A Must Read!

I thought it would be prudent at this juncture to put out and advisory so everyone understands their responsibility in remaining anonymous. We all had such a great time teasing and harassing the sheriff that we did not stop to sympathize with the difficulty of his situation. Though I always maintained it was a monster of his own creation, he could have done it all anonymously, but he chose to do it openly. He is the face of that site, and therefore bears the brunt of the attacks on it, and for that I don’t feel badly because he chose his circumstances. He bears quite a burden, but it is in his power to change it and still he persists. An admirable yet imprudent quality given the history of the site and the attacks brought on him personally.

OK, all that said, (and pay close attention) this is important.

If you are a coach, an official, an administrator, an athletic director, or otherwise bound by the regulations of the state governing body, you should understand that the things you say here or on any other site could be used against you.

The state governing body has made it clear to one of my sources (who works for the state governing body BTW) that should anyone that is obliged to follow their bylaws, that is accused of a breach in verbal decorum and public criticism, and assuming that said breach can be substantiated, the culpable individual would face the full sanction of the aforementioned governing body.

Sounds like legal mumbo jumbo I know; and while most of you with a proper education understand what I am saying, here is the KISS (Keep it simple stupid) version.

Don’t say shit to anyone officially about your identity on the blog because if they read it and can link you to what you may have said on a public forum, you could be fired dumb ass.

In conclusion, if you work under the regulations of the state governing body, don’t tell anyone your alias; if you can’t do that, and you get caught, you have no one to blame but yourself. If no one knows your Alias, that is the best possible scenario, if someone or more than one person knows, I hope it’s someone you can trust, and if it’s someone you don’t think you can trust, get a new alias and this time keep it to your self. Anyone and everyone can guess at who you are and what your alias might be, but so long as you don’t provide confirmation, good luck proving it.

One more thing, do you notice that I reference the state governing body by that title and not by the letters that would give them unequivocal identity? Yeah that’s because unless I say their exact name, they have to kiss my ass, there are thousands of State governing bodies, some for athletics some for music, some for Drama and some unrelated to education in any capacity. While we all know who I am talking about, legally they can go screw themselves, good luck proving that I am talking about them. You should be so prudent.

Spidey

The Poll Is Closed: The Results Are In.

Though there was no clear consensus of opinion, a large percentage of voters seem to think there is a chance the “Streak” could finally end, but they don’t see it as likely.

The next highest group felt that the “Streak” is in serious Jeapardy, some believing it is an absolute certainty.

There was also a strong contingent that believed that the “Streak” had no F-ing chance of being broken.

In any case, finding out will be quite the thrill, I can guarantee you I will or will not be there.

ZEBRA In The House

The Spiders Lair is very excited to announce that we will have a resident expert in all matters dealing with officiating and rules interpretations.

I assure you this person is very well qualified in these matters and offers an experts point of view. Our expert wishes to remain anonymous, but has agreed to answer any questions pertaining to any NFHS or FHSAA rules.

So post your questions under this heading and they will be answered.

Power Ring Rankings by:KW

KW’s Dade Top 12



12 Hialeah

Not many schools could withstand the loss of Dade County ’s Dynamic Coaching Duo and all of their star wrestlers transferring around and out of the county. But with the addition of Trojan Star Carlos Ponce as the new Head Coach, what ever athletes last through the season will be ready for the war that is the Dade County wrestling come tournament time.

11 Coral Reef

They lost their heavyweight, but they retained 2 other GMAC placers in Matt Noffo and the school’s only GMAC Champion Carlos Encarnacion. If Noffo gets back down 103, he should really be a force in not only Dade County , but the State as well. With Ammons and Southwood feeding them “magnet” wrestlers every year, they should stay above the middle of the pack. Not to mention the addition of 2 young coaches to help out CJ.

10 Palmetto

They only return 4 wrestlers off of last years GMAC and Region Runner Up team. But they always have a number of JV wrestlers that step up well to Varsity. Plus Coach Dominguez has been grooming a number of quality wrestlers are Palmetto Middle. The High school is getting several mid to upper weights that could do nicely as the season progresses. The Panthers will be lead by senior Mike Wilson (who has already made 119) and sophomore Quinn Hoffman in the lighter weights.

9 Sunset

Lead by Dade County ’s top heavyweight, Michael Chinchilla, the knights of Sunset should make some noise. Coach Rivera has built quite a nice program at Sunset. While State Champion Nicholas Moriera and state qualifier Alexis Camino have graduated, Rivera’s young staff have been taking the younger knights all across the state to various weekend tournaments. Coach Rivera has more State Champions than he has Regional Champions. He knows how to get a wrestler to peek when it matters most. (John Durant and Nicholas Moriera both fall in to this category).

