Out of the Blue

It's easy to overlook young, inexperienced wrestling teams before the season starts. But we have to stop doing that with Burgettstown, now. Against West Greene, the No. 3 team in the O-R's preseason rankings, Burgettstown pinned its way to a 44-33 victory Wednesday. The upper weights carried the fight to the Pioneers, despite Ryan Watson missing the season with a shoulder injury. If the Blue Devils get any help down below, they will be difficult to beat.

You have to give head coach Terry Havelka credit. He consistently builds strong teams in a small school district and has to battle against some tough situations in the school. Gee, it sounds a lot like what Allen Hughes goes through at West Greene. That's why I respect the work of these coaches.

The Pioneers miss Kory Bissett. He is recovering from shoulder surgery. But having to forfeit at 103 is really hurting them. They don't have any one who is ready so unless someone falls out of the sky, it will be difficult for them to win the team title.