The potential match-ups at this year's tournament have us absolutely reeling. We could see rematches between Gavin Teasdale and Patrick Glory at 113-pounds, but only if Glory can get by Pennridge's Matty Parker for the second week in a row. We will also have Verkleeren and Coy, Hidlay and Manville and of course, Phillippi and Pletcher, which finished off the tournament last year with a wild one.

With the addition of Wyoming Seminary to this year's tournament, the team race will also be something to keep an eye on outside of the individual match-ups the Blue Knights will be featured in. As the #1 team in the country, Powerade will be another great test for them. However, they will be missing a key part of their team as #1-Nick Reenan is sidelined with a knee injury. They are already missing Chris Weiler for the season, so the absence of both him as well as Reenan can shake things up a bit. 

But we will get a great slate of matches throughout both days of the tournament. So let's check out the field for this year's competition.

106
Last YearÂ’s final: Gavin Teasdale, JM md. Patrick Glory, Del, 13-3.
5 Years Ago: (103) Colt Shorts, Canon-McMillan dec. Jeremy Schwartz, Central Dauphin, 5-3.

Photo: Rob Preston

Contenders
(1) Aaron Burkett, Chestnut Ridge – Returning 4th, PA State Runner-up
(2) Kurt McHenry, St. Pauls – Beast of the East Runner-up
(3) Job Chishko, Penn Trafford – King of the Mountain Champ
(4) Jacob Dunlop, Belle Vernon – Ironman 6th
(5) Brady Sherback, Latrobe – King of the Mountain 7th
(6) Levi McCormick, Cabell Midland – WV State placer
(7) JJ Wilson, Cedar Cliff – Beast of the East 6th
(12) Chase Shields, Bishop McDevitt – King of the Mountain 5th
Beau Bayless, Reynolds
Brandon Kassis, Parkland
 
Commentary: Kurt McHenry really impressed me at the Beast of the East with a very nice runner-up finish. But it was his semifinal match where he showed a ton of grit and so much confidence. ItÂ’s tough to pick against a guy with that much determination. ItÂ’s almost as if heÂ’s got a chip on his shoulder and it shows through his mat swagger. Chishko and Burkett will be the two biggest threats to McHenry. A darkhorse here is Bayless.
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. McHenry  2. Burkett  3. Chishko  4. Dunlop
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. Burkett   2. Chishko   3. Dunlop   4. McHenry
 
 
113
Last YearÂ’s final: Devon Brown, FR dec. Charles Lenox, EM, 5-1.
5 Years Ago: (112) Conner Schram, Canon-McMillan dec. J.R. Wert, Christiansburg, Va., 1-0.
 

Photo: Rob Preston

Contenders
(1) Gavin Teasdale, Jefferson Morgan – PA State Champ, Returning Champ
(2) Patrick Glory, Delbarton – Beast of the East Champ
(3) Alan Diltz, Benton – Flo-XCalibur Champ
(4) Quincy Monday, Arlington – TX State Champ
(5) Matty Parker, Pennridge – 2x Beast of the East placer, Fargo Runner-up
(6) Logan Macri, Conon McMillan – Returning 7th
Luke Pipa, Bishop McDevitt
Colton Camacho, Franklin Regional

Commentary: Could we see a rematch between Teasdale and Glory? Maybe. But this year PennridgeÂ’s Matty Parker is in the mix and after dropping a close one to Glory at the Beast, IÂ’m sure he will be out to get some revenge. Teasdale will surely be in the final again and look to grab his second straight title. But who he meets is a bit of a toss up. Glory and Parker will look to turn it up a notch in the semis this time after a low scoring battle in Delaware where Parker couldnÂ’t seem to get his offense going. Quincy Monday is a young up and comer that should have a favorable finish this season.
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Teasdale  2. Parker  3. Glory  4. Macri
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. Teasdale  2. Diltz  3. Glory   4. Parker
 

120
Last YearÂ’s final: Spencer Lee, FR md. Ty Agaisse, Del, 15-4.
5 Years Ago: (119) Jimmy Gulibon, Derry dec. Joey Dance, Christiansburg, Va., 2-1 UTB.
 

