Wrestling: Preseason power points rankings

The top 60 teams in New Jersey based on preseason power points rankings by section. Non-public schools are mixed in. All other teams begin with a preseason ranking of 23.00.

Note: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex schools in bold:

North 1
School	Rank
Bergen Catholic	32
DePaul	31.5
Don Bosco Prep	31
Delbarton	30.5
Montville	30
Roxbury	29.5
Paramus	29
North Bergen	28.5
Pope John	28
Wayne Valley	27.5
Bloomfield	27
High Point	26.5
Kittatinny	26
Emerson-Park Ridge	25.5
West Orange	25
North 2
School	Rank
Cranford	32
Bound Brook	31.5
Hanover Park	31
St. Peter's Prep	30.5
Phillipsburg	30
Seton Hall Prep	29.5
Warren Hills	29
Garfield	28.5
Queen of Peace	28
Roselle Park	27.5
Woodbridge	27
Nutley	26.5
Middletown North	26
Watchung Hills	25.5
Lenape Valley	25
Central Jersey
School	Rank
Hunterdon Central	32
South Plainfield	31.5
Brick Memorial	31
Wall Township	30.5
Delaware Valley	30
Brick Township	29.5
Bishop Ahr	29
Robbinsville	28.5
Monroe Township	28
Christian Brothers	27.5
Raritan	27
Voorhees	26.5
Jackson Memorial	26
Long Branch	25.5
St. John Vianney	25
South Jersey
School	Rank
Delsea	32
Collingswood	31.5
Howell	31
St. Augustine	30.5
Paulsboro	30
Egg Harbor	29.5
Cherokee	29
Clearview	28.5
Southern	28
Buena	27.5
Highland	27
Cinnaminson	26.5
Toms River South	26
Delran	25.5
Holy Cross	25

    Paul VI-Haddonfield          25            

                 

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren preview capsules

Belvidere County Seaters

Coach: Dan McIntyre (66-37, sixth season).

2015-16 record: 11-10, 5-0 Skyland Conference Valley Division (first).

Returning starters (8): So. Quinn Melofchik (33-6, D3, R4) 106; Jr. Ryan Lensi (16-8) 120; Sr. Nick Cassidy (24-12, D3) 126; Sr. Gio Campana (9-15) 132; Sr. Lars Haugaard (2-12) 152; Sr. Nick Appleby (13-15) 170; Jr. Ryan Kokawski (17-9) 195; Sr. Craig Cronce (12-17) 220.

Key losses: Josh Pershpalaj (16-11) 170.

Key returnees: Jr. Kristian Panetta (1-7) 126; So. Gage Gares 132; Sr. Joey Sena 160; Sr. Kyle Hartzog 182; Sr. Bartolomeo Pepe 220; Jr. Hunter Smith 220.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Dylan Olsen 113; Fr. Anthony Appleby 152.

Outlook: County Seaters are coming off a first-place finish in the division and are poised to make another run at the title with eight returning starters, including region qualifiers Melofchik and Cassidy. Those returnees will need to come through with big points in dual meets to help offset some of the more inexperienced weights. With 25 wrestlers in the room, staying healthy will be a big key for success. A winning record and qualifying for the North 2, Group 1 sectional tournament are certainly realistic goals for this squad.

Delaware Valley Terriers
                                                                                                          
Coach: Andy Fitz (156-53, 10th season).

2015-16 record: 20-5, 2-4 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-fourth), Central Jersey, Group 2 champion and Group 2 runner-up.

Returning starters (8): Sr. Dylan Uderman (12-6) 106; So. A.J. DeRosa (32-12, D2, R2) 120; Sr. Matt Kolonia (37-7, D1, R3) 132-138; Sr. Connor Mills (21-13, D2, R2) 132-138; Sr. Rhys Zigich (28-12, D3) 145; Sr. Chase Bauberger (21-13, D3) 152-160; Sr. Sean Lessig (16-13, D3) 170; Jr. Kyle Lightner (26-7, D1, R2) 195.

Key losses: Vito Intili (23-15, D3) 120; Jake Moore (23-6) 126; Kyle Refalvy (22-13, D3) 126; Kyle Schlittler (37-6, D1, R3) 195; Ethan Kendzulak (11-12, D4) 285.

Key returnees: Jr. CJ Heaps (8-9) 113; Sr. Tanner McLaughlin 152-160; So. Shawne Ramsby (8-13) 182; Sr. Josh LaDuca (2-2) 220; Jr. Joe Pandy (7-4) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Gage Crater 126; Jr. Eli Kalfaian 195-220.

Outlook: Terriers are coming off a banner season, capturing their 16th sectional title and advancing to the Group 2 final for the first time since 2006. With eight returning starters, expect the Hunterdon County school to make another run at both championships. DeRosa, Kolonia, Mills and Lightner are all returning state qualifiers, while Crater will be a freshman to watch, according to Fitz. Upper weights are still a bit of a question mark due to some inexperience on the big stage, but this lineup is pretty balanced and will be a tough out in dual meets. The division is once again absolutely brutal so the goal once again will be to finish in the top three.

Hackettstown Tigers

Coach: Frank Rodgers (208-209-4, 14th season of second stint, 21st overall).

