D2 Quarterfinals Preview

#1 LOWELL VS #8 BROTHER RICE

Outlook:  A repeat of last year's quarterfinal, top-seeded Lowell squares off with Brother Rice.  The Red Arrows, who are seeking a tenth-straight state title, qualified 13 wrestlers to the state tournament; Brother Rice advanced five.  Like in years past, expect Lowell to roll out an unconventional lineup, but one which is still extremely tough.  106, 126, and 132 should field the best matches of the dual.

Lowell by 54

#4 GAYLORD VS #5 FOWLERVILLE

Outlook:  Very intriguing quarterfinal here in which both teams have come on strong in the second half of the season.  It's going to be a matchup and bonus point game, as many of the ranked wrestlers will not be slated to meet.  Fowlerville has the advantage down low, Gaylord up top, with the middle weights likely deciding the outcome.  Expect a close dual that could go either way.

Gaylord by 13

#3 PLAINWELL VS #6 STEVENSVILLE LAKESHORE

Outlook:  A quality quarter here as well with two times who qualified four wrestlers for the state tournament, though both had at least eight ranked throughout the year.  Lakeshore has used a bunch of different lineups, while Plainwell has pretty much rolled with the the same 14.  That could make this one interesting.  The Lancers have the advantage in the bottom half, and Plainwell's strength comes from its senior upper weights.  Whichever team can maximize bonus will have the advantage.

Plainwell by 12

#2 GOODRICH VS #7 MONROE JEFFERSON

Outlook:  Returning finalist Goodrich opens up with a formidable opponent in Monroe Jefferson, who enters with just one loss on the year.  Several ranked matchups loom in the upper weights, with the Martians being favored in most.  If Jefferson is going to make a run, they'll have to pick up some wins through the middle weights.  Probably a 9-5 match split in favor of unbeaten Goodrich, who sits in a good spot to begin their march back to Saturday afternoon.

Goodrich by 28

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