What: Kittatinny Cougars vs. High Point Wildcats.
Where: High Point Regional High School, Wantage Township.
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
TV: Service Electric Cable (Sparta) Channel 10 (tape delay).
Conference: Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (non-division).
State rankings (New Jersey Wrestling Writers): Kittatinny No. 11; High Point No. 9.
Records: Kittatinny 10-0; High Point 6-1.
Coaches: John Gill (496-149-5, 34th season (11-21-1 vs. HP); John Gardner (274-74-2, 16th season (7-8 vs. Kitt).
Series history: High Point leads 25-12-1 dating to 1976. Kittatinny snapped a seven-match skid in the series with a 35-18 win at home last season. High Point posted a 32-21 victory on Jan. 26, 2012, to stretch its win streak to a program-best seven in this rivalry. Kittatinny's previous last win was, 39-18, on Jan. 22, 2005, to cap a program-best seven-match win streak. Neither program has won eight in a row in this series. High Point had won 62 straight conference matches dating to that loss in 2005 and 52 in a row against county foes.
Note: Kittatinny wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- So. Taylor Molfetto (13-8) vs. Fr. Chase Babus (7-11).
113 -- Fr. Kasey Hotz (13-8) vs. Sr. Michael Garrity (4-12).
120 -- So. Nick Klinger (20-3) vs. Jr. Dom Gallo (15-3).
126 -- Sr. Christian Silva (13-8) vs. Fr. Garrett Fenlon (0-8).
132 -- So. Austin Scrivani (17-4) or Jr. Christian Blanton (1-1) vs. Jr. Mike Derin (16-6).
138 -- Sr. Nick West (6-11) vs. Jr. Ryan Cullen (8-6).
145 -- Jr. Trevor Schutte (0-3) or Sr. Matt Zupkay (1-3) or Sr. Brian Reznik (0-1) vs. Jr. Jason Gaccione (16-4) or Sr. Chris Auer (11-8).
152 -- Sr. Nick Romyns (8-3) vs. Gaccione or Auer.
160 -- Sr. Tyler Parkyn (5-9) vs. Sr. Tommy Hooker (12-8).
170 -- Sr. Kieran Gerrity (19-3) vs. Sr. Colby Brands (8-11).
182 -- Sr. Dylan Wunder (16-6) vs. Sr. Antonio Porraspita (13-7).
195 -- Sr. Garrett Armstrong (19-3) or Jr. Peter Block (1-0) vs. Sr. Kyle Stoll (17-5).
220 -- Sr. Andrew Simpson (17-5) vs. Sr. Bobby McDonnell (14-8).
285 -- Sr. Tom Smith (16-5) vs. Sr. Gunny Wassong (7-4).
Breakdown: It's our area's version of the Hatfields vs. McCoys. The backyard brawl for it all and one of the best rivalry matchups in the state. This promises to be a good one. Kittatinny would like to control matchups at 152 and 195, with Romyns vs. Auer and moving Armstrong to 220 in order to face McDonnell, who lost three meetings in their series last season. Romyns and Gaccione split last year in the district and region final, where Gaccione avenged the loss. Cougars may need that matchup depending on where the match starts and the score at the time. Straight up, the visitors will be favored at 106, 126, 152, 170, 182. High Point gets the nod at 120, 132, 138, 145, 160, 195, 220 and 285. I think 113 is a tossup, but leaning toward the visitors. High Point went 3-1 in head-to-head matchups at HWS -- Stoll d. Armstrong, 5-1; McDonnell p. Simpson and Wassong d. Smith, 4-0. Wunder p. Porraspita in the other matchup. The 120-pound bout with Gallo-Klinger would be a good one and it's darn near a tossup. Kittatinny will also try to get Scrivani away from Derin in order to try and split 132 and 138. In my opinion, the flip is big for the visitors in this one. I like the 'Cats' chances for bonus points in a lot of spots. In my mind, Cougars need to get Scrivani at 138 vs. Cullen and Armstrong at 220. Then, either win 120 or have Romyns knock off Gaccione to pull it off. But keep in mind they could be giving up big points elsewhere whenever they try to juggle. Can the 'Cats, who gave up five pins to P'burg, stay off their backs in spots here? With Jared Kobis in there -- he's targeting the following weekend for his return -- I'd feel a lot more confident about making a pick in this one. I could see a 30-30 tie with Kittatinny winning eight bouts just as easy, but something tells me that High Point finds a way to atone for last Saturday's defeat.
Prediction: High Point, 33-27.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Wrestling: Pope John to continue without Murphy
Pope John's wresting team will press on this season without one of its best wrestlers, as junior Tommy Murphy, who transferred from Kittatinny in the offseason, will not wrestle for the Lions.
First-year coach Mark Piotrowsky on Thursday confirmed that Murphy, a two-time Region 1 qualifier, is not a member of the team, though he is still enrolled as a student at Pope John XXIII in Sparta.
"It was a family decision that he wasn't going to wrestle," said Piotrowsky, a former standout at Jefferson. "I don't know all of the details."
Murphy's defection from Kittatinny and his absence from the Pope John lineup has been the source of much discussion in the local wrestling ranks. Murphy would have been eligible to wrestle this week, as the 30-day sit period for all New Jersey transfers who do not have a change of address expired on Thursday.
Wrestling for coach John Gill's Cougars, Murphy compiled a 55-22 record over the last two seasons, winning a District 3 title at 138 pounds a year ago after a runner-up finish at 132 as a freshman. Murphy also finished fourth in Region 1 last season and is a two-time Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex placewinner, finishing second in 2012 and third in '13.
The loss of Murphy hurts a young Pope John team struggling to fill all 14 weight classes. The Lions (1-6) feature several wrestlers in Open Mike's Region 1 rankings, including junior Dominic Koert (fifth at 106), Austin Sisco (first at 113) and Noa Merritt (first at 285).
"We have a good group of wrestlers, but we've had some injuries that have hurt us," Piotrowsky said. "It's going to be a process. We have a good group of freshmen, but they're all near the same weight. This is a building year, but it's tough to win when you forfeit two or three weights."
First-year coach Mark Piotrowsky on Thursday confirmed that Murphy, a two-time Region 1 qualifier, is not a member of the team, though he is still enrolled as a student at Pope John XXIII in Sparta.
"It was a family decision that he wasn't going to wrestle," said Piotrowsky, a former standout at Jefferson. "I don't know all of the details."
Murphy's defection from Kittatinny and his absence from the Pope John lineup has been the source of much discussion in the local wrestling ranks. Murphy would have been eligible to wrestle this week, as the 30-day sit period for all New Jersey transfers who do not have a change of address expired on Thursday.
Wrestling for coach John Gill's Cougars, Murphy compiled a 55-22 record over the last two seasons, winning a District 3 title at 138 pounds a year ago after a runner-up finish at 132 as a freshman. Murphy also finished fourth in Region 1 last season and is a two-time Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex placewinner, finishing second in 2012 and third in '13.
The loss of Murphy hurts a young Pope John team struggling to fill all 14 weight classes. The Lions (1-6) feature several wrestlers in Open Mike's Region 1 rankings, including junior Dominic Koert (fifth at 106), Austin Sisco (first at 113) and Noa Merritt (first at 285).
