ranked Tyler Kauffman. Shelton in a close one.
152: Another key match for the Bubblers with John Vaughn squaring off against Jared Spahr. If Wright and Co. are going to win this dual, they need at least a decision here.
160: Colton Dull might be the most improved wrestler on the Eagles roster. The Bubblers counter with under-rated Connor Murphy, which is why we are only giving Berm a major.
170: It gets tough for the Bubblers in the next three spots. Jacob Slonaker starts an Eagles assault by pinning Kyle Jones. Don't be surprised if Wright gets creative with the lineup here.
182: Another quiet role player that just wins matches for the Bubblers is Kyle Taylor. But he runs into Tristan Sponseller and gives up a decision.
195: It was inspiring to watch Nate Gouhin beat Biglerville’s Joe Hurda last week. He needs that same effort to keep Brock Linebaugh in check. That's a tough chore. Give the Eagles a major.
220: Calvin Barrick might be the Bubblers most improved wrestler, and he shows it by getting the team’s second pin over Sam McCollum.
285: Who the Eagles throw out there in this spot is anyone’s guess. If it’s freshman Brady Linebaugh, you are looking at a major. Anyone else, and Noah Davis takes it.
The above calculations add up to a 31-30 win by the Eagles, but it is hardly exact. There are nagging injuries in some spots, the flip and starting weight are critical. The lineup scenarios, endless.
One more factor to consider is the gutsy Bubblers always seem to pull out wins in key spots to triumph in these high-pressure duals.
Regardless who wins, these two teams will do local Class AA wrestling proud. And when the final buzzer sounds, the real winner will be the sport and the fans that pay good money to see it.
NOTES
--Solanco won't be participating in today's Tom Hecker Duals at Garden Spot High School. The Mules will be traveling to the Escape the Rock Tournament at Council Rock South High School.
--Annville-Cleona's Phil Corle (126) has 98 wins and should hit the century mark at Friday's Lancaster-Lebanon League Tournament.
--Northern will travel to Susquenita on Wednesday in a match that will determine the Capital Division title.
ELLIOTT ON TWITTER: @jelliottpnco