The local wrestling coaches have similar goals going into this
weekend’s Blossom Valley Athletic League Finals
MORGAN HILL — The local wrestling coaches have similar goals going into this weekend’s Blossom Valley Athletic League Finals.
Sobrato coach Moses Guillardo expects his team to leave Live Oak Gym with six invites to next week’s Central Coast Section Championships. Robert Fernandez projects his Acorns will produce five.
“If I put six kids into the tournament, I want to have six kids go,” Fernandez said Tuesday. “We’re probably going to have at least 75 percent make it.”
The cut off for Saturday’s 24-team tournament, which begins roughly at 9 a.m., is five per weight class; one less CCS berth than a year ago.
Depending on Friday night’s seedings, Guillardo said his No. 38-ranked Bulldogs could advance as many as seven wrestlers.
“That’s how many guys have medaled in tournaments this year,” he said Tuesday.
Aside from 154-pound title favorites Steven Fernandez of Live Oak and Ryan Brewer of Sobrato, both Morgan Hill teams have a bevy of contenders who could rise up in front of the home-town crowd.
The Bulldogs’ CCS hopefuls begin at 114 pounds, where sophomore Brian Gomes will try to extend what has been a breakout season.
“He’s been wrestling really well this year,” Guillardo said. “He’s a fast learner.
“I wrestle with him sometimes at practice, and he’s getting pretty good.”
Gomes, who is ranked sixth in the section at 105 pounds, has placed in three tournaments this year on top of reaching the second day of competition in the Mid-Cal Classic.
“I just try to do my best each match. I don’t really have any other goals,” he said Tuesday. “It’d be awesome to make CCS. That’s way more than I expected this year.”
Sobrato’s Drew Johnson went into his senior season with high expectations and quietly became one of the Santa Teresa Division’s middleweight wrestlers. He is No. 15 in CCS at 132 pounds, having won the 142-pound title in the Lynn Dyche and Marin Catholic tournaments. Johnson, who is entered at 132 for BVALs, also placed at two other events.
Guillardo said he has worked for everything.
“Drew has a lot of opportunity in front of him. We want him to really be focused going in,” the first-year coach said.
Rafael Anaya is almost a lock to advance at 191 pounds, where he qualified for CCS as a sophomore a year ago. Bulldogs senior Gustavo Ramirez, ranked No. 17 at heavyweight has a fair chance of joining him.
Nic Crawley and freshman Zack Zhang battled this week to wrestle at 142 pounds for Sobrato, while teammate Evan Enright tuned up at 147. Senior Brandon Maack and junior Steven Simmons are on pace to perform well at 173 pounds and 137, respectively, following impressive dual seasons. All five could make the cut Saturday.
“I want them to treat this like any other tournament,” Guillardo said. “I’d rather they do that than get butterflies in their stomach.”
The host Acorns are riding high after winning their first league championship in 29 years Wednesday. Junior Cesar Gamboa played an integral part in that title run and is expected to extend his season this weekend, whether he goes 132 pounds or 137.
Kenny Lee, a four-year grappler, could do the same at 142.
“I’m looking for big things from those guys,” Fernandez said. “Kenny’s a senior; he’s one of our go-to guys.”
Live Oak’s 121-pounder, Tyler Pederson, has earned the confidence of his coach and captain.
“I expect to place Saturday,” Pederson said Tuesday. “I’ve had a good week of practice; just getting everything crisp.”
Fernandez has been praising his heavyweight, senior Erik Poulsen, since Day 1. A standout two-way lineman during football season, Poulsen is one of the most athletic big men in the tournament. He has the advantage of a small bracket.
“Everything is in place for him to do well,” Fernandez said.
Then there’s Steven Fernandez and Brewer, whose possible showdown Saturday is the biggest local storyline. Fernandez is ranked fifth at 145 pounds, and Brewer is No. 14 at 154; the fourth highest among BVAL wrestlers.
They could also meet at sectionals — or state.
Editor’s note: Tournament seedings are scheduled to be released at 5:30 p.m. today.
