It's Super 32 week. The toughest folkstyle tournament in the country gets started Saturday at 8 AM Eastern time, and we're running through all of the weight classes before this year's event returns to Greensboro, NC.

Super 32 brackets are so big and chock-full of studs that we're breaking our tournament preview into three-part series for lightweights, middleweights, and heavyweights.

Today's preview covers 106, 113, 120, and 126 pounds. We listed out all the ranked guys registered and some unranked names to keep an eye on this weekend. Below each weight, you'll see last year's final result as well as a trip down memory lane from 10 years ago.

Without further ado, check out the full preview below. WATCH LIVE HERE.

106lb

2016 Finals: Antonio Lorenzo (Del Oro, CA) decision Greg Diakomihalis (Hilton, NY) 1-0
2006 Finals: David Taylor (St Paris Graham, Ohio) d. Mark Rappo (Council Rock South, PA) 12-3

The Contenders

No. 2 - Jr. Sam Latona, AL - Fargo Champ
No. 3 - Fr. Isaac Salas, CA - Akron Runner-Up
No. 4 - So. Jeremiah Reno, MO - Akron Runner-Up
No. 7 - So. Cullan Schriever, IA - Fargo 6th
No. 11 - Fr. Richard Figueroa, CA - Fargo 3rd
No. 12 - Fr. Vinny Zerban, IL - Fargo 5th
No. 13 - So. Wil Guida, NJ - Fargo Champ
No. 14 - Jr. Brendan Garcia, CO - Fargo 3rd
No. 16 - So. Andrew Chambal, MI - Fargo Runner-Up
No. 18 - So. Anthony Noto, NY - State Champ

Brandon Holt, WV
Drake Ayala, IA
Gary Steen, PA
Nic Bouzakis, FL
Kurtis Phipps, PA
Nick Krug, GA
Jett Strickenberger, CO
Jacob Moran, IN
Jakason Burks, NE
Jake Wohltman, FL
Terry Adams, NY
Wyatt Yapoujian, CO

Commentary: Another loaded leadoff bracket. Every year Super 32 is loaded at 103/106, bringing us proven competitors such as Sam Latona, Cullan Schriever, and Jeremiah Reno as well as newcomers such as Isaac Salas, Richard Figueroa, and Nic Bouzakis.

While most of the credentials listed above are freestyle results, Latona -- who was 3rd at FloNationals -- and Salas, who won USAW Folk Nationals with back-to-back wins over Reno and Schriever, have proven high-level folk success. Vinny Zerban had a win over Schriever at Fargo.

It's almost become a rite of passage that the "next big thing' gets introduced at Super 32. Enter Nick Bouzakis. He's a phenom. Only in 8th grade, if you don't know him now, you will soon enough. The Florida talent, whose father was a New York State legend, is ready for prime time. 

Willie's Dark Horse: Buried among the ranked contenders is Wil Guida. He was a top junior high kid coming up but really hasn't hit the limelight yet in high school. On the same team as two-time Cadet world champion Kurt McHenry, Guida was forced to wrestle at 113 where he took some lumps as an undersized freshman last year. He won Fargo at 100 this summer (check out his pin in the finals below). He's talented, has a great training situation, and is finally a bit bigger.

Picks

Willie - 1) Latona, AL 2) Salas, CA 3) Bouzakis, FL 4) Reno, MO
Nomad - 1) Salas, CA 2) Bouzakis, FL 3) Figueroa, CA 4) Latona, AL
Holmes - 1) Latona, AL 2) Figueroa, CA 3) Reno, MO 4) Bouzakis, FL
Spey - 1) Salas, CA 2) Schriever, IA 3) Bouzakis, FL 4) Latona, AL

113lb

2016 Finals: Adam Busiello (Eastport-South Manor, NY) decision Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic, NJ) 5-2
2006 Finals: Eric Olanowski (Kellam, VA) d. Steve Mitcheff (Elyria, Ohio) 5-3

The Contenders

No. 3 - Jr. Antonio Lorenzo, CA - Returning Champ
No. 5 - Sr. Brandon Kaylor, WA - Returning 3rd, FloNationals Runner-Up
No. 7 - Sr. Cody Phippen, MO - Fargo 3rd
No. 8 - Jr. Sammy Alvarez, NJ - Journeymen Champ
No. 9 - Sr. Andrew Lucero, CO - Fargo 6th
No. 10 - So. Greg Diakomihalis, NY - Returning Runner-Up
No. 11 - So. Anthony Clark, NJ - Fargo 3rd
No. 12 - Jr. Noah Surtin, IL - Fargo Champ
No. 13 - Jr. Eric Barnett, WI - PSN Runner-Up
No. 15 - Jr. Riley Weir, OK - 2x Fargo AA
No. 16 - Sr. Dylan Ryder, NY - FloNationals 5th
No. 17 - Jr. Nick Oldham, IA - Conflict Champ

