Trojans Set to Defend NCS Dual Team Championship

Having finished third, second and first in its last three trips to the North Coast Section Redwood Empire Dual Team Championship, wrestling coach admits he doesn't know what to expect when the Trojans defend their title Saturday at Maria Carrillo High in Santa Rosa.

"We're going there with the intent to compete," he said of his unbeaten Marin County Athletic League champion. "It's going to be a tough tournament, but that's why we're going up there."

Dardon said he felt the same way last year, when the Trojans rode a senior-laden squad to the title. This year's team is much younger and expects a tough challenge from Windsor, Rancho Cotate and especially Healdsburg.

"If I were a better man," Dardon said of Healdsburg, "I might be going in that direction."

It's a team competition, but the Trojans head north with one of the best individuals in the 10-team event. , unbeaten and basically unchallenged in 191-pound MCAL matches this season, leads Terra Linda into action.

The double-elimination event culminates in finals on Saturday night. Dardon believes his team is ready.

"Like any wrestling team, part of the challenge is staying in one piece," he said of the long season. "Some guys are banged up and we'll hold some guys out at times if we can. I think we'll piece it together pretty well."