I didn't think we were the favorite at all. They finished ahead of us in the Granite City Tournament. I was hoping, but I didn't really know how it would turn out.

Brandon is having an outstanding season. He just goes out there every match and attacks his opponent.

I was glad the match started at 275 (heavyweight). Because that meant we could end with Zach and Brandon, and I liked our chances with those two.

Those two were closer than I thought they would be, but those are two good wrestlers Alton has. They made us work for those wins at those classes.

It's a rivalry for us because we hang out a lot. It doesn't mean as much for the kids as it does to us.

It's a win. We got two wins tonight and that's what we came for. Now we have to get ready Friday night for three more.

Lowe is the real deal. He's ranked third in the state, I think, and hasn't really even been challenged in this area yet. There aren't many teams around here that has a guy that can compete with him.

I really felt Brandon should have qualified for state a year ago. He just made a mistake and it cost him.

It was a good win. They have some good kids, Wood River is back at double-A now and they are struggling with their enrollment a little bit. But they have some very good wrestlers in that lineup and they all came out and wrestled hard against us and didn't give us anything.