Beau Bayless, PA
Caden McCrary, GA
Camden Russell, NE
Chris Trelli, CT
Dante Mininno, NJ
Dylan Cedeno, NJ
Gene Quodala, VA
Jacob Lindsey, IL
Justin Pacheco, CO
Kai Orine, MO
Logan Agin, OH
Maximo Renteria, CA
Oscar Sanchez, OH
Ryan Chauvin, FL
Ryan Crookham, PA
Zach Redding, NY
Zeke Escalera, KY

Commentary: A seventh-place finisher in California his freshman year, Antonio Lorenzo came from out of nowhere to start off his sophomore campaign with a Super 32 title last year. He beat Alvarez (who had beaten second-seeded Jeremiah Reno), and then Greg Diakomihalis in the finals. Although Lorenzo is back as the returning champ, the field is tight -- the amount of parity here projects a seemingly infinite number of legitimate title contenders.

Alvarez recently beat Diakomihalis on his way to a Journeymen title, and you can watch that match below. Noah Surtin, the Fargo champ, has a career win over Lorenzo.



Willie's Dark Horse: Never heard of No. 17 Nick Oldham? Neither had I until Conflict at Carver. Oldham placed a humble fifth at his state tournament last year. But at Conflict, he knocked off Matt Ramos in the finals after Ramos beat Fargo champ Dylan Ragusin.

Picks

Willie - 1) Alvarez, NJ 2) Diakomihalis, NY 3) Surtin, IL 4) Clark, NJ
Nomad - 1) Kaylor, WA 2) Diakomihalis, NY 3) Lorenzo, CA 4) Clark, NJ
Holmes - 1) Kaylor, WA 2) Lorenzo, CA 3) Diakomihalis, NY 4) Escalera, KY
Spey - 1) Alvarez, NJ 2) Kaylor, WA 3) Lorenzo, CA 4) Diakomihalis, NY

120lb

2016 Finals: Patrick Glory (Delbarton, NJ) decision Andrew Alirez (Greeley Central, CO) 4-2
2006 Finals: Frank Perrelli (Delbarton, NJ) d. Gabriel Espinosa (Hialeah, FL) 4-2

The Contenders

No. 1 - Sr. Patrick McKee, MN - Fargo Champ
No. 3 - Jr. Adam Busiello, NY - 2x Returning Champ
No. 6 - Sr. Brody Teske, IA - Akron 3rd
No. 7 - Sr. Tommy Hoskins, OH - Fargo 7th
No. 10 - Jr. Gabe Tagg, OH - Ironman Champ
No. 12 - Sr. Graham Shore, OH - State Champ
No. 14 - Sr. Jaret Lane, PA - 2x FloNationals Finalist
No. 15 - Sr. Ben Kamali, MI - FloNationals Champ
No. 16 - Jr. Travis Ford-Melton, IL - Fargo Runner-Up
No. 18 - Jr. Aden Reeves, IA - Fargo 5th
No. 19 - Sr. Antonio Mininno, NJ - Returning 4th
No. 20 - So. Dominick Serrano, CO - Fargo Runner-Up

AJ Burkhart, PA
Anthony Sciotto, NY
Asa Garcia, IN
Cam Enriquez, PA
Brendon Fenton, OH
Christian Nunez, CA
Corey Gamet, MI
Doug Zapf, PA
Dylan Shawver, OH
Julian Sanchez, OH
Logan Heil, OH
Logan Macri, PA
Mick Burnett, OH
Nick Masters, GA
Nick Moore, OH
Phillip Moomey, NE
Reid Ballantyne, MN
Vince Mannella, GA
Zack Witmer, PA

Commentary: Adam Busiello sometimes takes weird losses -- except never in Greensboro. In fact, he's traveled there the last five years and come home with a belt every time. Typically, that would make him an overwhelming favorite. But then there's Patrick McKee.

Anyone who watched Who's #1 had to gasp at how McKee was able to repeatedly avoid being taken down against the solid leg attacks from 2017 world team member Robert Howard. How do you score on the kid?



Speaking of Howard and the world team, Brody Teske all but had Howard beat at the Cadet trials before giving up a takedown with no time left. He's been solid but not spectacular, and though he has the ability to beat everyone in the field, it would surprise (me at least) if he could do it consecutively.

The final guy I like here is Antonio Mininno, who was ranked in the top three after his state (over Howard) and FloNationals titles; the latter finals video is below. Much like Patrick Glory a year ago, remember that the folkstyle version of Mininno is an entirely different animal.



Willie's Dark Horse: There are several -- including three top three finishers from Fargo. Dominick Serrano and Nick Masters (who gave Anthony Clark his only loss there) were runners-up, along with Moomey, who was third with wins over Jacob Lindsey and Blair's Trevor Mastrogiovanni. Also keep an eye on New York's Anthony Sciotto, who gives everyone fits with his scrambling.

