Class 1A State Duals Brackets, Teams and Lineups
A Fan’s Guide to the 1A State Duals … there are “possible” lineups below, but don’t be set on those being the weights for each wrestler as coaches have a tendency to move kids around if they need to find a better individual matchup to help them win the dual. I also reached out to a few coaches in Tennessee to give me their thoughts about each team and the first round matchups … those are in quotes.
Lineups and First Round Matchups
Top side of the Bracket
Fairview vs. Tullahoma
Several of the coaches I talked to are very high on Tullahoma … and think they have a team that could surprise a lot of people. They weren’t willing to go as far as to take them in this matchup vs. the defending champs, but many thought it would be close. Fairview almost always walks off the scale with 4 wins in their back pocket with Seaver (126), Bennett (152), Curtis (182), and Clevenger (220). They also enjoy the flexibility to move several of them around if needed - especially at 220 where Clevenger can move up to 285 if needed and Donaldson can step right in. Now I said “almost always” because there are occasions when those wins aren’t a given and against Tullahoma they might not be at 126 and 152 … with Cody Agnell and Jerzy Hendrix. Those two weights - along with 145 (Cole Mitchell vs. Cole Morse) and 170 with Marco Pukl and Cadan Avans could be huge in the final outcome. If Tullahoma can get 3 of 4 of those weights (126, 145, 152, and 170) then we could be close (can’t imagine Fairview not taking the wins - and perhaps falls at 182 and 220) with toss ups at other places. If Fairview takes 3 of 4 at those weights - the path narrows significantly for a Tullahoma win.
“Defending State Champion Fairview has their hands full with a very underrated Tullahoma. The winner will get the tournament favorite Greenville/ Munford winner.”
Munford vs. Greeneville
Greeneville ventured out of state a few times this season - most notably to the Beast of the East where they finished in the top 15. I’m not sure any team has 4 better than Carson Dupill, Hunter Mason, Colin Dupill, and Kodiak Cannedy … Baylor, Cleveland, and others can make a case, but the truth is that those 4 can head to a tournament like the Beast and walk away with a ton of medals. But 4 wins (even 4 falls) doesn’t get you a dual title … so they will need others to step up around them. This team will likely go as far as Leandre Dabney, Cooper Johnson, Zach Chrismam, and others can take them. Munford should be a good test right off the bat with Justin Cavanaugh (126), Mo Moktani (132), Christian Perez (145), and Jermyah Davis (182) leading the way. If Munford is going to beat the Devils they will need others to step up and get wins.
Bottom side of the Bracket
“The bottom half of the bracket will be highly competitive with all teams capable of making the finals.”
Signal Mountain vs. Page
Can you handle the Uhorchuk storm? That’s the question if you want to beat Signal Mountain. Jojo, Ethan, and Caleb are a force from 106-120 … add in a very good Noah Shriner at 126, Jackson Owens at 132, and Jackson Davis at 145 and the Eagles can be up a lot quickly. But if you can weather the storm and get up top - you have a shot. Daniel Odom anchors the big guys, but there are points from 152-220 to be had. And Page has several wrestlers at those weights that could do some damage. Josh Ward (152) and Will Parcel (160) will lead the way. The key for Page will be Cosmo O’Neal at 106, Thomas Brown at 120, and Grant Hawkinson at 132 … wins at any of those weights would be huge. Falls could be hard to overcome.
“Signal Mountain is undefeated this year and pose a threat to everyone in the field. They have a sneaky good Page team who is solid from top to bottom.”
Gibbs vs. Pigeon Forge
Gibbs vs. Pigeon Forge is always a fun dual to watch. And this matchup should be no different. Pigeon Forge has had to find a way this season with their anchor in Garrett Foreman and missing a 126 down low (I don’t know if Cable has moved down or not). Gibbs has built a solid team from top to bottom and this dual could have some outstanding individual matchups that could go a long way in determining who moves on. Keep an eye on these potential matchups:
132 Andy Cable vs. Owen Deluca
160 Josh Parton vs. Carson Reep
182 Herbert Little vs. Mason Dockery
195 Aiden Howard vs. Elijah Hubbs
220 Caleb Wolfe vs. Landon Brooks
The Finstad’s and Marcus Smith could be huge for Gibbs down low - so Pigeon Forge getting 3 of 5 (or more importantly 4 of 5) of these matchups will be key if they are going to advance.
“Gibbs is another solid team who only has one loss on the season. They have their hands full with traditional power 2nd seeded Pigeon Forge.
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