๐จIt's Superclรกsico this week in Argentina. River Plate will play Boca on Sunday night in Buenos Aires...
The non South American mind can not comprehend
Historic 60th Anniversary Weekend
One of Southern Californiaโs most storied wrestling traditions is set to take center stage this weekend as the Five Counties Tournament celebrates its 60th anniversaryโand the stage is primed for another unforgettable chapter in prep wrestling history.
Dating all the way back to 1966, the Five Counties Tournament was founded by legendary coach and physical fitness teacher Ken Duddridge and originally hosted at Marina High School. Duddridgeโs vision was simple but ambitious: bring together elite programs from five powerhouse regionsโLos Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and San Diego Countiesโand let them battle it out on the mat. Just two years later, the tournament found its longtime home at Fountain Valley High School, where it has grown into one of the most respected and grueling events on the Southern California calendar.
The host Barons know a thing or two about success here, having captured team titles in 1973, 1977, and 1978, along with a runner-up finish in 1976. Sixty years later, the legacy continuesโand the competition may be as fierce as itโs ever been.
Loaded Team Field Ready to Clash
This yearโs Five Counties Tournament will feature a stacked lineup of elite programs, many of whom are legitimate postseason contenders in their respective CIF sections.
Leading the charge is Southern Section powerhouse St. John Bosco, fresh off an impressive third-place finish at the nationally loaded Doc Buchanan Tournament. Right alongside them is Gilroy High, a program synonymous with dominance, boasting an astounding 22 consecutive CIF Central Coast Section titles and a fifth-place finish at Doc Buchanan.
The host Fountain Valley High will look to defend home mat pride after finishing inside the top 20 teams at Doc Buchanan, while several other dangerous squads are poised to make noise, including Brawley Union, Etiwanda, Granite Hills, Northview, Oakdale, and Servite. Expect tight duals, momentum swings, and team races that wonโt be decided until the final bouts.
Star Power All Over the Brackets
Individual firepower will be on full display, with five Doc Buchanan champions potentially competing this weekend: ย Jorge Rios (St. John Bosco) โ 113 lbs, Moses Mendoza (Gilroy) โ 141 lbs, Jesse Grajeda (St. John Bosco) โ 147 lbs, Michael Romero (St. John Bosco) โ 153 lbs, Wes Buford (Oakdale) โ 220 lbs, And thatโs just the tip of the iceberg.
Also expected in the mix are a deep list of Doc Buchanan placers, including Luke Loren, Hunter Jauregui, Nathan Carrillo, Vinnie Gutierrez, Mathius Garza, Kaleo Garcia, Isai Fernandez, Travis Grace, Mason Savidan, and Brian Haranโa group loaded with state-level experience, national credentials, and highlight-reel potential.
Champions Return to Defend Their Crowns
Adding even more intrigue, six returning Five Counties champions are back and hungry to repeat: Jorge Rios (St. John Bosco) โ 113 lbs, Carlos Melgoza (Kingsburg) โ 123 lbs, Nathan Carrillo (St. John Bosco) โ 135 lbs, Moses Mendoza (Gilroy) โ 141 lbs, Michael Romero (St. John Bosco) โ 153 lbs, Travis Grace (Gilroy) โ 175 lbs
With targets on their backs and challengers lining up in every round, defending titles at this event is no easy task.
A Tournament Built on Traditionโand Toughness
Six decades in, the Five Counties Tournament remains a true proving ground where reputations are tested, rivalries are renewed, and champions are forged. With elite teams, stacked brackets, and history hanging in the air, this weekend promises nonstop action, dramatic finishes, and wrestling at its very best. If the past is any indication, the 60th anniversary of Five Counties wonโt just honor history; it will make some of its own. @dc_mma@SJBwrestling@TheE_Wrestling@FVHSbarons@GilroyHS@FriarsWrestling
Kenny Dillingham on Cam Skattebo coming back to Tempe this Friday for the Territorial Cup:
"It's what college football is supposed to be. You should graduate from school and have a passion about that place, and come back and feel like you're at home."