"We have a good group of wrestlers, but we've had some injuries that have hurt us," Piotrowsky said. "It's going to be a process. We have a good group of freshmen, but they're all near the same weight. This is a building year, but it's tough to win when you forfeit two or three weights."
Wrestling: Gill nearing milestone with rivalry on tap
Rest assured, there will never be another like John Gill. Personality aside, the legendary Kittatinny wrestling coach is the probably the last of a rare breed.
Now in his 34th season, Gill is five wins shy of 500 career wins as the Cougars get set to face Hopatcong on Thursday evening in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division showdown. And 24 hours later, it's the big one around these parts as Kittatinny travels to Wantage for its annual rivalry match against High Point.
Wins over the Chiefs and Wildcats would set up a run at 500 on Saturday -- as Kittatinny faces Westfield and West Morris before capping a quad against host Delaware Valley. The Cougars, now in their 39th season, got their 500th win as a program a year ago.
"It would be great [to get 500 on Saturday]," said Gill, who is 495-149-5 overall, with 18 sectional and eight group championships. "Del Val-Kittatinny have had some great matches over a 20-year span, and going back to [former Terriers coach] Vince Fitz. They are very hospitable and good people at Del Val."
But first thing's first, and for Gill that means getting a second straight win over High Point. The Cougars snapped a seven-match skid in the rivalry with last season's 35-18 win at home. The 'Cats hold a 25-12-1 edge in the all-time series dating to 1976.
It goes beyond a pride thing for Gill, who lives in the High Point school district with his wife, Diane. Their four daughters all graduated from High Point and participated on various Wildcat athletic teams over the years.
"The [High Point] fans rub it in [after a loss] when I see them around town," said Gill, who is 11-21-1 all-time in the rivalry. "They say, 'Hey, Gill ... maybe next year,' and things like that. It's all good natured. Luckily, we got them last year. Beating them makes my life easier."
Make no mistake, Gill loves nothing more than to beat High Point -- or any other opponent for that matter.
"I'm a competitor," he said. "I'm actually a little jealous of our kids. When I went through high school [in the Scranton, Pa., area], we never had a match like this. These are memories the kids will always have."
Kittatinny enters this season's showdown a bit of an underdog, at least on paper. The Cougars (9-0) are currently ranked No. 11 in the state and High Point No. 9, according to the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20. Still, most wrestling prognosticators view this one being a tightly-contested affair. High Point will likely be without 126-pounder Jared Kobis (broken hand), but should have junior 120-pounder Dom Gallo back in the lineup after missing last Saturday's 52-13 loss to Phillipsburg.
"They always seem to have their best lineup against us," said Gill, who got his 400th win against West Milford on Dec. 27, 2008. "We'll see. I like our chances. We've got a good shot."
High Point (5-1) is coming off one of its worst losses at home in recent memory. Still, coach John Gardner says his 'Cats will be ready to go, regardless of whether or not they're at full strength.
"The wheels came off [against P'burg] and we couldn't get it back," said Gardner, who is 7-8 all-time vs. the Cougars. "I didn't think that would happen, but it did. I don't think we're dead and out of it."
If Kittatinny stumbles on Friday or Saturday, that would likely give more meaning to Monday's home match against Jefferson. In addition to deciding the winner of this season's NJAC Freedom Division title, it would give Gill the opportunity to get his 500th win in his home gym.
"[Either way], I want the focus to be back on the kids," said Gill, who never wants the attention on his personal accolades, and pays little attention to overall records unless reminded of them. "[Getting 500 wins] is big for me. It's difficult [coaching for 34 seasons] with the stresses and family issues. A lot of coaches don't live where they coach. These are things I couldn't have done without my health and the great support I get at home from my wife and kids. I'm not smarter than anybody else. Someday I can look back at the big picture and say I am lucky. But it's not the end all and be all."
Now in his 34th season, Gill is five wins shy of 500 career wins as the Cougars get set to face Hopatcong on Thursday evening in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division showdown. And 24 hours later, it's the big one around these parts as Kittatinny travels to Wantage for its annual rivalry match against High Point.
Wins over the Chiefs and Wildcats would set up a run at 500 on Saturday -- as Kittatinny faces Westfield and West Morris before capping a quad against host Delaware Valley. The Cougars, now in their 39th season, got their 500th win as a program a year ago.
"It would be great [to get 500 on Saturday]," said Gill, who is 495-149-5 overall, with 18 sectional and eight group championships. "Del Val-Kittatinny have had some great matches over a 20-year span, and going back to [former Terriers coach] Vince Fitz. They are very hospitable and good people at Del Val."
But first thing's first, and for Gill that means getting a second straight win over High Point. The Cougars snapped a seven-match skid in the rivalry with last season's 35-18 win at home. The 'Cats hold a 25-12-1 edge in the all-time series dating to 1976.
It goes beyond a pride thing for Gill, who lives in the High Point school district with his wife, Diane. Their four daughters all graduated from High Point and participated on various Wildcat athletic teams over the years.
"The [High Point] fans rub it in [after a loss] when I see them around town," said Gill, who is 11-21-1 all-time in the rivalry. "They say, 'Hey, Gill ... maybe next year,' and things like that. It's all good natured. Luckily, we got them last year. Beating them makes my life easier."
Make no mistake, Gill loves nothing more than to beat High Point -- or any other opponent for that matter.
"I'm a competitor," he said. "I'm actually a little jealous of our kids. When I went through high school [in the Scranton, Pa., area], we never had a match like this. These are memories the kids will always have."
Kittatinny enters this season's showdown a bit of an underdog, at least on paper. The Cougars (9-0) are currently ranked No. 11 in the state and High Point No. 9, according to the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20. Still, most wrestling prognosticators view this one being a tightly-contested affair. High Point will likely be without 126-pounder Jared Kobis (broken hand), but should have junior 120-pounder Dom Gallo back in the lineup after missing last Saturday's 52-13 loss to Phillipsburg.
"They always seem to have their best lineup against us," said Gill, who got his 400th win against West Milford on Dec. 27, 2008. "We'll see. I like our chances. We've got a good shot."
High Point (5-1) is coming off one of its worst losses at home in recent memory. Still, coach John Gardner says his 'Cats will be ready to go, regardless of whether or not they're at full strength.
"The wheels came off [against P'burg] and we couldn't get it back," said Gardner, who is 7-8 all-time vs. the Cougars. "I didn't think that would happen, but it did. I don't think we're dead and out of it."
If Kittatinny stumbles on Friday or Saturday, that would likely give more meaning to Monday's home match against Jefferson. In addition to deciding the winner of this season's NJAC Freedom Division title, it would give Gill the opportunity to get his 500th win in his home gym.
"[Either way], I want the focus to be back on the kids," said Gill, who never wants the attention on his personal accolades, and pays little attention to overall records unless reminded of them. "[Getting 500 wins] is big for me. It's difficult [coaching for 34 seasons] with the stresses and family issues. A lot of coaches don't live where they coach. These are things I couldn't have done without my health and the great support I get at home from my wife and kids. I'm not smarter than anybody else. Someday I can look back at the big picture and say I am lucky. But it's not the end all and be all."
