At the last three editions of Mat Classic, they wielded their collective might with a sledgehammer. Gigantic winning margins, record scoring totals, and podiums laden with champions and medalists.

They were undisputedly the state's best teams last season.

But one similarity they didn't share, obviously and unfortunately, were the same mats.

While Toppenish rolled in February to a 163-point victory for its third straight Class 1A title, Orting was 179 points clear of the runner-up for its third consecutive 2A crown in the Tacoma Dome.

After the team awards, there were some frisky words exchanged between the two powerhouses and the gist of it was this: See you next year.

Actually, they won't have to wait that long.

With the Wildcats returning to 2A, the collision course is set for Mat Classic XXXVI and it's easily the sport's most anticipated storyline in years.

Eager to renew a rivalry that was as hot as any before the pandemic break, Toppenish is headed to Orting for a doubleheader -- a showdown dual Friday night followed by the Cardinals' 12-team tournament on Saturday.

"It's the best thing about this season, for sure, knowing our competition is going way up," said senior heavyweight Anthony Nava, a three-time state finalist and two-time champion. "It's not like bad blood with Orting but the tension is definitely there. There's respect and I'm chill with those guys, but that match will get crazy."

No backing down

Currently on one of the state's most dominating runs ever in any sport, Toppenish has won five consecutive state titles and seven over the last eight seasons, bridging back to its previous years in 2A. While it was no doubt frustrating for Orting, the rivalry brought out the best in Toppenish, which outdueled the Cardinals for 2A titles in 2020, 2017 and 2016.

Despite being a major part of Toppenish's recent 1A rampage, which produced 27 champions in the last three years, senior Kiyanno Zuniga regards those state battles with Orting as the program's "golden era."

"We've always felt that whatever class we're in or up against, we dominate," he said. "Now it's as it used to be, back in 2A and that's good for us. We've lost a few guys, champions, and maybe we're not as elite but we're still the top dogs. It's on us to continue that."

Indeed, Toppenish did graduate four state champions. But four winners are back and all with more than one title, led by Zuniga's quest to become the program's first four-time winner. Orting is also stacked, returning four champions as well along with seven other medalists.

Coach Pepe Segovia had no hesitation with not only entering Orting's holiday tournament but also proposing a head-to-head dual the night before.

"It's a win-win whatever happens," he said. "If we drop one of those, the dual or the tournament, then we know where we are and what we have to do. We love that challenge. In that dual, with all eyes on us, people want to see that match and it will be the biggest stage we'll be on before state."

Segovia constructed an intense, highly competitive schedule for the holiday break, starting with the Reno Tournament of Champions last weekend and concluding with a California tournament in early January.

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But the trip to Orting will define the rest of the season.

"I know some of their guys from my national teams and it's all respect, but when we're on the mat it's a battle," said junior Justyce Zuniga. "We're so excited. This is a chance for both of us to see how we match up in a dual and a tournament. It'll determine how we change things up, how we focus and prepare for the Dome."

Best vs. best

The Zuniga brothers have more at stake than extending Toppenish's state streak, which is one shy of tying Sedro-Woolley's record of six titles in a row.

If Kiyanno has his way, the path to a four-peat would have to go through an Orting senior, Quentin Harding, seeking the same thing. And it could be exactly the same for Justyce, who could matchup with Orting's other three-timer, Alan Salguero.

Along with older brother Jermiah, the Zunigas are 8-for-8 at Mat Classic. But they certainly aren't looking for the easier route to protect that undefeated run. In fact, they aim to make it as difficult as possible.

"If I have to go up (in weight) to face him, I want to for sure. That's what everyone wants to see," Justyce said of Salguero. "I don't know if he's ever lost to a Washington opponent, I never have. It's a big matchup and I want the challenge for myself. Off the mat, nothing but respect, but on the mat -- just me and him. That's the best of the sport."

For Kiyanno, he always knew closing out the four-peat would be the hardest part. But confidence won't be an issue, even by doubling down on the challenge.

"I'm chasing (Harding) and I'm ready," he insisted. "Up or down in weight, I'll do whatever it takes to have the chance to show I'm the best in the state and that's that. As a senior, I want to seize every moment. This is my last year, my last chance."

The parallel between each team's top talent goes beyond the Zunigas as Toppenish's Steve Romero and Orting's Dominic Thomas, both juniors, won their second state titles last season at 113 pounds in separate classes

With his experience and leadership, Nava is an ideal anchor at heavyweight. He pinned his way to last season's 1A title at 285, giving the Wildcats a record 72nd state champion. And he's got a chip on his shoulder already with Orting, which last month defeated Top-Hi in the first round of the state football playoffs.

"That was a tough one and, for sure, I'd like to turn that around," said Nava, a two-way lineman. "Orting's going to be a battle, and I know my bracket will be a lot tougher. But we're all excited about this season and the move up. We feed off each other's energy and that's how we all rise to another level."