Picks

Willie - 1) Busiello, NY 2) McKee, MN 3) Hoskins, OH 4) Teske, IA
Nomad - 1) Busiello, NY 2) McKee, MN 3) Mininno, NJ 4) Teske, IA
Holmes - 1) McKee, MN 2) Busiello, NY 3) Teske, IA 4) Hoskins, OH
Spey - 1) McKee, MN 2) Teske, IA 3) Busiello, NY 4) Kamali, MI

126lb

2016 Finals: Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, FL) decision Austin DeSanto (Exeter Township, PA) 7-2
2006 Finals: Troy Dolan (Derry, PA) d. Jarrod Garnett (Caravel Academy, DE) 6-1

The Contenders

No. 4 - Sr. Julian Chlebove, PA - Returning 3rd
No. 6 - So. Josh Saunders, MO - Returning 5th
No. 8 - Sr. Jakob Camacho, CT - Returning 4th
No. 9 - So. Beau Bartlett, AZ - Ironman Champ
No. 10 - Jr. Jordan Crace, OH - State Champ
No. 11 - Sr. Jarrett Trombley, MI - 3x State Champ
No. 12 - Jr. Cleveland Belton, CA - State Champ
No. 13 - Sr. Chris Wright, PA - State 4th
No. 14 - Jr. Marcus Castillo, AZ - Akron 3rd
No. 16 - Jr. Dylan D'Emilio, OH - Akron Champ
No. 19 - Sr. Ryan Moore, KY - FloNationals 3rd
No. 20 - Sr. Aaron Schulist, WI - Fargo 6th

Andrew Cerniglia, PA
Colton Camacho, PA
Ed Scott, PA
Gabe Hixenbaugh, AL
Keegan O'Toole, WI
Kellyn March, SD
Marckis Branford, PA
Mosha Schwartz, CO
Nathan Bonham, CO
Sam Hillegas, PA
Ty Mills, IN

Commentary: Julian Chlebove is an entirely different guy the one who lost 7-4 in the quarterfinals to eventual champ and current No. 1 Patrick Glory. Chlebove's rubber leg D and reattacks are special, and he proved his mettle with wins by 1-0 over Ryan Anderson, 1-0 over Josh Saunders, and 4-2 over Jakob Camacho for third last year.

Glory was in the registry, but it appears he will not be competing this weekend.

Saunders, Camacho, and Beau Bartlett all have the ability to win it. But like I said about Teske at 120, I don't know if there's enough separation between them and the field to pull off so many consecutive toss-ups.

Saunders and Camacho met in last year's quarters


There are two outside shots at a finals berth that I can't wait to watch. Cleveland Belton won a state title as a sophomore in single class Cali last year. He's built like a fire hydrant and will be a problem. The next guy is Jordan Crace, who this summer bumped up 15 pounds and beat Ironman and FloNationals champ Zack Donathan.

Gotta mention Jarrett Trombley, too. He's an X-factor having not competed too much nationally in quite a while.

Willie's Dark Horse: There's a wrestler in the field with wins in 2017 over three of this year's Fargo finalists. Can you pick him out? Didn't think so. It's unheralded Marcus Castillo, who could be the biggest breakout star this weekend. Oh -- those wins were against Alexander Cruz, Atilano Escobar, and Ryan Franco.

Picks

Willie - 1) Chlebove, PA 2) Crace, OH 3) Saunders, MO 4) Camacho, CT
Nomad - 1) Chlebov, PA 2) Camacho, CT 3) Crace, OH 4) Belton, CA
Holmes - 1) Chlebove, PA 2) D'Emilio, OH 3) Saunders, MO 4) Barlett, AZ
Spey - 1) Camacho, CT 2) Saunders, MO 3) Chlebove, PA 4) Belton, CA

132lb

2016 Finals: Vitali Arujau (Syosset, NY) decision Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) 11-4
2006 Finals: Collin Dozier (Cox, VA) d. Tyler Nauman (Middletown, PA) 1-0

The Contenders

No. 1 - Sr. Joey Silva, FL - 2x Returning Champ
No. 4 - Fr. Carson Manville, VA - Fargo Champ
No. 5 - Jr. Nick Raimo, NJ - Fargo Champ
No. 6 - Jr. Ryan Anderson, PA - Ironman and Beast Runner-Up
No. 7 - So. Jesse Vasquez, CA - Ironman Runner-Up
No. 9 - Jr. Andrew Alirez, CO - Returning Runner-Up
No. 11 - Sr. Alex Cruz, WA - Fargo Runner-Up
No. 12 - Sr. Quinn Kinner, NJ - FloNationals Runner-Up
No. 13 - Jr. Connor McGonagle, NH - Returning 8th
No. 14 - Jr. JoJo Aragona, PA - 2015 S32 Champ
No. 15 - Jr. Colton Yapoujian, CO - Ironman 7th
No. 16 - Sr. Chase Zollman, CA - Fargo 5th
No. 17 - Sr. Sam Stuhl, WI - 3x State Champ
No. 18 - So. Aidan Medora, WI - Fargo Runner-Up
No. 20 - Sr. Andrew Wert, PA - Beast of the East 3rd