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Wrestling: Region 1 individual rankings
106 pounds
1. So. Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg
2. So. Garrett O’Shea, Morris Knolls
3. So. Troy Stanich, Roxbury
4. Jr. Mojahed Hamdeh, Wayne Hills
5. Jr. Dominic Koert, Pope John
Notes: No changes here. Stanich decked West Morris freshman Shane Metzler (14-4) last week and recorded 10 falls among his first 15 victories. Stanich's only loss is by technical fall to Delbarton state title contender Ty Agaisse, who beat Paetzell, 1-0, last season at The Pit. Pequannock freshman Steve Pocze (13-1) looking to break in here. Hopatcong's Joe Aumann (14-2) has a loss to Hamdeh and has split with Koert, so he deserves a mention. Also keep an eye on Sparta sophomore Garrett Gerndt (12-3), along with Mount Olive freshman Shane Murphy (14-2) and Wayne Valley's Brandon Davis (13-4).
113 pounds
1. Sr. Austin Sisco, Pope John
2. Fr. Matt Valli, Warren Hills
3. Jr. Kyle Flynn, Pompton Lakes
4. Fr. Richard Reimers, Roxbury
5. Jr. Trevor Morales, Newton
3. Jr. Kyle Flynn, Pompton Lakes
4. Fr. Richard Reimers, Roxbury
5. Jr. Trevor Morales, Newton
Notes: Shaking things up here as Morales dropped a 7-2 decision to unranked Roxbury freshman Richard Reimers last Saturday. Morales looked good at Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex with a 6-2 win over Delaware Valley's Matt Kolonia before a 4-2 loss to Sisco in the semifinals. Reimers' 7-6 loss to West Morris' Kade Loughney had been keeping him out here. But the win over Morales puts Reimers in for now. Valli has beaten Loughney twice, 11-0 and by technical fall this past Saturday. Morris Knolls freshman Daniel Percelay (14-3) has mostly been at 106, but will likely be here for the postseason. He's out for now.
120 pounds
1. Jr. A.J. Vindici, Randolph
2. Jr. William Kui, DePaul
3. Jr. Dom Gallo, High Point
4. So. Nick Klinger, Kittatinny
5. So. Joe Renne, Hackettstown
Notes: Vindici (16-0) holding steady at the top with early-season wins over Klinger and Renne. Gallo missed Saturday's match against Phillipsburg with an undisclosed injury. His return will be big for the Wildcats this Friday, when they take on the Kittatinny Cougars. A Gallo-Klinger matchup could play a major role in determining the outcome of that one. Renne picked up a couple of nice wins over former District 1 medal winners last week -- 8-2 over West Morris' John Schade and 14-4 over Warren Hills' John Fluck. Another to watch is Jefferson freshman Mark Bohn (16-5).
126 pounds
1. Sr. Bryan Damon, Jefferson
2. Jr. Matt Noble, DePaul
3. Sr. Tyler Hrycak, Wayne Valley
3. Sr. Tyler Hrycak, Wayne Valley
4. Jr. Dylan Luciano, West Morris
5. Sr. Matt Ritchie, North Warren
Notes: Lots of talk about whether Damon (18-2) drops to 120 at some point. Hasn't happened yet, in fact, all but one of his bouts have been at 126, as he bumped up to 132 for a bout on Saturday. Damon, a state semifinalist last season, also took his second loss that day -- getting decked by Hackensack's Taylor Shea. Noble (19-2) holding tight at No. 2 with the head-to-head win over Hrycak (17-1). High Point sophomore Jared Kobis is still out with a broken hand and will re-enter here upon his return. You can bet that Kittatinny coach John Gill is convinced that will be for Friday's big showdown in Wantage, though it seems unlikely. Ritchie was decked by West Morris' Dylan Luciano in a dual on Saturday. Luciano (14-3), who has a double loss to North Hunterdon's Ryan Pomrinca, enters at No. 4.
132 pounds
1. Jr. Mike Derin, High Point
2. Sr. Devon LaFranco, Roxbury
3. So. Austin Scrivani, Kittatinny
4. Jr. Ian Burke, Sparta
4. Jr. Ian Burke, Sparta
5. Jr. Steve Friedman, Phillipsburg
Notes: Derin knocked off Friedman, 7-4, on Saturday in High Point's 52-13 loss to Phillipsburg. Scrivani is wrestling extremely well right now, majoring Wallkill Valley's Steve Siek, who was fourth in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament, 14-4, last Tuesday. Looking forward to a potential Derin-Scrivani matchup on Friday. Burke is still up at 138 for the most part, so we will see where he goes in a few weeks. Entering the week, he had pinned 14 of his last 16 opponents.
138 pounds
1. Jr. Max Nauta, Warren Hills
2. Jr. Corey Zinsmeister, Phillipsburg
3. Jr. Anthony Fano, Montville
4. Jr. David Migliaccio, West Morris
5. Jr. Eric Friedman, Mendham
2. Jr. Corey Zinsmeister, Phillipsburg
3. Jr. Anthony Fano, Montville
4. Jr. David Migliaccio, West Morris
5. Jr. Eric Friedman, Mendham
Notes: Nauta maintains the top spot, despite getting pinned for the first time in his high school career by Delaware Valley's Codey Leh on Friday. Nauta rebounded with a 2-0 win over West Morris' David Migliaccio on Saturday. Migliaccio, fourth in the region at 126 last season, moves in at the No.4 spot after recently dropping from 145, where he was ranked fifth last week. Along with Friedman, that makes a total of four wrestlers from District 1 here. Freshman Brandon Kui of DePaul, who was No. 5 last week, is out for now. Fano (14-1) got his first loss on Saturday -- 7-3 to Delbarton's Travis Vasquez. Roxbury's Jake Legotte (13-5), who has two losses to Kui, is still on the outside looking in. Lenape Valley junior Glenn Haines, who has been out with a shoulder injury, returned for one bout last week against Newton. We'll check on his status moving forward.
145 pounds
1. Jr. David McFadden, DePaul
2. Jr. Jimmy Schuitema, Phillipsburg
3. Jr. Jason Gaccione, High Point
2. Jr. Jimmy Schuitema, Phillipsburg
3. Jr. Jason Gaccione, High Point
4. So. Craig Roumes, Roxbury
5. Jr. David Zeppetelli, West Milford
5. Jr. David Zeppetelli, West Milford
Notes: McFadden locked in at No. 1, but we had a flip-flop of 2 and 3, as Schuitema scored a 5-3 victory over Gaccione on Saturday in a battle of Region 1 champions. Schuitema converted a takedown in the final seconds to win. Roumes, who has lost twice to McFadden, moves up one spot with Migliaccio dropping to 138. Enter Zeppetelli, a region quarterfinalist at 126 last season, at No. 5. We're expecting Pope John's Tommy Murphy to compete this week after sitting his required 30 days due to transfer rules. He'd be in line to enter the rankings next week.
