The Mount Hood Conference put in a solid showing at last years big-school state tournament, landing two teams among the top 10 and sending four wrestlers into weight-class championship bouts.
David Douglas highlighted that effort by edging Crater by half a point to claim the 6A second-place trophy, while crowning Josh Reyes as the states 138-pound champion.
The Scots are loaded for a return run at the state podium this winter, although realistically, the rest of the state is fighting for the silver medal behind powerhouse Roseburg. The Indians piled up 237 points at last years tournament more than David Douglas and Crater managed to score combined.
David Douglas graduated just one state placer in Cody Patterson near the top of the ladder. That leaves the shelves fully stocked to surpass last years state production.
Leading the way is the junior Reyes, who went unchallenged at last years tournament, pinning his first-round foe and outscoring his next three opponents by a combined 26-9.
Also returning is a senior-heavy group that includes Elijah Taylor, who won five straight consolation bouts to finish third at 152 pounds last year along with Vagif Afrasov, who was fourth in the 132 bracket. Jeremiah Baker earned the states No. 1 seed before settling for fifth-place honors.
David Douglas won last years regional crown by more than 30 points over Three Rivers champ Canby.
Look for team capsules on Barlow, Gresham and Centennial in the Friday, Dec. 21, print edition of The Outlook.