8 Hialeah Miami Lakes

Coach Turner has some new horses in the Trojan stable. While the stable no longer holds any Cupases or Ponces, he still has the same tough nosed kids that he has turned into champs year after year. Turner is a strong believer in Jeff Jordan’s camp and it is appearing to work for both Robert Ruiz and Alec Diaz. Other notable Trojans from early on in this preseason light weight Gabriel Alvarez Plus it never hurts to have 2 time State Champ and Multiple College All American Jorge Borgen to wrestle with the kids in practice everyday.

7 Homestead

The Broncos have had a history of showing up strong for GMACs, but not bringing the same horsepower 3 weeks later for the Region tournament. This year that might finally change for Coach Aaron Harris. Homestead will be lead by 2 state qualifiers from last season Julian Taylor and South Dade transfer Raymond “Pee Wee” Watson. Not to mention and cast of young lightweights who have done battle in the most difficult District in the State of Florida . What has slipped most people perception is that Homestead has put together the finest 9th grade class in all of Dade County . I do not know of any school that has 3 Middle School County Champs in it’s 9th grade group except for the Broncos who now have Earl Hall, Isiah Jerigan, and Ronald Howard (that is 2 different Schoolboy National Champions in the same line up). Now if the Broncos can keep the team together, healthy and eligible they might crack the top 5 by the end of the season.

6 American

The big bald General takes over a new team that has more talent then when he started at Hialeah . With a fresh start he will be able to correct some of the short comings his Hialeah teams had (going to GMAC, for example). This American team returns GMAC Runner Up Tommie “Samson” Perez and Region semifinalist Leo Santibanez. Not too mention Jamel Lattimore and Christian Perez returning give Osorio a good core to build from. When you add in the transfers sophomore Armanni Harris and senior George Garcia the this up coming season looks promising. This team has always had some tough athletes and now Osorio can take them to the next level (as long as they will put in the work). And as Doom mentioned earlier, watch out, because American will now be showing up for each and every tournament, no more transportation problems.

5 Columbus

While Husk has done some remarkable things in the past 3 years with the Explorer, he needs to do more mental work with this team to get them to the next level. As good as Gulesian and Rio are, they are the only ones whose name strikes fear in opponents. And yes they had a great showing at GMAC, but this same team underperformed in Districts and GMAC. For example, GMAC Place Jontathan Otero took 4th at Districts, Allen Pena and Mike Abadin took 3rd in Districts. Yes Columbus returns most of it’s line up from last year: Otero, Rio Gulesian, Nodar, Pena, Lozano, and Abadin are all juniors, plus Koeing, Davis, and Rabaza are seniors and all the above listed wrestlers qualified for Regions. But only Gulesian, Pena, Davis , and Abadin were the highest placing wrestling in District that are returning.

4 Southwest

Coach Mendez’s Eagles are lead by returning State Runner Up Uxsunn Ramirez and state qualifier Jonathan Olivera. Also returning for the Eagles are Uxsunn’s twin brother Oxsunn (who was stuck at 130 behind Tico, 2 seniors, and Rey Parrado), region semifinalist Jose Fuentes (112), District Runner Up Eddie Torres and District Runner Up heavyweight Joe Vasquez (who pinned Rabaza in Districts). Southwest only returns 6 wrestlers from last years Region tournament, they always have newer guys step up big. History speaks for itself, Southwest is the only other team in the past 5 years to win the GMAC. Until I see otherwise I believe that Southwest will step up at the end of the season, it might have to do with how Southwest travels all across the State to get the best competition week in and week out. This type of schedule is what the top 4 teams all have in common.

3 Southridge

That list of names is impressive: Morales, Lubin, Fonte, Molina, Silva, Plain, Passmore, Lilly, Chunga, McCray. Unfortunately, they had many more accomplishments in middle school than they have had in high school. (Fonte 2x County Champ, Plain County Champ, Morales County Runner Up, Passmore District Champ). This collective junior/senior group has been very underperforming in high school. And they tend to peak at the wrong time. Morales won GMAC and Fonte took 2nd as freshmen, but they didn’t make any noise the last 2 years. 2 years ago Fonte and Morales battled for a trip to state, that is the only time that either one of them has gone and Morales won that battle. Aside from Passmore’s trip to Lakeland , none of these Spartans have been to Lakeland . The injury bug has been especially brutal to Coach Johnson these past couple of years. After the Regional Title in 2004, there has not been much to celebrate in Spartanville the last couple of Februarys. Until I see differently, Southridge will look tough on paper, but not as tough as the top 2.

2 Braddock

The names may not jump off the screen, but they have a strong core to lead the Bulldogs. Of course everyone knows of 2time State Champion Eric Chandler and 1time State Champion Gabe Chandler . There is also State Qualifier Mario Montoto. Danny Perez could have qualified for States last year, hell he won his district semifinal match with a broken arm. Other names to watch for GMAC Placer Randy Pineyro, Cross Country sensation Fitz Rodriguez and Fernando Baltodano. The team will be solid from 119 up thru 160. If the heavyweights pan out this team will score some major points in Regions. But they will probably score even better at States when their best wrestlers rise to the top.