Alex Mosconi, IN
Collin Gerardi, VA
Corbyn Munson, MI
Dawson Sihavong, CA
Frankie Tal-Shahar, FL
Jackson Dean, DE
Jackson Henson, WV
Job Greenwood, CO
Joey Otero, NM
John Martin Best, WV
Jordan Ward, Ohio
Josh Breeding, Ohio
Josh Edmond, MI
Lucas Revano, NJ
Luke Martin, WV
Manzona Bryant, IN
Noah Castillo, FL
Peyton Hall, WV
Ryan O'Grady, PA
Zach Glenn, PA

Commentary: A shoe-in for the deepest weight of 2017 Super 32, 132lb has an unfathomable 15 of the top 20-ranked guys.

Let's start with the obvious: Joey Silva is the nation's No. 1 wrestler and looking to become just the seventh wrestler to win three straight belts. It's interesting that the top four guys here are all similar in style. Silva, Carson Manville, Nick Raimo, and Ryan Anderson are all stingy defensively and adept at winning tight, low-scoring matches. Manville is 2-0 over Raimo in this budding rivalry. Anderson's runner-up finishes were to Beau Bartlett (a 6-4 OT loss at Ironman) and to Pat Glory (a 3-0 defeat at Beast).

If you've read previous stuff I've written, you know I'm high on youngster Jesse Vasquez. It will be difficult for him to break through the top four, but if he can limit mistakes (and not make them when it inevitably becomes frustrating that scoring opportunities are limited), he has a chance.

Quinn Kinner caused everyone fits in a FloNationals run that saw him reach the finals only to lose 8-6 to Jacori Teemer.

Willie's Dark Horse: You know a tournament is deep when the dark horse contenders I choose are mid-ranked guys who reached national majors. JoJo Aragona won this tournament in 2015 and just beat Manville at Journeymen a couple weeks ago (match below).

Picks

Willie - 1) Silva, FL  2) Aragona, PA  3) Manville, VA  4) Kinner, NJ
Nomad - 1) Silva, FL  2) Vasquez, CA  3) Anderson, PA  4) Aragona, PA
Holmes - 1) Silva, FL  2) Manville, VA  3) Raimo, NJ  4) Aragona, PA
Spey - 1) Raimo, NJ  2) Silva, FL  3) Anderson, PA  4) Manville, VA

138lb

2016 Finals: Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, PA) major decision Jake Bergeland (Centennial, MN) 15-1
2006 Finals: Luke Silver (Bishop Lynch, Texas) d. Chris Diaz (Caesar Rodney, DE) 3-1

The Contenders

No. 2 - Sr. Mitch Moore, Ohio - Returning Runner-Up
No. 5 - Sr. Grant Aronoff, FL - Returning 4th
No. 7 - Jr. Ryan Vulakh, PA - Returning 5th
No. 9 - Sr. Jeremy Schoenherr, WI - Fargo Runner-Up
No. 10 - Sr. Marshall Keller, VA - FloNationals 3rd
No. 12 - Sr. Michael Blockhus, IA - Fargo 6th
No. 14 - Jr. Kevon Davenport, MI - Fargo Runner-up
No. 16 - Jr. Jaden Abas, CA - Fargo Runner-Up
No. 16 (at 145) - Sr. JD Stickley, Ohio - 2x State Champ
No. 19 - Sr. Drew Scharenbrock, WI

Anthony Ulaszek, CO
Cole Handlovic, PA
Curtis LeMair, MN
Gabe Miller, PA
Gable Fox, Iowa
Holden Heller, IL
Imran Heard, MD
Jacob Greenwood, CO
Jarred Papcsy, PA
Job Chishko, PA
Luka Wick, CA
Luke Wymer, Ohio
Nick Freeman, MI
Trent Johnson, KY

Commentary: I think Mitch Moore gets it done. A kid that's always been "right there," he had an Ironman title as a freshmen and then has been coming up just short in majors, as he did in both Ironman (to Zack Donathan) and Super 32 (to Vito Arujau) last year. He wrestled Teemer extremely close at Who's #1, showing excellent top work and mat returns that will be critical this weekend.

You may have missed Ryan Vulakh during the regular season last year as he sat out do to transfer rules. Both of his losses last year came to Corey Shie (Ohio). Aronoff lost to Shie in the third-place match. Both guys are back at the same weight.

Jeremy Schoenherr jumped on the scene this summer by reaching the finals of Fargo, along the way teching Michael Blockhus. I like both kids to factor in heavily here at S32. Blockhus is coming off a win over then-No. 3 Malcolm Robinson at Conflict (match below). He looks really slapped together.



Ask about Kevon Davenport around the Flo office and you'll find a bunch of dudes who gush over his upside. We know, we know -- he was at Cadets for Fargo. So just how "real" is he? We'll find out this weekend.

