By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

The Thompson Warrior wrestling team is currently under restrictive probation for the 2015-16 school year from the AHSAA for violating rules regarding contest bylaws. Meaning, as of now, the five-time defending state championship wrestling program cannot compete in any contest involving more than two schools, including championship play, until the end of the school year. That ruling can be appealed on Jan. 4, 2016, however, and Thompson officials have given clear indication the school intends to do just that. Despite the reality that, as of now, Thompson cannot even compete in championship play, the Warriors still remain the favorite to win the 7A title once again.

Southeastwrestling.com, a website which catalogs wrestling throughout the state of Alabama, ranked Thompson as the top team in class 7A despite the probation looming over the program.

“Despite the challenges facing Thompson, they have to be considered favorites to once again capture the team title in 2016,” the website reads.

Cody Mealer is the website’s top 126-pound wrestler in the state currently, while Dominic Latona is the top 132-pounder, Jacob Megois is the top 138-pounder, transfer Hank Turner is the top 170-pounder and two-time defending state champion TJ Rayam is the top 285-pounder in the state, per the site.

Oak Mountain is projected to be the team with the best shot of taking Thompson down in 2016, assuming the probation on the Warriors is lifted, which is by no means a guarantee. The Eagles have three wrestlers currently at the top of the rankings in their respective weight classes, which is the second-most of any team in class 7A. Alex Thomas is the top wrestler in the 113-pound class a year after finishing as the runner-up in the 106-pound division.

Hall Morton headlines the very deep and very tough 152-pound class currently, which includes the likes of Thompson’s Riley Pike as well, and Jaried Buxton is currently the headliner of the 195-pound class.