Drum roll please..........

1 South Dade

How many squads in the state can claim to have 3 wrestlers that are going to start for them that won National Championships last year. Kendrick Sanders, Fargo Junior Greco Roman National Champion, has only lost to 1 person in Dade County in his high school career and that wrestler is now a sophomore in college. Tico Baez, won NHSCA Preseason Nationals and sophomore Quintavian McPhearson also won his Championship at NHSCA Preseason. James “Rat” Williams earned All-American status at Fargo as well this past summer. Add in GMAC Champion Josh Williams, and a host of returning state qualifiers: Omi Acosta, Luis Montalvo, Stephon Moore, Shawn King, and Willie Wiggins. Add in Mauricio Villanueva, Elysee Fontaine, Daren Anguiano and the incoming 9th graders, there won’t be very many holes in this line up.

The possible line up for South Dade in 07-08

103 Mauricio Villanueva
112 Quintavian McPhearson
119 Omi Acosta
125 Josh Williams
130 Rat Williams
135 Tico Baez
140 Elyse Fontaine
145 Kendrick Sanders
152 Luis Montalvo
160 Shawn King
171 9th grade County Runner Up
189 Stephon Moore
215 Willie Wiggins
285 not sure

Future Home of:Galactus Gabs

We would like to Welcome our newest member Galactus to the fray. We look forward with anticipation to his future contributions. Nice to have you on board.

Spidey

Moon Knights Insight

Great Coaches in Dade

1. Balmaceda: without him the Bucks would be nothing. The Bucs embody his arrogance and attitude. He believes he is the best coach out there and his kids perform because they want to prove it. His kids may not have the best technique but they are tough, strong, smart, and experience. Balmaceda always prepares them for the big tournaments and they win. His kids hang around him as if he is a god. Other coaches hate him. He is South Dade and they will only last as long as he stays. In order to create a great program you need charisma and personality and he has and annoying abundance of both. How many people and coaches help his program is a testament to his ability to bring in people and have them like and follow him. That is the true measure of a great coach. Knowing how to use people and use them to develop a great program (look at Cozart).

2. Tejada: I firmly believe that if not for South Dade he would have won at least two team state titles. His kids love him and would die for him if needed. He may not be as animated as other coaches out there but he does not need to be with his little spark plug next to him yelling and screaming like a pissed off Chihuahua. Very soft spoken and polite I can only imagine that behind closed doors he puts all of this stuff as bulleting board material. I believe that he also is a madman in practice. You cannot accuse him of being soft when his kids always perform and run to him and hug him after each and every state title. Like Balmaceda, remove Tejada from Braddock and what do they become?

3. Husk: He makes chicken soup out of chickens. The kids that he has now are not as naturally tough as his Southridge kids were but they still win. How can you argue with his results. He has a lot of help and knows how to use them. Talk to one of his kids and they will tell you that he has a mystique and an aura unparallel by anyone. His raspy voice is a testament to his love and passion for the sport. He has given everything and anything for this sport and has been rewarded with many state titles and accolades. Even though I believe that coaches get worse with age, in this case I think he will buck the trend. He still has the passion and desire to win and I have a feeling he wants to beat Balmaceda one more time before he calls it a career.

4. Mendez: This man says nothing to anyone. Sits with his kids and does great. He never tries to make himself bigger than the team. His technique is better than most and his kids always step up in big tournaments. I can actually see him wrestling his kids on a daily basis. This is one of those coaches that gets little to no credit because he takes his kids all over the state to compete and train. Everyone should realize that you can take your kids to the best camps and competitions but if you suck as a coach your kids will still suck. He takes what they have learned in those competitions and camps and reinforces them in practice and gets them ready to step up in Regionals and State.

5. Soderholm: Looking back at his career there are few coaches that are as vilified as he is. He always produces great tough aggressive wrestlers who never back down. They may not be what they were in years past but look at the regional results and they will always be in the top 5. Great coach who is able to develop talent. He is hated by everyone and he doesn’t care. He like and loves to do things by the book and sees everyone who cuts corners as cheaters. I think Spidey may have something to say about Soderholms glass house.

6. Tie between Turner and Osorio:Turner: He has great individuals because all he does is wrestle his kids. He makes them tough aggressive and heartless. They never show pity or compassion for their opponent. They come after you over and over and over and over. Well you get the idea. Their technique is not great but when they are in your face it really doesn’t need to be. He can make you college ready and a state title contender fast but you have to get through him to do so. He will not tolerate soft or apathetic kids. If you walk into the HML wrestling program and want to make it they you better be ready to be pushed beyond your limits.