Photo: Rob Preston

Contenders
(1) Charles Lenox, Fort LeBoeuf – Returning Runner-up
(2) Daniel Planta, St. Pauls – Returning 3rd, 2x National Prep placer
(3) Josh Humphreys, St. Albans – WV State Champ, Returning 3rd
(5) Gage Bayless, Reynolds – Returning 6th
(6) Hunter Baxter, Pine Richland – Returning 8th
(7) Caleb Morris, Waynesburg – Returning 8th
Jack Davis, Wyoming Seminary – Ironman 4th
Zach Ortman, Parkland
 
Commentary: Lenox returns this year after a runner-up finish at 113 a year ago. There will be some pretty good match-ups throughout at this weight. Along with Lenox, Planta, Humphreys, Bayless and Davis are all formidable contenders. Davis put on a great performance at Ironman where he made it all the way to the semis so despite his low seeds heÂ’s definitely one of the guys to watch. If Planta and Humphreys meet, expect some fireworks. Throwing Bayless in the mix makes things even more intriguing here. 
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Planta  2. Davis  3. Lenox  4. Humphreys
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. Davis   2. Lenox   3. Humphreys   4. Planta
 
 
126
Last YearÂ’s final: Durbin Lloren, Buc dec. Gus Solomon, FR, 2-1.
5 Years Ago: (125) Nico Megaludis, Franklin Regional dec. Geoff Alexander, Shady Side Academy, 8-1. 
 

Photo: Rob Preston

Contenders
(1) Cole Matthews, Reynolds – Ironman Runner-up, Returning 5th
(2) Ethan McCoy, Latrobe – King of the Mountain Runner-up, Returning 3rd
(3) Sam Ring, Cave Spring – VA State placer
(4) Zach Atencio, Plainview – Freakshow Runner-up, OK State Runner-up
(5) Logan Adkins, Cabell Midland – WV State Runner-up
(7) Kordell Rush, Rennridge – Escape the Rock Placer
(8) Matt O’Block, Canon McMillan – Returning 7th
Jake Riegel, Wyoming Seminary – PA State Champ
 
Commentary: I like Cole Matthews here. He started his season on a pretty good note with a runner-up finish at Ironman. I think it will be a 1-2 match-up here in the finals with Matthews and McCoy. Riegel has had a silent start to his season so stringing some good wins together could go a long way for him to pick up some steam for the second half of the season.
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Matthews  2. McCoy  3. Rush  4. Riegel
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Matthews  2. McCoy   3. Atencio   4. Riegel


132
Last YearÂ’s final: Luke Pletcher, Latrobe dec. Mickey Phillipi, Derry, 2-1 UTB.
5 Years Ago: (130) Johnni DiJulius, Walsh Jesuit, Ohio dec. Solomon Chishko, Canon-McMillan, 5-0. 
 

Photo: Rob Preston

Contenders
(1) Tate Ortz, Brookville – Returning 4th
(2) Zach Hartman, Belle Vernon – Returning 3rd, State Placer
(3) Kennedy Monday, Arlington – Returning 4th, TX State Champ
(5) Seth Hogue, Reynolds – PA State Runner-up
(6) Trent Olson, Wyoming Seminary – 2x National Prep Runner-up
(8) Mike Stuart, Benton – Flo-XCalibur Runner-up
John Pipa, Bishop McDevitt – King of the Mountain Placer
Nick Farro, Delbarton – Beast of the East Runner-up
 
Commentary: Farro just had a great performance at the Beast of the East tournament and could definitely duplicate that. Kennedy Monday should have another good tournament. Obviously you can't overlook top-seeded Ortz or #2-seed Hartman. 
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Farro  2. Ortz  3. Monday  4. Olson
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. Farro   2. Ortz   3. Hogue   4. Olson
 
 
138
Last YearÂ’s final: Sam Krivus, Hempfield dec. Cam Coy, Penn Trafford, 1-0.
5 Years Ago: (135) Nate Skonieczny, Walsh Jesuit, Ohio dec. Joey Mazzi, LaSalle College, 6-4 OT. 
 

Contenders
(1) Luke Pletcher, Latrobe – Returning Champ, 2x PA State Champ
(2) Mickey Phillippi, Derry - Returning Runner-up, 2x PA State Champ
(3) Ty Lucas, Plainview – OK State Champ, Freak Show Runner-up
(4) Shaun Wilson, Waynesburg – Returning 3rd
(6) Jacob Lizak, Parkland – Returning 6th
(7) Jarrette Carter, Fort LeBoeuf – PA State Placer
(8) Jake Hinkson, North Allegheny – PA State Placer
Patrick Munn, Wyoming Seminary – Ironman Placer
 
Commentary: The rematch will happen. There is no doubt in my mind that Pletcher and Phillippi will once again meet. Last year it capped off the tournament and had everyone going crazy. It wonÂ’t disappoint again. But can Phillippi get the revenge this year?
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Pletcher  2. Phillippi  3. Munn  4. Wilson
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. Pletcher   2. Phillippi   3. Lucas   4. Munn
 
 
145
Last YearÂ’s final: Michael Kemerer, FR dec. Hayden Hidlay, MC, 5-2.
5 Years Ago: (140) Matt Cimato, LaSalle College dec. Dan Neff, Solanco, 3-1.
 

