State Duals - What to Look For

   In about 24 hours, Chestnut Ridge will begin its quest for a third state team medal in the last four years. The Lions take on Boiling Springs in the first round of the tournament tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m., in the second wave of Class AA action for the opening day.
   I posted some other things and my breakdown of the match with Boiling Springs yesterday, so scroll down on the blog to find that information. Here are some overall thoughts on the tournament:

— Is this Chestnut Ridge's year?
    It very well could be, but I think this Class AA field is fairly deep and in my mind, there's not a clear cut favorite going in. I do think the #3 ranked Lions will finally get past Boiling Springs, who they've lost to in each of the last three years, including the state final last February, 36-21. That in itself should be serving as extra motivation for Greg Lazor's crew, given that the Bubblers are the first opponent tomorrow. I've said before that I think Chestnut Ridge has as much top level talent as anyone in the state, and it will be up to them to provide the needed wins and bonus points to lead the way.

— How good is Saucon Valley?
   The District 11 champions are undefeated at 23-0. Their signature win was 36-33 over District 6 champ Huntingdon at the Juniata Duals. Other than that, the Panthers haven't really been tested in a dual meet. That bottom part of the bracket may be the toughest in the tournament, as #4 ranked Saucon would face either #5 Wyalusing Valley or #6 Fort LeBoeuf in the quarterfinals. This will be the fourth straight year for Saucon Valley in the state duals, so experience is there for the Panthers.

— Any darkhorse candidates?
   If I were to pick one, it would be Fort LeBoeuf, though Northern Lebanon falls into that category as well. Of the top six or eight ranked teams, #6 LeBoeuf might be the least talked about team statewide to date. The Bison had an early lead on Reynolds before losing the District 10 final, 33-29. Fort LeBoeuf always tends to wrestle well in Hershey, and while I have them losing in the first round tomorrow to Wyalusing, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bison make some noise in the consolation matches.

— Spring's Class AA Predictions
   My completed bracket is below, and you can click this link to Jeff Upson's predictions for PA Power Wrestling.