152 pounds
1. Jr. Max Elling, Phillipsburg
2. Sr. Nick Romyns, Kittatinny
3. Jr. Luke Bohn, Jefferson
4. Sr. Chris Auer, High Point
5. Sr. Ron Spera, Mount Olive
3. Jr. Luke Bohn, Jefferson
4. Sr. Chris Auer, High Point
5. Sr. Ron Spera, Mount Olive
Notes: Elling bumped to 160 and rallied to pin High Point's Tommy Hooker in a wild bout on Saturday. Elling trailed, 6-5, when he hit a chin whip for the fall in 5:37. Bohn went up to 160 on Saturday and dropped a 5-2 decision to Morris Knolls' Dean Drugac. That won't hurt Bohn here. Spera came up short in a 3-1 loss to JFK-Iselin's Carl Buttitta on Saturday. Auer, who was No. 3 last week, dropped to 145 against P'burg and lost a 13-7 decision to Stateliners backup Garrett Wolfinger. With the return of Romyns, Auer drops a spot. Romyns, a finalist at 145 last season who had been out with a knee injury, enters at No. 2 despite an earlier UTB loss to Morris Knolls' Luke Drugac, who has losses to Auer and Spera. DePaul sophomore Spencer Carey (18-4) is on the cusp here as well.
160 pounds
1. Sr. Broderick Bupivi, Phillipsburg
2. Sr. Steven Acevedo, Morris Hills
3. Sr. Tommy Hooker, High Point
3. Sr. Tommy Hooker, High Point
4. So. Dean Drugac, Morris Knolls
5. Sr. Nick Carey, DePaul
Notes: Bupivi and Hooker did not meet on Saturday, as the Stateliner weighed in at 170. Kilroy, who was No. 3, dropped a 6-4 decision in sudden-victory overtime to DePaul's Nick Carey, who was unranked. Kilroy had pinned Carey on Jan. 4. Kilroy, who also has a 2-1 loss to Acevedo, is out for now. Acevedo bumped to 170 on Saturday and decked Sparta's Al Falco, a region qualifier last season. Drugac scored a nice win over Jefferson state qualifier Luke Bohn, No. 3 at 152, on Saturday.
5. Sr. Nick Carey, DePaul
Notes: Bupivi and Hooker did not meet on Saturday, as the Stateliner weighed in at 170. Kilroy, who was No. 3, dropped a 6-4 decision in sudden-victory overtime to DePaul's Nick Carey, who was unranked. Kilroy had pinned Carey on Jan. 4. Kilroy, who also has a 2-1 loss to Acevedo, is out for now. Acevedo bumped to 170 on Saturday and decked Sparta's Al Falco, a region qualifier last season. Drugac scored a nice win over Jefferson state qualifier Luke Bohn, No. 3 at 152, on Saturday.
170 pounds
1. Sr. Dillon Artigliere, Roxbury
2. Sr. Jake Kocsis, Phillipsburg
3. Sr. Kieran Gerrity, Kittatinny
3. Sr. Kieran Gerrity, Kittatinny
4. Jr. Kevin Merle, Belvidere
5. Sr. Zach D’Apolito, Wayne Valley
Notes: It's lonely at the top, where last season's 160-pound state champ resides. Have a feeling that Kocsis is going to make some noise this postseason. Rematch with Gerrity is looming next week, as they'll battle for the No. 2 spot. Round 1 went to Kocsis, 5-3, in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex finals. Three of Merle's five losses are to Gerrity. Both Merle and D'Apolito have split with Sparta's Al Falco. D'Apolito majored Falco, 15-3, on Dec. 21 and lost the rematch, 5-4, on Saturday. Better body of work leaves Falco (9-9) out for now, but he's in the conversation. Pequannock junior Brett Lobdell (12-3) also is in this mix.
182 pounds
1. Sr. Sam Button, Mendham
2. Jr. Nick DePalma, DePaul
3. Jr. D.J. Barrett, Lenape Valley
4. Sr. Dylan Wunder, Kittatinny
5. Sr. Jose Delgado, Morris Hills
Notes: Not a whole lot happening here. Button (17-1) firmly entrenched at the top spot. DePalma recorded five wins last week, including four pins. Delgado (12-1), whose only loss is a 7-1 decision to Roselle Park's Phil Woods on Jan. 11. Another wrestler to watch here is Warren Hills senior Steve Cleaver (12-1), who decked Delaware Valley's Luke Zehnbauer on Friday. Cleaver did not compete at Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex so he didn't get to face Barrett or Wunder. Pequannock's Patrick Daly (11-3) is on the bubble.
195 pounds
1. Sr. Kyle Stoll, High Point
2. Sr. Anthony Landberg, Wayne Valley
3. Sr. Garrett Armstrong, Kittatinny
4. Jr. Gus Protogeropoulos, Newton
5. Jr. Joe Maso, Phillipsburg
5. Jr. Joe Maso, Phillipsburg
Notes: Stoll and Armstrong on a collision course for Friday, provided Kittatinny plays it straight up in the upper weights. Stoll earned a 5-1 win when they met in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex finals on Jan. 11. Armstrong racked up four first-period pins last week. Maso enters this week after an impressive 3-2 win over High Point's Bobby McDonnell up at 220. Maso also hung with Stoll in a 3-2 loss at the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament. Also keep an eye on Mendham's Aaron Flitcroft, Morris Knolls' Luke Nappi, Jefferson's Tyler Zimmerman and Sparta's Gavin Lally, who lost 12-6 to Landberg on Saturday, and 3-2 to Maso at HWS.
220 pounds
1. Sr. Bobby McDonnell, High Point
2. Sr. Justin Walker, Wayne Valley
3. Sr. Jesse Windt, West Morris
4. So. Scott Lavelle, DePaul
5. Sr. Andrew Simpson, Kittatinny
Notes: McDonnell is having a tough time with 195-pounders this season, dropping a 3-2 decision to Phillipsburg's Joe Maso on Saturday. This after a 4-3 loss to Newton's Gus Protogeropoulos in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex finals. Until one or both commits to 220, McDonnell maintains the top spot. Walker (16-1) dropped a 6-3 decision to Bergen Catholic's Christian Jenco last Wednesday for his first loss. Lavelle had five pins last week, while Windt decked Warren Hills' Ryan Witner, a District 1 runner-up, on Saturday. Simpson could meet McDonnell on Friday, looking to avenge a loss by fall at HWS.
285 pounds
1. Sr. Noa Merritt, Pope John
2. Jr. Andrew Pacheco, Warren Hills
2. Jr. Andrew Pacheco, Warren Hills
3. Sr. Gunny Wassong, High Point
4. Sr. Austin Behrens, Wayne Valley
4. Sr. Austin Behrens, Wayne Valley
5. Jr. Will O'Connell, North Warren
Notes: Merritt (14-0), the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex champion, is still unbeaten. Pacheco avenged an earlier loss to Delaware Valley's Marek Tomanek with a 3-2 win on Friday. They went 1-2-3 in the tri-county tournament. O'Connell decked Kittatinny's Tom Smith last week, for the second time this season, so he moves in at No. 5. Pacheco pinned O'Connell in under a minute on Saturday. Wassong was idle on Saturday night against P'burg. He could tangle with Smith, who was ranked at No. 5 last week, on Friday. Wassong posted a 4-0 win in their meeting at HWS.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Wrestling: Del Val at North Hunterdon preview, lineups
What: Delaware Valley Terriers vs. North Hunterdon Lions.
