Arch rivals will collide in the semifinals of the Division 2 Team District Tournament at Lakeshore High School Thursday.

The No. 3-ranked Niles Vikings are looking for their fourth consecutive district title.

Standing in their way are the rival Lancers, who Niles defeated 61-7 last Wednesday night.

Vikings’ head coach Todd Hesson is leary of having faced Lakeshore so many times this season.

“We have wrestled Lakeshore in some form at the Greater Berrien County Invitational, our dual match and at individual conference this past weekend,” he said. “The familiarity of wrestling the same kids over the last three weeks is something I don’t like. I think it favors the underdog. It allows the kids who have been beat in the past to close the gap. Our kids need to stay focused. This group of seniors have won three district titles, two regional championships and made two final four appearances. I am hoping the experience will overcome any type or form of complacency.”

The winner of the Niles-Lakeshore match advances to the district final to face St. Joseph, which received a first round bye.

That match will begin 10 minutes after the semifinal is completed.

The district champion heads to the Gull Lake regional at 6 p.m. Feb. 18.

 

Division 4 at Brandywine

The Bobcats should have no trouble winning their 10th consecutive district title Thursday night.

River Valley and Eau Claire do not have full line ups and neither is a serious threat to snap Brandywine’s streak.

The Mustangs and Beavers will square off in the semifinals at 6 p.m.

The winner advances to face the Bobcats for the championship 10 minutes after the completion of the first match.

The winner advances to the Decatur Regional Feb. 18.