Contenders
(1) Cam Coy, Penn Trafford – 2x PA State Finalist (1x Champ), Returning Runner-up
(2) Kevin Budock, Good Counsel – 2x National Prep Runner-up, Beast of the East Placer
(3) Jarod Verkleeren, Belle Vernon – Cadet World Champ, Ironman Runner-up
(4) Shayne Oster, Lockport – IL State Champ
(5) Dylanger Potter, Arlington – Returning 7th
(6) Mekhi Lewis, Bound Brook – Flo-XCalibur Champ
(7) Tanner O’Neal, Plainview – OK State Placer
 
Commentary: Coy, Budock and Verkleeren is one crazy three-headed monster. Budock and Verkleeren will have a good bout in the semis with Verkleeren coming out on top in a 1-2 point match. 
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Verkleeren  2. Coy  3. Lewis  4. Budock
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Verkleeren   2. Coy   3. Oster   4. Lewis
 
 
152
Last YearÂ’s final: Vincenzo Joseph, PCC dec. Jake Wentzel, SP, 5-3.
5 Years Ago: (145) Pete Baldwin, Kissimmee Osceola, Fla. dec. Eric Nutter, Central Catholic, 1-0. 
 

Photo: Rob Preston

Contenders
(1) Mason Manville, Wyoming Seminary – Super 32 Champ, 4x Ironman Finalist (1x Champ)
(2) Hayden Hidlay, Mifflin County – King of the Mountain Champ, PA State Runner-up
(3) Stephan Glasgow, Bound Brook – Flo-XCalibur Champ, NJ State Runner-up
(4) Adam Whitmore, Cabell Midland – WV State Champ
(5) Nick Monico, Saegertown – Returning 5th, PA State Placer
(6) Trevell Timmons, Lockport – IL State Placer
(7) Jacoby Ward, Moeller – Returning 6th
 
Commentary: Hidlay vs. Manville. WeÂ’ve seen it so many times and can see it once again. Hidlay was a runner-up here last year so he would definitely like to snag the title this season. And if he was able to get some revenge on Manville, who knocked him off at WNO, it would be so much sweeter. They are familiar with each other, but I doubt that stalls the action. 
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Manville  2. Hidlay  . Glasgow  4. Monico
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Hidlay   2. Manville   3. Glasgow   4. Timmons
 
 
160
Last YearÂ’s final: Josh Shields, FR dec. Cole Walter, Mifflinburg, 3-1.
5 Years Ago: (152) Chance Marsteller, Kennard-Dale dec. Lorenzo Thomas, Central Catholic, 8-3. 
 

Contenders
(1) Jake Wentzel, South Park – Returning Runner-up, FloNational Runner-up
(2) Jacob Plunkett, Cave Spring – VA State Placer
(3) Jose Taylor, Arlington – Returning 6th, TX State Placer
(4) Mitchell Hartman, Belle Vernon – Returning 6th
(5) Will Verallis, Wyoming Seminary – Ironman 4th, Flo-XCalibur Champ
(6) Garrett Neff, Good Counsel – Beast of the East Placer
(7) Trent Hidlay, Mifflin County – King of the Mountain Runner-up
 
Commentary: Wentzel is set to make another run at the title after his runner-up finish a year ago. Trent Hidlay has been steadily improving each time out so I expect a favorable finish for him. Verallis will give Wentzel a good run in the finals, but the FloNational runner-up shouldnÂ’t be denied this year.
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Wentzel  2. Verallis  3. Hidlay  4. Hartman
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. Wentzel   2. Verallis   3. Hidlay   4. Taylor
 
 
170
Last YearÂ’s final: Daniel Bullard, Archer dec. Austin Bell, Belle Vernon, 10-4.
5 Years Ago: (160) Travis McKillop, Burrell dec. Cody Wiercioch, Charleroi, 4-3.
 

Photo: Rob Preston

Contenders
(1) Austin Bell, Belle Vernon – Ironman Champ, FloNational AA, Returning Runner-up
(2) Noah Stewart, Mifflin County – Returning 6th, PA State Placer
(3) Nino Bonaccorsi, Bethel Park – Super 32 3rd
(4) Spencer Carey, DePaul Catholic – Beast of the East 5th
(5) Brett Bryant, Moeller – OH State Placer
(6) Paul Hutton, Good Counsel – National Prep Placer
(7) Cody Mulligan, Saegertown – Ironman 7th
(8) Frank Guida, Parkland – Escape the Rock Placer
 
Commentary: Bonaccorsi began to look like a real force at Super 32, but IÂ’m not sure he has was it takes to beat Bell. Spencer Carey is also a good contender here as well, but itÂ’s all about Bell.
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Bell  2. Bonaccorsi  3. Carey  4. Stewart
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. Bell   2. Bonaccorsi   3. Stewart   4. Mulligan
 
 
182
Last YearÂ’s final: Kellan Stout, MT. Leb dec. Cade Belshay, Buchanan, 7-0.
5 Years Ago: (171) Nick Bonaccorsi, Bethel Park dec. Dakota DesLauriers, Burrell, 5-1.
 