Where: North Hunterdon Regional High School, Clinton Township.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Skyland Raritan Division.
Records: Delaware Valley 12-2 overall, 3-0 division; North Hunterdon 7-2, 2-1.
Coaches: Andy Fitz (113-38, seventh season); Tim Flynn (65-27, fifth season).
State rankings (New Jersey Wrestling Writers): Delaware Valley No. 17; North Hunterdon No. 19.
Series history: Tied at 23-23 dating to 1963. North Hunterdon has won two straight -- 32-30 in 2012 and 33-22 in the mast meeting on Jan. 18, 2013. Del Val won two in a row in 2010 and '11 -- its last victory was a 41-19 triumph on Jan. 5, 2011 -- to end North's two match streak.
Note: Delaware Valley wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- So. Kyle Refalvy (7-8) or So. Vito Intili (3-4) vs. Jr. Paul Robinson (13-5).
113 -- Fr. Matt Kolonia (13-5) vs. Jr. Luke Approvato (9-9).
120 -- Sr. Tyler Smith (7-8) vs. Jr. Mike Bednar (5-10).
126 -- Jr. Ryan Erwin (13-4) or Fr. Rhys Zigich (7-8) vs. Jr. Ryan Pomrinca (19-0) or Sr. Eric Martin (14-6).
132 -- Zigich or Erwin vs. Martin or Pomrinca.
138 -- Sr. Alex Nugent (7-10) or Sr. Codey Leh (7-8) vs. So. Derek Ciavarro (14-6).
145 -- Leh or Nugent vs. So. Brian Smolinsky (13-7).
152 -- Jr. Cory Lightner (13-5) or Fr. Chase Bauberger (4-0) vs. Sr. Mike Ciavarro (16-3).
160 -- Sr. Luke Zehnbauer (7-4) or So. Kyle Schlittler (15-3) vs. Jr. Mike Sicola (15-6).
170 -- Sr. Nour Mays (13-4) vs. Sr. Joe Guzzo (17-3).
182 -- Sr. Kody Eichlin (12-0) vs. So. Tyler Gapas (4-10).
195 -- Sr. Vincent Kwiatek (5-3) vs. Sr. Kyle Stevens (10-7).
220 -- Sr. Brian Baehr (11-5) vs. Sr. Tim Bartlett (8-7) or Sr. Brandon Leonidas (6-9).
285 -- Sr. Marek Tomanek (16-2) vs. Leonidas or Bartlett.
Breakdown: Seems like most of these Hunterdon County matchups are too close to call and this is no exception. This match will boil down a couple of things -- the toss, bonus points and health. Voorhees is a common opponent for both -- Delaware Valley rolled to a 43-12 win over the Vikings on Jan. 10, while North escaped with a 24-22 win last Wednesday in Lebanon Township. Those scores mean little for this one as the matchups dictate a close battle. Terriers will likely weigh-in down as they did against Warren Hills last Friday -- Erwin at 126 being a key, as North would like to get matchup with Pomrinca. Obviously, the visitors are looking to avoid that matchup. Straight up, North is favored at 106, 126, 138, 145, 152 and 170. Del Val gets the nod at 182, 220 and 285. Tosses at 113, 120, 132, 160 and 195. Approvato beat Kolonia, 7-6, on Dec. 27, but I'd favor Del Val in the rematch. Erwin-Martin at either 126 or 132 is a pivotal bout should it happen, along with Sicola-Zehnbauer at 160. Guzzo narrowly beat Mays, 2-1, at Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex, while Sicola beat Schlittler, 4-2, at the John Goles. Del Val will have to do some juggling to pull this one off and will need plenty of bonus points where heavily favored up top. If the Terriers can do that and win three of the five tosses, they'll win. Lions need the matchups and to stay off their backs in some spots. I think the hosts get just enough to pull off the mild upset, but man this looks tight.
Prediction: North Hunterdon, 30-27.
Where: North Hunterdon Regional High School, Clinton Township.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Skyland Raritan Division.
Records: Delaware Valley 12-2 overall, 3-0 division; North Hunterdon 7-2, 2-1.
Coaches: Andy Fitz (113-38, seventh season); Tim Flynn (65-27, fifth season).
State rankings (New Jersey Wrestling Writers): Delaware Valley No. 17; North Hunterdon No. 19.
Series history: Tied at 23-23 dating to 1963. North Hunterdon has won two straight -- 32-30 in 2012 and 33-22 in the mast meeting on Jan. 18, 2013. Del Val won two in a row in 2010 and '11 -- its last victory was a 41-19 triumph on Jan. 5, 2011 -- to end North's two match streak.
Note: Delaware Valley wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- So. Kyle Refalvy (7-8) or So. Vito Intili (3-4) vs. Jr. Paul Robinson (13-5).
113 -- Fr. Matt Kolonia (13-5) vs. Jr. Luke Approvato (9-9).
120 -- Sr. Tyler Smith (7-8) vs. Jr. Mike Bednar (5-10).
126 -- Jr. Ryan Erwin (13-4) or Fr. Rhys Zigich (7-8) vs. Jr. Ryan Pomrinca (19-0) or Sr. Eric Martin (14-6).
132 -- Zigich or Erwin vs. Martin or Pomrinca.
138 -- Sr. Alex Nugent (7-10) or Sr. Codey Leh (7-8) vs. So. Derek Ciavarro (14-6).
145 -- Leh or Nugent vs. So. Brian Smolinsky (13-7).
152 -- Jr. Cory Lightner (13-5) or Fr. Chase Bauberger (4-0) vs. Sr. Mike Ciavarro (16-3).
160 -- Sr. Luke Zehnbauer (7-4) or So. Kyle Schlittler (15-3) vs. Jr. Mike Sicola (15-6).
170 -- Sr. Nour Mays (13-4) vs. Sr. Joe Guzzo (17-3).
182 -- Sr. Kody Eichlin (12-0) vs. So. Tyler Gapas (4-10).
195 -- Sr. Vincent Kwiatek (5-3) vs. Sr. Kyle Stevens (10-7).
220 -- Sr. Brian Baehr (11-5) vs. Sr. Tim Bartlett (8-7) or Sr. Brandon Leonidas (6-9).
285 -- Sr. Marek Tomanek (16-2) vs. Leonidas or Bartlett.
Breakdown: Seems like most of these Hunterdon County matchups are too close to call and this is no exception. This match will boil down a couple of things -- the toss, bonus points and health. Voorhees is a common opponent for both -- Delaware Valley rolled to a 43-12 win over the Vikings on Jan. 10, while North escaped with a 24-22 win last Wednesday in Lebanon Township. Those scores mean little for this one as the matchups dictate a close battle. Terriers will likely weigh-in down as they did against Warren Hills last Friday -- Erwin at 126 being a key, as North would like to get matchup with Pomrinca. Obviously, the visitors are looking to avoid that matchup. Straight up, North is favored at 106, 126, 138, 145, 152 and 170. Del Val gets the nod at 182, 220 and 285. Tosses at 113, 120, 132, 160 and 195. Approvato beat Kolonia, 7-6, on Dec. 27, but I'd favor Del Val in the rematch. Erwin-Martin at either 126 or 132 is a pivotal bout should it happen, along with Sicola-Zehnbauer at 160. Guzzo narrowly beat Mays, 2-1, at Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex, while Sicola beat Schlittler, 4-2, at the John Goles. Del Val will have to do some juggling to pull this one off and will need plenty of bonus points where heavily favored up top. If the Terriers can do that and win three of the five tosses, they'll win. Lions need the matchups and to stay off their backs in some spots. I think the hosts get just enough to pull off the mild upset, but man this looks tight.