Osorio: He can create a great team in seconds. His TEAMS have beaten almost all other teams in Dade and they have given South Dade a scare every now and then. In the big tournaments his kids disappear like the invisible girl. He has had multiple state champs but most of his kids come up short. Any coach who has half his team quit the week of districts must be doing something wrong. Only time will tell if he will fix what ever ails his team at the end of the season. I can only imagine that his interest is in winning head to head team match-ups and not in winning GMAC, Regional, or State titles. I would love to see him and Turner get together and see if by combining their talents they can give the north a true power school that can contend with the south.

7. Rivera: He does great with his kids. I love the fact that he sits there and takes notes during a match. I can actually picture him sitting by a TV and dissecting the video looking for opportunities and mistakes. Although you rarely see him animated in the sidelines he does know how to throw a temper tantrum. I find it amazing that he has a great heavyweight this year. He has always been known for his light to middle weights. Be warned if you beat his kids once, he will fix the problem and you will not catch him making the same mistakes again. He is a great coach but there is not much to say about him. I am sure Doom, Spidey, KW, PWD, and Darkie may have some names and points to add so lets have 'em guys.

Doom Breaks Down Dade

#1- South Dade

The Jedi nation that is South Dade is lead by its own version of the Fantastic Four. Tico with his freakish strength is "The Thing". And then there is Sanders, whose flexibility and unorthodox wrestling style makes him "Mr. Fantastic". Next is The Rat whose speed and agility resembles that of the "Human Torch" And if any body on that team is somewhat invisible it is Omi Acosta. Invisible in the sense that he is over looked and underrated. These four along a host of other Freakazoids (King Kong, Capt. Caveman, and T-Rex) look to lead this nation to the promise land. If the second tier soldier’s progress like the soldiers before them they will not only own the land we call Dade but the land of Lakes as well! Only time will tell.

#2- South Ridge

The Evil Empire is in the process of building back its Death Star and the completion of the project is sooner than the galaxy expected. The return of Chewbacca aka "Black" and the nasty little hood rat they call "Mushroom" inject a much needed "EVIL" back into a not so evil Empire. They join an already talented group of Storm troopers prepared to take back the Galaxy that was once theirs. If the Evil Spartan Empire can stay healthy and allow their soft spoken leader to lead them they will be a threat to the South Dade Nation. If you listen closely you could probably hear Balma-solo's sphincter tightening up now!

#3- Braddock

Like in years past the Braddock Federation will have a formidable army. They are lead by two Ja-Wa sized Jedi who are battle tested and ready for future "Dade Wars". One Jedi is dedicated to his art form, hardworking, and is fully committed to defeating his opponents while the other, lets just say is not so committed and has grown into a weight where men not boys will compete. Braddock will look for big things from the twin's side kick Mario Montoto. His development and ability to compete in a weight class he is to small for will be crucial for the Federation to keep up with the Evil Empire and South Dade Nation. No Army in the Dade Wars does a better job will average warriors and their Leaders should be commended.

#4- Southwest

The Purple People Eaters of Sou-Wey are a mirror image of the Braddock Federation. They too are lead by twin Jedi seasoned and ready to keep the tradition going for the West. Along with Uxsun and Danielsun Sou-Wey will go to war with the not so level headed, hulker spitting, Jonathan Olivera who is capable of anything. I think Mr. Guliesian is still washing his face from that incident. Mix in a few Gonzalez's, Hernandez's, Diaz's, and a Smith and you have the recipe for success. If only they could just find the "Magic Water Fountain" of years past!

#5- Columbus

The Evil Darth Husktor is still up to his tricky ways ransacking, plundering and pillaging every middle school within a 30 mile radius of his new institution. I guess though when you are 75 years old it is now or never. A new army that all of Dade county is going to "love to hate" the Explorers look to become a new elite power in the Dade Wars. But if recruiting from the local middle schools wasn't bad enough these guys take it to another level. I guess they think that their "Explorer" name means that they must explore the stands during the GMAC, Dade Challenge, and Regional tournaments for potential Columbus wrestlers. That right Coaches while you are out there coaching your warriors their parents are talking to your kid's parents about the benefits of a private school education, or the religious benefits, or the benefits of surrounding themselves with doctors and lawyers. Hold on tight to that which is yours my friends because before you know it the WOLF may get your sheep. All this aside the "NEW" Evil Empire is building strength, gaining momentum and ready to do some damage. Although it is the good doctor's belief that Ole Darth Husktor may be losing his touch. How in the world does he fail to negotiate a contract with the two best athletes coming out of middle school after bringing them in on recruiting visits and everything? I heard on ESPN that Drew Rosenhaus was the athlete's agent and that Darth Husktor wouldn't throw in the new Lexus that the parents were demanding.

Stay Tune for more.....