Willie's Dark Horse: It seems odd to call Jaden Abas a dark horse. He was, at one time, highly ranked. But the summer wasn't kind to him, as he went just 2-2 at Fargo. That being said, he's coming off a win over the talented Matt Olguin. Let's see if Abas keeps it rolling in Greensboro. It would shock no one to see him in the finals.

Picks

Willie - 1) Moore, Ohio  2) Aronoff, FL  3) Vulakh, PA  4) Abas, CA
Nomad - 1) Moore, Ohio  2) Davenport, MI  3) Vulakh, PA  4) Blockhus, Iowa
Holmes - 1) Moore, Ohio  2) Davenport, MI  3) Blockhus, Iowa  4) Vulakh, PA
Spey - 1) Vulakh, PA  2) Moore, Ohio 3) Davenport, MI  4) Aronoff, FL

145lb

2016 Finals: Jarod Verkleeren (Hempfield Area, PA) decision Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, CO) 5-2
2006 Finals: Nick Nelson (Shaler, PA) d. Tommy Abbott (St Mark's, DE) 5-3

The Contenders

No. 2 - Sr. Anthony Artalona, FL - 3x Fargo Champ
No. 3 - Sr. Alex Lloyd, MN - Fargo 4th
No. 6  - Sr. Brock Mauller, MO - 3x State Champ
No. 7 - Sr. Jake Silverstein, NY - Returning 7th
No. 8 - Sr. Mason Phillips, WA - Fargo Runner-Up
No. 12 - Fr. Alex Facundo, MI - Fargo Champ
No. 13 - Sr. Tyler Eischens, MN - Fargo 8th
No. 17 - Sr. Kendall Coleman, IL - State Runner-Up
No. 18 - Sr. Kasper McIntosh, IN - FloNationals 7th

Alex Hart, WV
Alfonso Martinez, PA
Chris Hisey, PA
Jacob Mariakis, GA
Kai Bele, FL
Kollin Myers, PA
Luke Pipa, PA
Quincy Monday, NC
Sam Webster, MN

Commentary: Anthony Artalona vs. Alex Lloyd would be a dream matchup. What makes it even more compelling is that both guys have chips on their shoulders. Artalona, who won a mind-boggling 21 straight Fargo freestyle matches, wants to rebound off a Who's #1 loss. Lloyd, who was fourth in Fargo, feels like he got snubbed from WNO. A win over the field, and Artalona, would help his case.

There are two guys that I feel could shut the above done. Brock Mauller competed well at Junior Trials and no doubt has the ability to go with Artalona and Lloyd.

Alex Facundo is the X-factor. The incoming freshman is one of our favorite prospects -- winning Fargo and beating Kendall Coleman at Agony in Ames (match below).



Willie's Dark Horse: Let's talk about Jake Silverstein who doesn't get the shine a lot of other top guys do. His two New York state finals losses were to Arujau and Teemer. And though Silverstein has shown some inconsistency, he has knocked off ranked opponents, as he did here last year over Cam Amine.

Picks

Willie - 1) Facundo, MI  2) Artalona, FL  3) Lloyd, MN  4) Mauller, MO
Nomad - 1) Lloyd, MN  2) Mauller, MO  3) Facundo, MI  4) Artalona, FL
Holmes - 1) Lloyd, MN  2) Artalona, FL  3) Mauller, MO  4) Facundo, MI
Spey - 1) Artalona, FL  2) Mauller, MO  3) Facundo, MI  4) Lloyd, MN

152lb

2016 Finals: Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, MN) decision Quentin Hovis (Poway, CA) 5-3
2006 Finals:  Eric Cubberly (Eastwood, Ohio) d. John Koepp (Bishop Lynch, Texas) 3-2

The Contenders

No. 1 - Sr. Brayton Lee, IN - Returning 3rd
No. 3 - Sr. Josiah Rider, CO - Returning Runner Up
No. 4 - Jr. Connor Brady, Ohio - Returning 5th
No. 6 - Sr. Justin Ruffin, GA - Returning 4th
No. 11 - Jr. Cameron Amine, MI - FloNationals 3rd
No. 13 - Sr. Josh Kim, CA - Fargo 5th
No. 17 - Jr. Brevin Balmeceda, FL - NHSCA Champ
No. 18 - Jr. Jace Luchau, CA - Fargo 3rd

Aaron Gandara, AZ
Aurileus Dunbar, PA
Cole Corrigan, NJ
Farouq Muhammed, Ohio
Jake Marsh, Ohio
Joey Sanchez, Ohio
Josh Humphreys, WV
Matt Grippi, NY

Commentary: The four top dogs here were all in last year's 145 bracket.

Brayton Lee is among the most well-rounded wrestlers in the country -- neutral offense, scrambling, ability to ride. He's clearly a favorite. His only loss last year was to Jarod Verkleeren, and Lee posted wins over both Connor Brady and Justin Ruffin.