Prediction: North Hunterdon, 30-27.
Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings
The Saturday evening match may be all but extinct in our area, but it was great to see Phillipsburg and High Point battle it out this past weekend -- even if it was a one-sided night affair. The Stateliners' 52-13 win was contested before a packed house in Wantage as the gym was filled with electricity to see two of New Jersey's top-ranked teams go at it.
You will likely hear a lot of reasons why these weekend night matches are no longer taking place -- namely the presence of pesky tri-meets and quads during the day. Another factor is that some schools do not want to pay custodial workers their required overtime pay on the weekends. This to me is absolute hogwash, when you consider the ridiculous amount of money spent on travel for football. How is that even a valid excuse?
Kittatinny travels to Delaware Valley on Saturday in a match between the Nos. 11 and 17 teams, according to the latest New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20. Problem is, it will take place in the early afternoon when it's tough for fans to come out and pack Hutchins Gym. Terriers coach Andy Fitz confirmed that his school says no to Saturday night matches, which is a sin at an institution rich in its wrestling history.
Three years ago, Kittatinny scored a 33-30 win over Del Val in one of the season's most exciting dual meets. What a shame that only 50 or so fans were in the stands for that afternoon tri-meet.
Wrestling is hurting from an attendance standpoint. Very few duals pack them in like years ago. Time for school administrators and some coaches to wake up and help make it more convenient for fans to attend matches. And don't even get me started on these 6 p.m. or earlier starts on weekdays. That's basically saying you don't care if fans -- visiting or home -- are sitting in the stands.
Now onto this week's rankings:
1. Phillipsburg (6-0) -- Stateliners cemented their top billing with a 52-13 waxing of No. 2 High Point on Saturday. Tyler Agans (113), DJ Wissing (120), Tylor Petchonka (126), Max Elling (160) and Broderick Bupivi (170) all had pins. P'burg junior Jimmy Schuitema recorded his 76th career win with a big 5-3 decision over Jason Gaccione in a battle of Region 1 champs. Coach Dave Post's squad, which also rolled to a 41-18 win over No. 6 Hunterdon Central last Thursday, is in for a big week with rivalry matches against Warren Hills and Easton (Pa.). 'Liners leads the series with the Blue Streaks 52-14, but are just 14-62 against the Red Rovers.
Up next: at Warren Hills on Wednesday; at Easton (Pa.) on Thursday; Howell at home on Saturday.
2. High Point (5-1) -- Wildcats were humbled in their house with a 52-13 loss to No. 1 Phillipsburg last Saturday, and are just 1-16 in the series dating to 1989. Coach John Gardner's team opened the week with lopsided wins over Nutley (57-15), Morris Knolls (47-16) and Vernon (54-18) -- the latter two raising the 'Cats' record to 3-0 in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference American Division standings. The big question is whether Dom Gallo (120) and Jared Kobis (126) will be back in the lineup for Friday's showdown with archrival Kittatinny. Senior Kyle Stoll (195) and junior Jason Gaccione (145) lead the team with 84 and 82 career wins, respectively.
Up next: at Montville on Tuesday; Sparta at home on Thursday; Kittatinny at home on Friday; Bergen Catholic and Bound Brook at home on Saturday.
3. Kittatinny (9-0) -- Cougars rolled to five wins this past week -- Wallkill Valley (58-18), North Warren (52-24), Old Tappan (55-15), Watchung Hills (48-24) and North Bergen (36-27). Coach John Gill's squad was bolstered by the return of senior 152-pounder Nick Romyns (7-3), a two-time District 3 champion, who enters the week with 89 career wins. Unfortunately, junior 145-pounder Brandon Olsen sustained a knee injury and is on the shelf. Gill is closing in on 500 coaching victories, as he enters a six-match week at 495-149-5 in 34 seasons. Big week on tap with rival High Point on Friday -- Cougars are 12-25-1 in the series -- and No. 4 Delaware Valley on Saturday.
Up next: Jefferson at home on Tuesday; at Hopatcong on Thursday; at High Point on Friday; West Morris and Westfield at Delaware Valley quad on Saturday.
4. Delaware Valley (12-2) -- Terriers scored a 33-21 victory over No. 8 Warren Hills to highlight a 6-0 week, as coach Andy Fitz's squad also defeated Bridewater-Raritan (38-20), Lawrence (48-21), Perth Amboy (64-3), Lacey (57-8) and Somerville (42-17). Senior Codey Leh made news by decking Warren Hills junior Max Nauta, a Region 1 champion, in their 138-pound bout. Senior 182-pounder Kody Eichlin reached the 75-win mark and is 12-0 on the season. Big one coming up Wednesday at No. 5 North Hunterdon in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division tilt that figures to be a close one.
Up next: at North Hunterdon on Wednesday; Montgomery at home on Friday; Kittatinny, West Morris and Westfield at home on Saturday.
5. North Hunterdon (7-2) -- Lions squeaked past No. 7 Voorhees -- 24-22 last Wednesday -- before closing the week with wins over Steinert (63-18) and Lawrence (64-8) on Saturday. Coach Tim Flynn's squad got big wins from its upper weights to beat the Vikings, as Kyle Stevens (195), Tim Bartlett (220) and Brandon Leonidas (285) all earned decisions. Junior Ryan Pomrinca (19-0) is five wins shy of 100 for his career, as he enters the week at 95-10 overall. Wednesday's showdown with No. 4 Delaware Valley will break the tie in the series, which stands at 23-23.
Up next: Delaware Valley at home on Wednesday; Franklin and Hillsborough at Watchung Hills quad on Saturday.
6. Hunterdon Central (6-3) -- Red Devils opened last week with a 34-26 win over Watchung Hills on Wednesday before a 41-18 loss to No. 1 Phillipsburg on Thursday at the Field House. Senior 145-pounder Collin Boylan (18-2) avenged a previous loss with a 2-1 win over the Stateliners' Jimmy Schuitema, who scored a 1-0 decision in their Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex final four days earlier. Coach Steve Gibble's squad closed the week with a 36-27 win over Ocean Township and a 38-24 loss to Southern on Saturday. Senior Gary Dinmore (17-0 at 152) earned an impressive 5-0 win over Ocean Township's Zac Hertling in a battle of state placewinners.
Up next: at Bridgewater-Raritan on Wednesday; at Jack Welch Duals on Friday and Saturday.
