Wrestling fans will have to wait about a month in order to see who is the top dog in Mill Creek.
Traditionally, Jackson and Archbishop Murphy battle it out at the start of the season in the annual non-conference dual meet. But this year, the clash is scheduled later in the season, Jan. 27 at Jackson High School.
The decision to move the match was made so that Archbishop Murphy could have more of its team eligible. The team usually is missing some of its wrestlers due to the state football playoffs.
The Wildcats will be able to use the extra preparation time as they have a fairly young team.
“We’re improving, which is one of the things we wanted to do,” said Archbishop Murphy coach Blaine Gilchrist-Smith.
The Wildcats prevailed 45-34 over Granite Falls on Dec. 18 in their Cascade Conference opener. Cam Wade (145) and Jeremy Wattam (119) led the way with pins. Wade was named the outstanding wrestler at the Monroe Invitational earlier in the season.
The two-time state participant placed third at the Class 2A tournament last year.
“He’s improved tremendously,” Gilchrist-Smith said. “He’s very smooth on his feet. He has a real nice shot.”
Wattam is looking for his fourth trip to state and would like to take home a medal.
“He’s best on his feet as well,” Gilchrist-Smith said. “He has a great double leg takedown. He’s very aggressive. His experience, he’s wrestled since he was a kid, is really showing now.”
The sophomore class has made significant strides from last season.
“We want to be the most improved team in the league,” Gilchrist-Smith said.
Jackson also figures to be a better team.
The Timberwolves started out slow this year but are coming on strong. Jackson won its own Scoop Invite earlier this month.
“We’re doing pretty well,” Jackson coach Gus Anaya said.
The Wolfpack are looking to returners Anthony Mortera (171), Ryan Feiock (152), Brennan Sanchez (135) and Adam Nijem (140) to lead the squad. Mortera advanced to regionals. Sophomore Jeffery Stephan (152) was an alternate.
Jackson is headed to the Northwest Duals in Oregon Dec. 29-30.
“We want to get the kids as many matches as we can and give them a lot of mat time,” Anaya said.
Jackson’s girls squad returns Danielle Dennis (112), a regional qualifier.
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