Bottom line is Max is a stud and we are lucky to have him. My hat's off the Michael he was a man on a mission.
197 is turning into quite the meat grinder with the top 6 or so, very close to parity.
Max will always have a challenge with bigger framed lankier opponents and both of these last two matches he looked undersized despite this being his second year at the weight. I think it is a combination of Max indeed still being undersized, and both of these last two matches he wrestled giants. Beard is big and jacked. So too Laird, he was a monster.
I will not be surprised in the slightest if Max loses 2 more times this year.
Tournaments however, are a different animal, and once again if he goes into March healthy he will be better prepared than any other wrestler his weight and ready to roll. He will still have a few nail biters at nationals and could finish anywhere in the AA field, but if I were forced to put money down, he would be my #1 choice, independent of my loyalties.
PS - any potential points lost look to be more than made up by SVN - he is looking really good.
PSS - icing on that triple layer cake to be provided by Beau and Alex
