After two disappointing losses in Kansas City Dec. 15, Archie Randall’s squad is looking to regain its momentum in Long Island Thursday and Friday.

Randall said the team had a strong practice today, and he anticipates strong performances from his team.

“We have Island Tree in the first round and Islip in the second round. Islip is New York’s number one big school. It will be a very touch match,” he said.

Because the winner will advance in the winners bracket and the loser of the dual will drop to the consolation bracket, Randall said both he and the Islip coach would have preferred to meet in a later round.

Randall will start freshmen Nathan Dewberry and Austin Mogg in the tournament.

“This will be good for both of these guys. It will help them be where we need them to be at the end of the season,” he said.

Randall said senior Brian Shelton had the toughest initial matches ahead of him.

Shelton will take on Island Tree’s best wrestler at 125 pounds and will face Islip’s lead wrestler at 130 pounds, he said.

“We’re really counting on him to perform,” he said.

Randall said he is also relying on senior Kevin Frazier to open his scoring and earn bonus points in the tournament.

“He’s been getting us wins, but we need him to be able to bonus people for us,” he said.

The team will head to Manhattan this afternoon to visit the Statue of Liberty and Times Square. They will also see Yankee Stadium and tour the NBC studios.

Randall said the team would end its visit by going to Rockefeller Center to try to be seen on Saturday’s "Today Show."