Josiah Rider is the highest returning placer -- he reached the finals, losing to Verkleeren. He also beat Ruffin and Joe Lee (match below). Brady is another wrestler that isn't celebrated in proportion to how good he is at the moment. He'll be No. 1 material before it's all said and done. Last year here he split with Joe Lee. At Ironman he beat both Anthony Artalona and Julian Ramirez.



Ruffin's only two losses a year ago came to Rider (frontside) and Brayton Lee in the third-place match. Ruffin too had a win over Joe Lee.

Willie's Dark Horse: There are several here -- Matt Grippi, Jake Marsh, and Josh Humphreys (who beat Grant Aronoff here last year) have all been ranked. Also watch for Joey Sanchez to make a jump.

Picks

Willie -  1) Lee, IN  2) Brady, OH  3) Ruffin, GA  4) Rider, CO
Nomad - 1) Lee, IN  2) Rider, CO  3) Brady, OH  4) Amine, MI
Holmes - 1) Lee, IN  2) Rider, CO  3) Ruffin, GA  4) Brady, OH
Spey - 1) Lee, IN  2) Rider, CO  3) Brady, OH  4) Balmeceda, FL

160lb

2016 Finals: Kyle Cochran (Paramus, NJ) decision Emille Shannon (Christian Brothers, MO) 2-2 TB
2006 Finals: Scott Winston (Jackson Memorial, NJ) d. Kameron Zitelli (Greater Latrobe, PA) 8-3

The Contenders

No. 6 - Sr. Phil Conigliaro, MA - Beast of the East Champ
No. 10  (at 170) - Sr. Erich Byelick, FL - Returning 7th
No. 12 - Sr. Ryan Thomas, Ohio - Ironman 4th
No. 14 - Jr. Robert Kanniard, NJ - Fargo Champ
No. 15 - Jr. Mason Reiniche, TN - National Prep Runner-Up
No. 16 - Jr. Carson Kharchla, Ohio - Akron 6th
No. 18 - Jr. Dustin Plott, OK - State Runner-up

Cody Cochran, GA
Danny Braunagel, IL
Drew Hoselton, IL
Edmond Ruth, PA
Gerrit Nijenhuis, PA
Hayden Krein, WI
James Limongi, Ohio
Kenny O'Neil, MN
Matt King, AL
Nick Giantonio, VA
Zach Lee, WI

Commentary: I've been a big fan of Phil Conigliaro for years. Now he's the leader of the pack. He's not an offensive juggernaut, but he wrestles in all positions and is gritty. 

Ryan Thomas just beat Byelick at Grappler Fall Classic.

Mason Reiniche was a stud coming up through the youth ranks and broke through the high school level at National Preps this year when he beat Julian Ramirez in a controversial quarter. Highlighting Reiniche's inconsistency, he'd go on to lose to unranked Bailey Thomas in the finals. Reiniche is a scrambling nightmare, and when he's confident on top, he's a problem there as well.

Finally, I'm picking Robby Kanniard to make the finals. This dude teched everyone (except Zach Glazier, 9-4, who just beat a top three-ranked Peyton Robb) on his way to a Fargo title. He also destroyed everyone at Cadet Duals.

Kanniard's Fargo finals win


Willie's Dark Horse: Picking Edmond Ruth would be low-hanging fruit as a dark horse pick. Everyone knows him -- he's a state champ, Fargo winner, and FloNats AA. So let's go with two youngsters: James Limongi, a state champ as a freshman in Ohio, and Gerrit Nijenhuis, who placed third in Fargo.

Picks

Willie - 1) Conigliaro, MA  2) Kanniard, NJ  3) Thomas, Ohio  4) Kharchla, Ohio
Nomad - 1) Conigliaro, MA  2) Kanniard, NJ  3) Thomas, Ohio  4) Reiniche, TN
Holmes - 1) Conigliaro, MA 2) Ruth, PA 3) Thomas, OH 4)Kanniard, NJ
Spey - 1) Kanniard, NJ 2) Conigliaro, MA 3) Reiniche, TN 4) Ruth, PA

170lb

2016 Finals: Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, FL) decision Jake Allar (St. Michael-Albertville, MN) 7-3
2006 Finals: Dustin Kilgore (Berea, Ohio) d. Jordan Blanton (Richmond-Burton, IL) 3-0

The Contenders

No. 1 - Sr. Trent Hidlay, PA - Returning 3rd
No. 6 - Jr. Chris Foca, NJ - Returning 5th
No. 7 - So. Patrick Kennedy, MN - Akron 3rd
No. 9 - Sr. Emil Soehnlen, Ohio - Returning 7th
No. 16 - Sr. Michael O'Malley, NJ - Akron 5th
No. 17 -Sr. Zac Braunagel, IL - Fargo 4th
No. 19 - Jr. Zach Glazier, MN - Fargo 5th
No. 20 - Sr. Robby Patrick, PA - State Runner-Up

Grant Cuomo, NY
Jackson Turley, VA
Jimmy Noel, AR
Kyle Homet, PA
Noah Liles, GA

Commentary: I've been calling Chris Foca "high upside" and Patrick Kennedy "underrated" for a couple years now. But Trent Hidlay is the man; his combo of talent and toughness will be too much to overcome in my opinion.

