For two weeks, Garret Chapel and his father, Joshua, have passed their nights strategizing how to beat the one guy who has given him problems on the mat this year. After placing fifth at last year’s state tournament, the junior Greenchain grappler has his eyes on the 170-pound title.

“I feel I can win it all,” Chapel said. “My dad and I talk every night about pushing forward and focusing on improving every day.”

A Jan. 22 Class A coaches poll ranks Chapel fourth in the state in his weight class. Just ahead of him, ranked third, is Polson senior Tel Motichka, who was recently accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

During a Jan. 25 home dual, Motichka pinned Chapel with seven seconds remaining in overtime. Earlier in the season at the Western A Duals, Chapel pinned Motichka in the second round. That match came less than 48 hours after Motichka won a 9-4 decision against Chapel in Polson. Clearly, the two are evenly matched.

“I just have to finish my shots,” Chapel said. “I know I can control the match. I just have to have my head right.”

The Chapel-Motichka showdown is only one of numerous potential matches young men and their mentors are dreaming about at night. Come Saturday, through sweat, pain, sacrifice and fatigue, high school grapplers from across the region will compete for a top-four finish in the Northwestern Class A Divisional competition and a trip to the state tournament in Billings on Feb. 14 and 15.

After a blitzkrieg schedule of four duals in 11 days, the Greenchain have not faced an opponent since Jan. 28.

“It’s been a long break,” Coach Kelly Morford said. “We went on a little team bonding trip. We did some hiking, played some cribbage, watched a wrestling movie.”

The Greenchain count two other ranked wrestlers — senior Skyler Higareda (132 pounds) and junior Zach Crace (138 pounds). Senior Josh Bowers (160 pounds) will not wrestle after an off-the-mat issue. A two-time divisional winner, Crace finished sixth at the state tournament his freshman year and third last year.

“Offensively, I need to take more shots and work on hand control,” Crace said with piercing eyes and feet inching back to practice. “My goal is to win state.”

After earning third during last year’s divisional competition, Higareda’s goal is a top-five finish at state.

“I have no idea why I can’t win divisionals,” Higareda said.

Since the schedule was released at the beginning of the season, the Greenchain have talked about the glory that will be there for them to claim Saturday in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. The double-elimination competition begins at 11 a.m. Championship rounds begin at 4 p.m. All session tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for students. Those only interested in the championship rounds can buy late tickets at $5 for adults and $4 for students.