Wrestlers like chances during 2007‑08 season

Boulder Creek’s wrestling team continues to show tremendous growth. A year after securing its first individual region champion in school history, the Jaguars have already started the 2007‑08 season in impressive fashion.

The Jaguars won last weekend’s Mingus Duals Tournament by beating the host team in the finals. Making it more impressive is the fact Mingus is the two‑time 4A‑Division I state champion. Eric Eddy moved up a weight class to clinch the team victory with a dramatic pin.

Among individuals, Boulder Creek collected three championships–Tim Ellison (103 pounds), Zach Hayden (119) and Thor Dusenberry (160). Coming close to victories were Brandon Powell (125) and Mikey Contreras (130), who finished second.

Other medalists for the Jaguars included Alex Goldhammer (145), Colten Dusenberry (152) and Devin Conteras (171). Fourth‑place finishers were Preston Andrews (112) and Chase Sullivan (140).

Coach Doug Crooks is hoping for big things this season with eight returning starting wrestlers from last year’s team that finished second in the Northwest Region and eighth in the 5A‑Division II state tournament.

“I was very pleased with our team’s performance (at Mingus),” Crooks said. “We don’t have any superstars on the team, but we have a group of solid wrestlers who are fundamentally sound.”

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Don’t forget about the athletes at Pinnacle when discussing 5A‑II wrestling. The Pioneers, who took second in their region last year and picked up 24 wins in dual meets, have two top five individuals in the state returning this year.

Sean Land, a 189‑pounder, returns for his senior year after finishing second in the state as a junior. Additionally, coach Jimmy Lopez has Reily Woods back in the fold after the senior finished fifth in the state last year at 215 pounds.

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We’re down to the Cardinals with local football picks. I have vowed not to pick them to win the rest of the season and could have been right with last week’s pick had officials reversed the incompletion call on the final play of the game. So, without further ado:

SEAHAWKS 27, CARDINALS 14. Let’s see: The Cardinals earn a big win over the Browns to put them right in the playoff race. The Cardinals are in the playoff race? That alone means they’re going to lose this week to the Seahawks.

A win over Seattle would also give the Cards a chance to fight for first place in the division. That means they’re going to get blown out.

Last Week: 0‑2 (.000)

Season: 46‑37 (.554)