Graham will be an underdog at St. Ed’s

Graham's Eli Seipel (top) wrestles Claymont's Cody Burcher in the 113-pound championship match on Jan. 8 during the Division II state duals. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

Bill Lackey Graham's Eli Seipel (top) wrestles Claymont's Cody Burcher in the 113-pound championship match on Jan. 8 during the Division II state duals. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

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By Kermit Rowe, Staff Writer 10:56 PM Wednesday, January 18, 2012

If it is mid-January, it must be time for “The Rivalry.”

Graham vs. Lakewood St. Edward is not of the magnitude of Ohio State vs. Michigan, but in wrestling circles — both Ohio’s and nationally — when these two schools get together on the mats, excitement is sure to follow.

The Falcons will travel to northern Ohio Saturday for a 7 p.m. meeting with the Eagles, currently ranked No. 2 in the country. They’ll be doing so as underdogs.

“This is the big week, and on paper they are favored pretty heavily,” said Graham coach Jeff Jordan. “They just came off a loss to (No. 1-ranked) Blair Academy, 27-22, losing in the last match.

“I think they are going to be fired up to wrestle. They are definitely favored.”

But the Falcons have a shot at the Eagles.

“We’ve got some kids who I think can go up there and compete,” he said. “I think we’ve got some kids who I think are going to surprise some folks.”

Jordan has gone on record saying his team is not quite as strong of a dual-meet team this year.

“It makes things tougher,” he said. “But we do have some good matchups. I think the lightweights are crucial, 106 and 113 (pounds). I think 126 with two champs will be a big match.”

That match will pit Graham’s sophomore state champ Micah Jordan against St. Ed’s Dean Heil (No. 2 in the country, returning two-time state champ). Heil beat Micah Jordan twice last season, but they haven’t met this season yet.

“There’s going to be 2,500 people in the stands and 2,400 will be rooting for them,” said Jordan of St. Ed’s. “The last couple of times we’ve beat them, so they will be wanting blood.

“Whoever wins is the champion of the state. We train for the Ironman, St. Ed’s and state tournament. St. Ed’s second on our list annually. It’s going to be a fun night.”

Another showdown: While Graham and St. Edward are getting the statewide attention with their looming battle, there’s another on the horizon on Wednesday that has a more local flavor.

Kenton Ridge travels to Northwestern for a battle between what appears to be Clark County’s top two teams.

Northwestern won the first Clark County Clash earlier this month, but KR was the only county team not to compete.

Contact this reporter at (937)  328-0364.

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