Foca has gone from 132 to 152 and now to 170. He just looked silky smooth in his Journeymen title over Erich Byelick.

How good is Kennedy? He won a Minnesota state big school title as a freshman in February, then went to Akron and placed third -- where his only loss was 4-3 to No. 1 Travis Wittlake. That being said, Kennedy did have an unranked loss last year at Cheesehead.

I really like Zach Braunagel as well. He placed fourth at Fargo losing to Hidlay and splitting with Max Wohlabaugh.

Other guys that could be in the mix for a finals spot opposite Hidlay include the blue-collar Emil Soehnlen and Michael O'Malley, who was third in Jersey last year.

Willie's Dark Horse: A month ago, Peyton Robb was in the conversation at the top of the 152lb rankings. Last week, Zach Glazier knocked him off.

Picks

Willie - 1) Hidlay, PA 2) Foca, NJ 3) Braunagel, IL 4) Kennedy, MN
Nomad - 1) Hidlay, PA 2) Foca, NJ 3) Kennedy, MN 4) Patrick, PA
Spey - 1) Hidlay, PA 2) Foca, NJ 3) Kennedy, MN 4) O'Malley, NJ

182lb

2016 Finals: Louie Deprez (Hilton, NY) decision Nino Bonaccorsi (Bethel Park, PA) 6-0
2006 Finals: Jamelle Jones (Dover, DE) d. Christopher Honeycutt (St Ed's, Ohio) 4-2

The Contenders

No. 3 (at 195) - Sr. Cody Mulligan, PA - FloNationals Runner-Up
No. 5 - Sr. Jared Krattiger, WI - Fargo AA
No. 6 - Sr. Anthony Montalvo, CA - 2x State Finalist
No. 14 - Jr. Jacob Cardenas, NJ
No. 15 - Sr. Dalton Group, PA - State Runner-Up
No. 18 - Jr. Christian Knop, AL - Fargo 5th
No. 19 - Jr. Jake Logan, NY - Fargo Runner-Up

Ashton Elyer, Ohio
Darrien Roberts, PA
Grant Parrish, MN
Josh Stillings, PA
Julian Gorring, PA
Ryan Yarnell, MO
Victor Marcelli, Ohio

Commentary: People just keep sleeping on Mulligan and I'm not quite sure why. Although he's not a lock for the belt by any means, he should be considered the front-runner. A state champ, Mulligan was the FloNats runner-up to Jelani Embree and also has a win over Jacob Raschka.

Krattiger bumped up late last year and lost at states to fellow top-ranked Jackson Hemauer. Krattiger was out for much of the summer with an injury.

Oklahoma State signee and Cali champ Anthony Montalvo is squarely in the mix. He lost just once last year -- to Bryce Rogers at the Clash.

Jacob Cardenas beat Dalton Group recently and then won a Journeymen bracket with wins over Christian Knop and Jake Logan.

Willie's Dark Horse: Senior Ashton Eyler has the ability to upset the applecart. He was third at the state tournament, where he lost to Georgio Poullas. And he just won Grappler Fall Classic and Indiana PreSeason Open.

Picks

Willie - 1) Mulligan, PA 2) Montalvo, CA 3) Cardenas, NJ 4) Krattiger, WI
Nomad - 1) Montalvo, CA 2) Mulligan, PA 3) Cardenas, NJ 4) Stillings, PA
Spey - 1) Montalvo, CA 2) Cardenas, NJ 3) Mulligan, PA 4) Krattiger, WI

195lb

2016 Finals: John Borst (Sherando, VA) decision Gavin Hoffman (Montoursville, PA) 4-3

The Contenders

No. 6 - Sr. Lucas Davison, IN - Returning 3rd
No. 8 - Sr. Jared Ball, Ohio - FloNationals 4th
No. 19 - Jr. Wyatt Hendrickson, KS - Fargo 3rd

Blake Barrick, PA
Brandon Hoselton, IL
David Jones, VA
Jacob Henderson, GA
Konner Doucet, OK
Tommy Brackett, TN
Tony Wuest, DE

Commentary: The 195 weight class was hurt with Cody Mulligan moving to 182 and Gavin Hoffman withdrawing.

It leaves Lucas Davison, a Michigan recruit and former Fargo Runner-Up (to Karoly) as the front-runner.

Ask around and college scouts will tell you they love the upside of Jared Ball, who started off raw but has continued to refine his game and post solid results. At FloNationals he beat Georgia state champ Noah Liles, Pennsylvania runner-up Dalton Group, and former Fargo champ Tyler Barnes.

Jacob Hendrickson's only loss in Fargo was to Matt Cover, and he beat solid guys in Peter Christensen and Santos Cantu, who was ranked at the time.

