HWP Class 1A State Wrestling Predictions

106 — Gilbertville Don Bosco freshman Hayden Schwab is an ABSOLUTE BEAST!
There really isn’t a formidable challenger in this field, and for that reason, along with Schwab’s tenacity from all positions, provides too many issues for whoever toes the line. Schwab will PIN his way to his first state title. You can BANK on Schwab—-he’s your CHAMPION!!!!

113 — This seeding is beyond laughable. #1 ranked Gavin Landers (Denver) is seeded 11th. What???
His biggest threat will be Jesup’s Cooper Hinz in the semifinals, whom he’s defeated twice this season, that’s barring Hinz can get by a gritty Gage Samo (WACO). Wilton’s Mason Shirk is the leader on the top of the bracket. Gavin Landers will prevail as CHAMP at 113.

120 — Alburnett’s Rowdy Neighbor is the guy to beat, according to the seeding system.
He owns a victory several weeks back at the state duals over defending champ Jaydin Rinken (Nashua-Plainfield) on very a very questionable call in the closing seconds. Returning champ Cale Morrow (Akron-Westfield) defeated Neighbor in last year’s finale. With Rinken’s health status in question, I’m very confident in selecting Rowdy Neighbor as the CHAMP.

126 — West Sioux’s Jesse Lewis is the cream of the crop at this weight.
Although just a fourth-seed, Lewis has had no trouble this season. Alburnett’s Tayten Coufal is he top seed here which would set up an exciting semifinal. Ogden’s Kolton Munson and Gilbertville Don Bosco’s Jaxon Larson figure to clash on the bottom-side semifinal. Lewis is certainly the BEST of the BEST, and he’s my choice to win his first IHSAA individual title. Jesse Lewis reigns SUPREME.

132 — Gilbertville Don Bosco’s freshman sensation Dawson Youngblut is the clear cut favorite here.
Although North Butler’s Tanner Arjes has had a splendid final season, he will not be able to match the prowess of Youngblut. Make it point to watch this special talent —- Youngblut is as talented as you’ll see as of any freshman. Youngblut is your CHAMP.

138 — Underwood’s Blake Allen will attempt to win yet another individual crown.
The depth of this weight class lies on the bottom side of the bracket including West Hancock’s Teague Smith, Alburnett’s Preston Klostermann, and dark horse Ethan Christoffer of Gilbertville Don Bosco. The Eagles’ Allen enters undefeated, and through these goggles, I don’t see anything changing. My money is on ALLEN!

144 — Talented junior Corbin Reisz (Logan Magnolia) is the front runner in a deep weight class.
Reisz will try to hold off a gritty bottom-side bracket including a possible district rematch between South Winnesheik’s Colin Holm and Denver’s Bode White. Regardless, I really like what I’ve seen out of Reisz, and his mat awareness/savviness/ has caught my attention to crown a gold medal. In Reisz I trust. Reisz!

150 — Starmont’s Keaton Moeller is another of the State’s outstanding young talents.
Moeller is a tremendous mat wrestler, and that’s where he’ll capture this bracket. Granted, effective from the neutral position, Moeller wears out the opponents from top. Treynor’s Danny Kinsella and AGSWR’s Kaden Abbas appear the two from the underneath bracket that have other ideas. Starmont’s Moeller with a title back to Clayton County.

157 — Gilbertville Don Bosco’s Kyler Knaack is Class 1A’s P4P top talent.
Feeding off an MEMORABLE summer 2023 with a freestyle championship in Fargo, Knaack hasn’t let off the accelerator. I don’t foresee that changing either. However, West Hancock’s Kellen Smith has other ideas. Knaack, an UNI (Northern Iowa) commit, will be the guy. Smith, an Army recruit will be the challenger. KNAACK captures title No. 2!

165 — Underwood’s Maddox Nelson the #1 in HWP and gets the nod here.
What a weight class!!! Colfax-Mingo’s John Mc Gill, Gilbertville Don Bosco’s Andrew Kimball, Earlham’s Ryan Stiles, and Nelson. Throw em’ in a hat. Who gets hot at the right time?

175 — Gilbertville Don Bosco’s Kaiden Knaack will shine when the lights come on.
Knaack has been solid all season long. Knaack owns multiple wins over Jesup’s Kile Bucknell. On the lower bracket, Nashua-Plainfield’s Titus Evans is undefeated and seeded  No. 2, and would appear to be on collision course with Jace Nelson-Brown of Emmetsburg. The older Knaack is my choice here.

190 — Makade Bloker of North Butler/Clarksville has been ranked No. 1 all season, and is No. 1 seed.
No reason to change now, right ? Don’t count out Gilbertville Don Bosco’s Landon Fernandez, Maquoketa Valley’s Nathan Beitz, and WACO’s Louden Huisenga. The Bearcats senior (Bloker) will finish the season as TOP DAWG!!!

215 — My selection just pulled from the hat is Maquoketa Valley’s Brady Davis.
This weight class has changed hands multiple times this season, and has been the most difficult to evaluate. For that reason, NO CHOICE IS BAD.

285 — Waterloo Columbus’ Mason Knipp is the defending champ ( Class 1A 215).
No other heavyweight has truthfully challenged Knipp. Perhaps a final of future Iowa Hawkeye football recruits, facing Cody Fox of East Buchanan. Knipp just moves too well, and always stays in GREAT position. I’ve got the Sailor.