7. Voorhees (11-3) -- Vikings rebounded from a tough 24-22 loss to No. 5 North Hunterdon with wins over Montgomery (54-9) on Friday and Morristown (54-6), Ridge (46-13) and Franklin (52-15) in a quad on Saturday. Sophomore Harley Sacks (106), Mike Muscatello (138), Christian Okulicz (145) and Jordan Juliano (170) all had big wins in the loss to North. Sacks beat Paul Robinson, a District 17 champ, 4-1, while Okulicz took out Brian Smolinsky, a Region 5 qualifier, 5-4.
Up next: at St. Benedict's Prep on Tuesday; Somerville at home on Wednesday; Hackettstown and Lenape Valley at Belvidere on Saturday.
8. Warren Hills (6-4) -- Blue Streaks opened last week with a 42-24 win at Montgomery before dropping a 33-21 decision to Delaware Valley at home on Friday. The Warren County school has lost five in a row to the Terriers and 13 of the last 14 meetings dating to 1999, and is 18-27 overall in the series, which began in 1963 when the Streaks were Washington High. Junior Max Nauta (14-3) was pinned for the first time in his high school career while leading Codey Leh, while senior Steve Cleaver (12-1) decked Del Val's Luke Zehnbauer with a cement job while trailing in their 182-pound bout. Coach Jarrett Hosbach's team rebounded with wins over Hackettstown (61-10) -- Streaks hold a 48-9 edge in the series with Tigers dating to 1957 -- West Morris (45-24) and North Warren (52-24) on Saturday.
Up next: Phillipsburg at home on Wednesday; Roselle Park and Paramus at Ramsey quad on Saturday.
9. Sparta (6-4) -- Spartans started last week with a 57-18 pasting of Vernon on Tuesday and a 33-32 win over Morris Hills on Wednesday in a pair of NJAC American Division matches before closing with a 42-21 loss to Wayne Valley in an independent clash on Saturday. Coach Frank Battaglia's team won 11 bouts against Vernon, as junior Ian Burke (18-2) recorded one of the team's six pins in the victory at 138. Sophomore Al Falco, a Region 1 qualifier, scored a nice 5-4 win over Wayne Valley's Zach D'Apolito at 170.
Up next: at Pope John on Tuesday; at High Point on Thursday; Wallkill Valley and Hopatcong at Dover quad on Saturday.
10. Lenape Valley (4-4) -- Patriots rolled to four straight wins last week, starting with a 54-23 victory over North Warren on Tuesday, followed by a 42-25 thumping of Newton on Wednesday, sparked by the return of junior Glenn Haines (3-0) who scored a 5-2 decision over Michael Larsen in their 138-pound bout. Haines had been sidelined with a shoulder injury and did not compete in Lenape's wins over Demarest (42-30) and Robbinsville (39-30) or the loss to Delbarton (53-18) on Saturday.
Up next: at Hopatcong on Tuesday; Wallkill Valley at home on Thursday; Voorhees at Belvidere tri-meet on Saturday.
You will likely hear a lot of reasons why these weekend night matches are no longer taking place -- namely the presence of pesky tri-meets and quads during the day. Another factor is that some schools do not want to pay custodial workers their required overtime pay on the weekends. This to me is absolute hogwash, when you consider the ridiculous amount of money spent on travel for football. How is that even a valid excuse?
Kittatinny travels to Delaware Valley on Saturday in a match between the Nos. 11 and 17 teams, according to the latest New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20. Problem is, it will take place in the early afternoon when it's tough for fans to come out and pack Hutchins Gym. Terriers coach Andy Fitz confirmed that his school says no to Saturday night matches, which is a sin at an institution rich in its wrestling history.
Three years ago, Kittatinny scored a 33-30 win over Del Val in one of the season's most exciting dual meets. What a shame that only 50 or so fans were in the stands for that afternoon tri-meet.
Wrestling is hurting from an attendance standpoint. Very few duals pack them in like years ago. Time for school administrators and some coaches to wake up and help make it more convenient for fans to attend matches. And don't even get me started on these 6 p.m. or earlier starts on weekdays. That's basically saying you don't care if fans -- visiting or home -- are sitting in the stands.
Now onto this week's rankings:
1. Phillipsburg (6-0) -- Stateliners cemented their top billing with a 52-13 waxing of No. 2 High Point on Saturday. Tyler Agans (113), DJ Wissing (120), Tylor Petchonka (126), Max Elling (160) and Broderick Bupivi (170) all had pins. P'burg junior Jimmy Schuitema recorded his 76th career win with a big 5-3 decision over Jason Gaccione in a battle of Region 1 champs. Coach Dave Post's squad, which also rolled to a 41-18 win over No. 6 Hunterdon Central last Thursday, is in for a big week with rivalry matches against Warren Hills and Easton (Pa.). 'Liners leads the series with the Blue Streaks 52-14, but are just 14-62 against the Red Rovers.
Up next: at Warren Hills on Wednesday; at Easton (Pa.) on Thursday; Howell at home on Saturday.
2. High Point (5-1) -- Wildcats were humbled in their house with a 52-13 loss to No. 1 Phillipsburg last Saturday, and are just 1-16 in the series dating to 1989. Coach John Gardner's team opened the week with lopsided wins over Nutley (57-15), Morris Knolls (47-16) and Vernon (54-18) -- the latter two raising the 'Cats' record to 3-0 in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference American Division standings. The big question is whether Dom Gallo (120) and Jared Kobis (126) will be back in the lineup for Friday's showdown with archrival Kittatinny. Senior Kyle Stoll (195) and junior Jason Gaccione (145) lead the team with 84 and 82 career wins, respectively.
Up next: at Montville on Tuesday; Sparta at home on Thursday; Kittatinny at home on Friday; Bergen Catholic and Bound Brook at home on Saturday.
3. Kittatinny (9-0) -- Cougars rolled to five wins this past week -- Wallkill Valley (58-18), North Warren (52-24), Old Tappan (55-15), Watchung Hills (48-24) and North Bergen (36-27). Coach John Gill's squad was bolstered by the return of senior 152-pounder Nick Romyns (7-3), a two-time District 3 champion, who enters the week with 89 career wins. Unfortunately, junior 145-pounder Brandon Olsen sustained a knee injury and is on the shelf. Gill is closing in on 500 coaching victories, as he enters a six-match week at 495-149-5 in 34 seasons. Big week on tap with rival High Point on Friday -- Cougars are 12-25-1 in the series -- and No. 4 Delaware Valley on Saturday.
Up next: Jefferson at home on Tuesday; at Hopatcong on Thursday; at High Point on Friday; West Morris and Westfield at Delaware Valley quad on Saturday.
4. Delaware Valley (12-2) -- Terriers scored a 33-21 victory over No. 8 Warren Hills to highlight a 6-0 week, as coach Andy Fitz's squad also defeated Bridewater-Raritan (38-20), Lawrence (48-21), Perth Amboy (64-3), Lacey (57-8) and Somerville (42-17). Senior Codey Leh made news by decking Warren Hills junior Max Nauta, a Region 1 champion, in their 138-pound bout. Senior 182-pounder Kody Eichlin reached the 75-win mark and is 12-0 on the season. Big one coming up Wednesday at No. 5 North Hunterdon in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division tilt that figures to be a close one.