Willie's Dark Horse: Doucet, who's just a sophomore, has been inconsistent but certainly shown flashes. He was a state champ as frosh, knocking off a fringe rankable Dan Baker in the finals. Doucet was sixth in the Fargo Cadet bracket with Hendrickson. He also beat Fargo runner-up Matt Cover at Cadet Duals.

Picks

Willie - 1) Ball, OH 2) Davison, IN 3) Wuest, DE 4) Doucet, OK
Nomad - 1) Ball, OH 2) Davison, IN 3) Doucet, OK 4) Hoselton, IL
Spey - 1) Davison, IN 2) Ball, OH 3) Hendrickson, KS 4) Doucet, OK

220lb

2016 Finals: Brian Kennerly (Upper Darby, PA) decision Cole Nye (Bishop McDevitt, PA) 5-4 TB
2006 Finals: Trever Collins (Nixa, MO) d. Jacob Tubbs (Lancaster, SC) 12-1

The Contenders

No. 2 - So. Braxton Amos, WV - 2x Fargo Champ
No. 7 - Sr. Josiah Jones, PA - State Runner-Up
No. 8 - Sr. Antonio McCloud, OH - Fargo 4th
No. 12 - Sr. Peter Acciardi, NJ - Returning 4th
No. 13 - Sr. Ben Goldin, FL - 2x State Champ

Collin Lawler, Texas
Dan Conley, MO
David Aranda, CA
Josh Heindselman, OK

Commentary: I love Braxton Amos. I mean, who doesn't? He's the best thing from West Virginia since Kyle Bratke and Paul Newman's "Slap Shot." We lost the pleasure of watching him in Folk last year because of injury, but the four-time Fargo champ is a special blend of feel and athleticism.

Josiah Jones was fifth at FloNats with losses to postgrad Abdul-Malik and 2016 Super 32 champ Brian Kennerly. It was the Super 32 runner-up, Cole Nye, who beat Jones in state finals.

Peter Acciardi has quietly put together a great resume. Fourth here a year ago, he was a state runner-up as a junior. He crushed everyone at Journeymen until he got to the finals and beat Ben Goldin 3-2.

Antonio McCloud beat Jace Punke and Max Darrah in Fargo, losing both times to Francis Duggan.

Willie's Dark Horse: Watch for Josh Heindselman. He's inconsistent but has flashes.

Picks

Willie - 1) Amos, WV 2) Acciardi, NJ 3) McCloud, Ohio 4) Jones, PA
Nomad - 1) Amos, WV 2) Jones, PA 3) Goldin, FL 4) Heindselman, OK
Spey - 1) Amos, WV 2) Acciardi, NJ 3) Jones, PA 4) McCloud, OH

285:

2016 Finals: Brendan Furman (Canon-McMillan, PA) decision Sammy deSeriere (Mullen, CO) 3-1
2006 Finals: Sam Brownlee (Mt Lebanon, PA) d. Zack Potter (Elizabethton, TN) 1-0

The Contenders:
No. 4 - Sr. Anthony Cassioppi, IL - Fargo Champ
No. 10 - Sr. Max Darrah, MO - Fargo 8th
No. 11 Keaton Kluever, WI - Returning 5th
No. 12 Paul Robinson, GA - Returning 8th
No. 15 Jordan Earnest, Ohio - Akron Champ
No. 16 Eli Pokorney, IN - Fargo 3rd
No. 19 Michael Kramer, TN - Returning 6th

Louden Haga, WV
Mike Burchell, CT

Commentary:
Anthony Cassioppi is on a roll, and man does he love to compete. The 2017 Fargo champ has won Indiana PreSeason (over Keaton Kluever), Night of Conflict, and JJ Classic already this fall.

Max Darrah moves up from 220 where he AA'd in Fargo.

Kluever, who placed at all the majors (S32, FloNats, and Fargo) beat Michael Kramer and Paul Robinson here last year.

Jordan Earnest beat Eli Pokorney in Akron.

Dark Horse: Louden Haga doesn't have the most robust resume, but he's showing gains. He went 0-2 at S32 last year, 1-2 at Ironman, and 1-2 at Flo. Then he made Fargo finals, losing only to Nash Hutmacher. He's improving, and he works out every day with Braxton Amos.

Also watch for Mike Burchell, who just picked up wrestling a couple years ago, and placed at NHSCAs. He's a horse. And though the field wasn't talent laden at heavyweight, Burchell pinned everyone at Journeymen within the first 44 seconds. I think he's real. We'll find out Sunday.

Picks:
Willie - 1) Cassioppi, IL 2) Earnest, OH 3) Kluever, WI 4) Burchell, CT
Nomad - 1) Cassioppi, IL 2) Robinson, GA 3) Kluever, WI 4) Kramer, TN
Spey - 1) Earnest, OH 2) Cassioppi, IL 3) Pokorney, IN 4) Haga, WV