Mattoon’s final wrestling matches of the season will be its biggest. 

Three teams enter Tuesday’s dual matches undefeated in the Apollo Conference.

Mattoon, Mt. Zion and Mahomet each face off against one another. A team that leaves with two wins earns the conference title.

Head coach Brett Porter says Mt. Zion and Mahomet will be difficult to beat because of their depth. 

“We definitely have a chance to win both duals, which will secure an Apollo Championship,” said Porter. “I believe Mt Zion to have a young team, but they are always competitive. Mahomet has depth and several highly ranked wrestlers on their roster.”  

Mahomet-Seymour, the defending conference champion, brings a talented roster of state-ranked grapplers. Brennan Houser (170) and Mateo Casillas (195) are both currently ranked No. 2 in the state for their respective weight classes. Caden Hatton (106) is ranked fifth overall, Colton Crowley (220) is eighth overall and Braeden Heinold (170) ranks 10th overall. Plus, Tallen Pawlak (138) is ranked as an honorable mention. 

Even with the depth on his team, Mahomet coach Rob Ledin likes what Mattoon brings to the table. 

“Mattoon will once again battle for the Apollo title,” said Ledin. “Both of our teams have outstanding individuals and field a full lineups most of the time. We have had some ups and downs; adversity of illness and injury have plagued most teams this season.  Hopefully, it will be 100 percent for regionals and state series.”

Mount Zion brings three ranked honorable mentions in Mason Gray (106), Tanner Garrett Jr. (126), and Remington Hiser (220). The Braves feature just two seniors.

Mattoon will be lacking depth Tuesday, Porter said. 

“Mattoon’s team does not fill every weight class, and it looks like we will have only 10 of the 14 weight classes filled,” said Porter. “For us to win, we need at least eight victories with help of some bonus points.  This will be a tough mountain to climb.  It will definitely need to be a team effort.”

Mattoon, though, enters the duals with a strong resume. Mattoon owns wins over state-ranked teams, including Vandalia and Triad. Plus, Mattoon recently finished second at the Mascoutah Holiday Invitational, where 28 teams competed. 

Seniors Brady Foster (113) and Kiefer Duncan (145) are ranked fourth in the state.  Senior Aidan Spurgeon (195) and junior Leo Meyer (220) are each ranked 10th.  Logan Blackburn (120), Korbin Bateman (126) and Aidan Blackburn (152) are also ranked by IWCOA.