Every year, The Clash features some of the best talent from a number of different states and this year is no different with teams from nine different states competing at this season's National Dual Meet tournament.

Among the teams competing is No. 3 OPRF, which was last year’s runner-up along with returning champion No. 12 Apple Valley. Also in the mix of 32 teams is No. 18 St. Michael-Albertville, No. 23 Marmion and No. 25 Bound Brook. 

With these national powers all in one place, there are bound to be fireworks.


The Three-Headed Monster

Things could get extra interesting at 145 pounds between the number 2, 3 and 4 ranked wrestlers in the country. OPRF’s 2nd-ranked Larry Early has yet to step on the mat this season for the Huskies but if he does he could meet up with 3rd-ranked Max Thomsen of Union who owns an overtime victory over No. 4-ranked Fredy Stroker of Bettendorf. The potential for this intense triangle of intensity is something you don’t want to miss.


The X-Factor

Though all eyes will be on the national powerhouses taking the mat at 145, there is one other guy that could be looking to upset one of these guys and break into the national rankings. Sophomore Stephan Glasgow of Bound Brook is not someone that should be overlooked. Fresh off a championship at the first ever Wyoming Seminary Excalibur tournament, Glasgow is looking to make a big statement if he gets the chance to face one of these top five guys. 


Sneaky Test For No. 1

OPRF's Isaiah White confirmed that he is the man to beat with his Ironman victory over Vincenzo Joseph. But he will surely be tested if he meets Bound Brook's Sean Glasgow. Glasgow, who is a bit under the radar on the national scene, was able to capture an Excalibur title about a week ago, but will surely have his hands full if he gets a taste of top.


The Decisive Rematch

At 160 we could see a rematch of the bout that decided last year’s champion between No. 8 Dayton Racer and No. 18 Matt Rundell. However, this season Racer will be sporting a Bettendorf singlet instead. Nonetheless, this bout is primed to be just as exciting as it was last season. Let’s just hope that the locked hands calls don’t come into play again.


History Repeats Itself

Leading the returning Clash champion Apple Valley is the pound-for-pound baddest high school wrestler in the country, Mark Hall. And in the hunt for him is No. 7 Kamal Bey. However, the trending theme when these two meet is never good for Bey. With a possible third Clash match up looming, we are reminded of the treatment Bey has been through when facing Hall. It began in 2012 when Hall got the fall in 22-seconds. The following year, Bey was served up some déjá vu when he was pinned once again in the first period. Plus, let's not forget the pair of losses in Freestyle and Greco that Bey also took against Hall, as well. Needless to say, Bey would probably like to break the trend if and when they meet again.


A Second Chance

Just a week ago Totino Grace’s Lance Benick claimed the top spot at 195 with a 3-2 win over 2nd-ranked Bobby Steveson of Apple Valley in the Minnesota Christmas tournament final. But that top ranking could be short lived unless he can put on a repeat performance against Steveson. This potential match up could put Steveson back on top of the 195-pound weight class or it could solidify Benick as the man to beat.


Team Title Revenge

Apple Valley and OPRF met in last year’s final with the dual meet victory coming down to the final bout between Racer and Rundell which was won by Racer to give Apple Valley The Clash title. With the Eagle and the Huskies donning the top seed in their respective brackets they are primed for a rematch in the final. Will Apple Valley repeat as champion or does OPRF have the firepower to avenge the loss?