Photo: Rob Preston

Contenders
(1) Kyle Gentile, Pennridge – Beast of the East Champ
(2) Greg Bulsak, South Park – Returning 4th, PA State Champ
(3) Colin McCracken, Waynesburg – Beast of the East Placer
(4) Bill Bowlen, Jefferson Morgan – PA State Placer 
(5) Josh Colello, Cedar Cliff – Beast of the East Placer
(6) Seth Fritts, Plainview – OK State Runner-up
(7) Tyler Worthing, Kiski – PA State Placer
(8) Jake Shaffer, Latrobe – King of the Mountain Runner-up
Jake Woodley, North Allegheny – King of the Mountain Champ
Brandon Kui, DePaul – Beast of the East 3rd
Milton Kobaly, Belle Vernon – Returning 7th

Commentary: Gentile is coming off a great run at the Beast of the East where he took the title where he pinned Colello en route to the top of the podium. HeÂ’s the clear favorite here with plenty of competition across the board. The top contender that will look to come between Gentile and another title is Bulsak. Kui will also be in the mix. 
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Gentile  2. Bulsak  3. Kui  4. Woodley 
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. Gentile   2. Bulsak   3. Worthing   4. Woodley
 
 
195
Last YearÂ’s final: Dylan Reynolds, Saegertown dec. Young Woo An, Buchanan, 3-2.
5 Years Ago: (189) Kenny Courts, Central Dauphin dec. David Reck, Colonial Forge, Va., 10-3. 
 
Contenders
(1) Drew Phipps, Norwin – PA State 3rd, Returning 3rd
(2) Noah Bushman, Cave Spring – VA State Champ
(3) Kevin Snyder, Good Counsel -  Returning 4th
(4) Francis Duggan, North Allegheny – King of the Mountain Runner-up
(5) Trey Hartsock, Mifflin County – Returning 5th
(6) Christian Dietrich, Wyoming Seminary – Ironman Placer
(7) Conner Buttry, Chestnut Ridge – PA State 3rd, Returning 6th
Gavin Hoffman, Montoursville – PA State Placer
 
Commentary: Not too clear cut here. Dietrich and Duggan are the top two contenders, but itÂ’s a toss up as to who comes out on top. No matter what, this bracket will surely be entertaining. 
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Duggan  2. Dietrich  3. Phipps  4. Hartsock
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Dietrich   2. Duggan   3. Hartsock   4. Snyder
 
 
220
Last YearÂ’s final: Fred Mantsch, Hempfield dec. Nick Miller, Good Counsel, 2-1 UTB.
5 Years Ago: (215) Brian Beattie, Burrell dec. Dante Nania, Hempfield, 13-4.
 
Contenders
(1) Cody Amos, Cave Spring – VA State Champ
(2) Will Hilliard, Wyoming Seminary – Ironman Runner-up, Super 32 3rd
(3) Scott Lavelle, DePaul – NJ State 3rd
(4) Jack Meyer, Moeller – OH State Placer
(5) Chad Kuhn, Kiski – State Qualifier
(7) Brady Daniel, Good Counsel – Fargo Champ
(9) Cole Nye, Bishop McDevitt – King of the Mountain 3rd
 
Commentary: Hilliard spent some of this season up at heavyweight where he came away with a runner-up finish at Ironman. The competition against some bigger guys could have had a great impact on him. It could be the edge he needs to get by Amos in the final.
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Amos  2. Hilliard  3. Daniel  4. Nye
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. Amos   2. Hilliard   3. Meyer   4. Daniel
 
 
285
Last YearÂ’s final: Al Beattie, Burrell dec. Elliott Lee, Archer, 1-0.
5 Years Ago: (285) Cody Klempay, Canon-McMillan dec. Josh Duplin, Westmont Hilltop, 2-0.
 
Contenders
(1) Joe Hensley, Moeller – Returning 3rd
(2) Gene Ringer, Reynolds – Returning 4th, Ironman 7th
(3) Dorian Fagan, Plainview – OK State 3rd, Freak Show Runner-up
(5) Hayden Rice, Norwin
(8) Brendan Furman, Canon McMillan – Returning 7th
Billy Korber, Belle Vernon
 
Commentary: Hensley will look to impress upon his 3rd place finish from a year ago along with Ringer, who placed 4th. Fagan will be a tough addition to this weight class this year and has what it takes to come out on top. If Fagan can get by Ringer he could find his way to the top of the podium if he can get by Hensley
 
HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Hensley  2. Fagan  3. Ringer  4. Furman
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Fagan   2. Hensley   3. Ringer   4. Furman