Up next: at North Hunterdon on Wednesday; Montgomery at home on Friday; Kittatinny, West Morris and Westfield at home on Saturday.
5. North Hunterdon (7-2) -- Lions squeaked past No. 7 Voorhees -- 24-22 last Wednesday -- before closing the week with wins over Steinert (63-18) and Lawrence (64-8) on Saturday. Coach Tim Flynn's squad got big wins from its upper weights to beat the Vikings, as Kyle Stevens (195), Tim Bartlett (220) and Brandon Leonidas (285) all earned decisions. Junior Ryan Pomrinca (19-0) is five wins shy of 100 for his career, as he enters the week at 95-10 overall. Wednesday's showdown with No. 4 Delaware Valley will break the tie in the series, which stands at 23-23.
Up next: Delaware Valley at home on Wednesday; Franklin and Hillsborough at Watchung Hills quad on Saturday.
6. Hunterdon Central (6-3) -- Red Devils opened last week with a 34-26 win over Watchung Hills on Wednesday before a 41-18 loss to No. 1 Phillipsburg on Thursday at the Field House. Senior 145-pounder Collin Boylan (18-2) avenged a previous loss with a 2-1 win over the Stateliners' Jimmy Schuitema, who scored a 1-0 decision in their Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex final four days earlier. Coach Steve Gibble's squad closed the week with a 36-27 win over Ocean Township and a 38-24 loss to Southern on Saturday. Senior Gary Dinmore (17-0 at 152) earned an impressive 5-0 win over Ocean Township's Zac Hertling in a battle of state placewinners.
Up next: at Bridgewater-Raritan on Wednesday; at Jack Welch Duals on Friday and Saturday.
7. Voorhees (11-3) -- Vikings rebounded from a tough 24-22 loss to No. 5 North Hunterdon with wins over Montgomery (54-9) on Friday and Morristown (54-6), Ridge (46-13) and Franklin (52-15) in a quad on Saturday. Sophomore Harley Sacks (106), Mike Muscatello (138), Christian Okulicz (145) and Jordan Juliano (170) all had big wins in the loss to North. Sacks beat Paul Robinson, a District 17 champ, 4-1, while Okulicz took out Brian Smolinsky, a Region 5 qualifier, 5-4.
Up next: at St. Benedict's Prep on Tuesday; Somerville at home on Wednesday; Hackettstown and Lenape Valley at Belvidere on Saturday.
8. Warren Hills (6-4) -- Blue Streaks opened last week with a 42-24 win at Montgomery before dropping a 33-21 decision to Delaware Valley at home on Friday. The Warren County school has lost five in a row to the Terriers and 13 of the last 14 meetings dating to 1999, and is 18-27 overall in the series, which began in 1963 when the Streaks were Washington High. Junior Max Nauta (14-3) was pinned for the first time in his high school career while leading Codey Leh, while senior Steve Cleaver (12-1) decked Del Val's Luke Zehnbauer with a cement job while trailing in their 182-pound bout. Coach Jarrett Hosbach's team rebounded with wins over Hackettstown (61-10) -- Streaks hold a 48-9 edge in the series with Tigers dating to 1957 -- West Morris (45-24) and North Warren (52-24) on Saturday.
Up next: Phillipsburg at home on Wednesday; Roselle Park and Paramus at Ramsey quad on Saturday.
9. Sparta (6-4) -- Spartans started last week with a 57-18 pasting of Vernon on Tuesday and a 33-32 win over Morris Hills on Wednesday in a pair of NJAC American Division matches before closing with a 42-21 loss to Wayne Valley in an independent clash on Saturday. Coach Frank Battaglia's team won 11 bouts against Vernon, as junior Ian Burke (18-2) recorded one of the team's six pins in the victory at 138. Sophomore Al Falco, a Region 1 qualifier, scored a nice 5-4 win over Wayne Valley's Zach D'Apolito at 170.
Up next: at Pope John on Tuesday; at High Point on Thursday; Wallkill Valley and Hopatcong at Dover quad on Saturday.
10. Lenape Valley (4-4) -- Patriots rolled to four straight wins last week, starting with a 54-23 victory over North Warren on Tuesday, followed by a 42-25 thumping of Newton on Wednesday, sparked by the return of junior Glenn Haines (3-0) who scored a 5-2 decision over Michael Larsen in their 138-pound bout. Haines had been sidelined with a shoulder injury and did not compete in Lenape's wins over Demarest (42-30) and Robbinsville (39-30) or the loss to Delbarton (53-18) on Saturday.
Up next: at Hopatcong on Tuesday; Wallkill Valley at home on Thursday; Voorhees at Belvidere tri-meet on Saturday.
Monday, January 20, 2014
New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20
Rank
|
School
|
Record
|
Votes
|
Previous
|
1
|
Bergen Catholic
|
(14-3)
|
340
|
1
|
2
|
St. Peter's Prep
|
(11-5)
|
313
|
2
|
3
|
Bound Brook
|
(9-4)
|
305
|
5
|
4
|
Phillipsburg
|
(6-0)
|
290
|
4
|
5
|
Don Bosco Prep
|
(11-1)
|
282
|
3
|
6
|
Delbarton
|
(10-2)
|
239
|
6
|
7
|
Brick Memorial
|
(10-0)
|
223
|
9
|
8
|
Hanover Park
|
(11-1)
|
214
|
8
|
9
|
High Point
|
(5-1)
|
199
|
7
|
10
|
Southern
|
(10-0)
|
198
|
11
|
11
|
Kittatinny
|
(9-0)
|
176
|
10
|
12
|
Paulsboro
|
(11-0)
|
162
|
12
|
13
|
Howell
|
(17-2)
|
145
|
13
|
14
|
Jackson Memorial
|
(8-1)
|
105
|
NR
|
15
|
Raritan
|
(19-2)
|
93
|
15
|
16
|
South Plainfield
|
(14-5)
|
79
|
16
|
17
|
Delaware Valley
|
(12-2)
|
63
|
17
|
18
|
Clearview
|
(12-0)
|
47
|
18
|
19
|
North Hunterdon
|
(7-2)
|
32
|
20
|
20
|
DePaul
|
(8-3)
|
24
|
19
|
Others receiving votes: St. Augustine Prep 14; Roselle Park 10; St. Joseph-Montvale 9; Hunterdon Central 8.
NJWWA voting memebers (in alphabetical order): Donald J. Brower (MorrisCountyHSWrestling.com); Patrick Buganski (The Mat Pack); Bill Evans (South Jersey Times); Frank D'Esposito (TheShoreConference.com); Steve Falk (Asbury Park Press of Neptune and Hitting the Mats); Brian Fortner (Express-Times); Harry Frezza (Courier News of Bridgewater); Joe Hofmann (Daily Record of Parsippany); Screwy Louie Lazzari (New Jersey Wrestling Historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times); Ron Mazzola (On the Mat); Tom McGurk (Courier Post of Cherry Hill); John O'Kane (The Press of Atlantic City); Anthony Spaulding (New Jersey Herald); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune of East Brunswick); Mike Weilamann (Open Mike/Mugs Media); Joe Zedalis (Trenton Times).
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