And this weekend Los Gatos and Fremont will be at it again. But this time, they won't be alone.

The Wildcats and Firebirds are among the team title favorites heading into the Central Coast Section mat finals set for Feb. 25­26 at Overfelt High School in East San Jose. But unlike the days of SCVAL competition, it will be more than a two-team race.

"Four teams probably have a shot at it," said Los Gatos coach Scott Downs looking ahead to the race for the team title at CCS. And Gilroy may have the best shot of all, he added.

Still, Fremont and Los Gatos are right there in the running, and the veteran Gatos coach figures that St. Francis could have an outside shot at the crown.

It's individual talent that will drive Fremont toward the top.

"They have four kids, maybe five, who definitely should be in the finals," said Downs of the Firebirds. "And three [Boris Navochkov at 105, Filip Navochkov at 114 and Greg Crane at 154] should win it."

For Los Gatos, Gilroy and St. Francis, it could be more of a numbers game.

At least it will be for the Wildcats. Los Gatos qualified 13 wrestlers for CCS, and Downs figures that they will all have to contribute points if the Cats are to win the title.

"It's going to be because of the wrestle-backs if we do win this," said Downs.

Downs feels that Gatos has a few wrestlers who could make the finals--Jake Schonig at 105, Jordan France at 121, Mike Wysuph at 154 and Eric Chen at 173. He adds that Adam Nudelman at 137 and Nick Gaffney at 217 are other key performers.

Representing Branham at the CCS tournament will be Jace Guibor at 162 pounds, Tom Swale at 173, Kenny Shearer at 191 and Dan Shehan at 217. The Bruins won the dual match championship in the Santa Teresa Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League.

The wrestlers from Pioneer competing in CCS will be Brian Watts at 121, Tuan Nguyen at 132 and Nick Kelsey at 147, and Leland will be represented by Brian Herz at 147.

Kevin Sparrer contributed to this story.