2015-16 record: 9-14, 0-3 NJAC Freedom Division (fourth).

Returning starters (7): Sr. Steven Nicotra (8-9, D4) 120; Sr. Justin Bennett (20-16, D4) 132; Jr. Alex Carida (32-9, D2, R3) 138; Sr. Anthony Gonzalez (7-6, D3) 152; Sr. Kyle Connelly (29-8, D1) 220; Jr. Joe Andes (14-16, D3) 285.

Key losses: Joe Renne (31-7, D1, R4) 126; Anthony Carida (30-10, D2) 145; So. Kyle Salazar (10-17, knee injury).

Key returnees: So. Nate Bennett 106; Jr. Erick Garcia (7-7) 126; Sr. James Clarke 160-170.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Zeb Burke 145; Sr. JJ Carrara 152; Jr. Shawn Burke 152-170; Jr. Matt Castro 195.

Outlook: Tigers are once again looking at a bit of a rebuilding season with a shortage of numbers and the loss of two stars to graduation, including Renne, the program's all-time wins leader. Carida and Connelly are two good ones to build around as they are among seven returning starters. Gonzalez also returns after missing a good portion of last season with injury. The key for dual meet success will be saving points in those inexperienced weights. The Freedom Division got a lot tougher with the addition of Newton, but this group will battle to finish in the top three.

Hunterdon Central Red Devils

Coach: Jon Cantagallo-Rohm (35-12, third season).

2015-16 record: 18-4, 5-1 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (second).

Returning starters (11): So. Jack Bauer (29-10, D1, R2) 113; Jr. Hunter Graf (35-8, D1, R1, S8) 120; Sr. Peter Nace (25-6, D1) 126; So. Vincent Romaniello (27-11, D2) 132; Sr. Bryce Hall (17-12) 132-138; Sr. Mark Dellevalle (9-10) 138-145; Jr. Kevin Ciresa (29-8, D1, R3) 145-152; Sr. Chris Taylor (13-9) 152; Sr. Michael Iodice (32-7, D1, R2) 182; Sr. Victor Lacombe (35-5, D1, R1, S5) 220; Jr. Angelo Crespo (12-10) 220-285.

Key losses: Gavin Hoff (13-15, D4) 182; Connor Wheatley (25-12, D2) 195.

Key returnees: So. Pasquale Vizzoni (8-3) 120-126; So. Dan Furmato (6-9) 160.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Grant Bloch 106; Fr. Anthony Romaniello 106; Jr. Reese Young 170-182; Fr. Lukas Bakerian 195; So. Ryan Joyce 285.

Outlook: With 11 returning starters, including a pair of state placewinners, the Red Devils are again one of the most talented teams in the area and should be a factor among the state's top programs. Balance is the key, along with staying healthy, but you would be hard pressed to find many weak spots in this lineup. A strong group of upper weights gives teams a big advantage nowadays, and this group is anchored by Iodice and Lacombe, one of the best 220-pounders in the state. This will be a fun team to watch this season. Bound Brook and Phillipsburg are annually the teams to beat in this loaded division, but Central will be a matchup headache for most on the schedule.

North Hunterdon Lions

Coach: Tim Flynn (101-42, eighth season).

2015-16 record: 9-10, 2-4 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-fourth).

Returning starters (7): So. Connor Robinson (10-17) 106; Jr. Andrew Gapas (26-10, D2) 132-138; Jr. Will Hughes (7-15) 138-145; Sr. Cole Marra (27-11, D1, R4) 145-152; Jr. Tucker Kirchberger (14-15) 145-152; Sr. Nick Luberto (7-18) 160; Sr. Charlie Tordik (28-9, D1, R4) 285.

Key losses: Derek Ciavarro (27-4, D1, R3) 160; Wyatt Vrancken (28-6, D2, R4) 170.

Key returnees: So. Michael Wilson 126-132; Sr. Matt Gregory 170; Jr. Yousef Abbas (11-11) 195.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Evan Klimas 113; So. Nicolas House 120; Fr. Kyle Anderson 132-138; Jr. John Spies 145; Fr. Jacob Fossett 152; Fr. Anthony Masters 170; Jr. Noah Quental 170-182.

Outlook: Lions are young and inexperienced at several weight classes, but this coaching staff always gets the most out of its group, so keep an eye on this team as the season goes on. Gapas is a returning region qualifier, while Marra and Tordik just missed their first trips to Atlantic City with fourth-place finishes. But success will ultimately hinge on how the newcomers blend in and if some of the returning starters show improvement. A third-place finish in this rugged division would be a lofty goal this season.

North Warren Patriots

Coach: Scott Stoll (15-25, third season).

2015-16 record: 7-12, 2-2 NJAC Colonial Division (third).

Returning starters (4): Sr. Steven Skuropacki (5-17) 126; Sr. Shannon Grogan (17-13, D3) 138; So. Kevin Shaffer (5-8) 145; So. Ryan Walsh (8-20) 160;

Key losses: Anthony Duardo (35-5, D2, R3) 152; Kevon Hartley (12-6) 160; Alex Leontaris (19-11, D2) 195.

Key returnees: So. Joseph Voitek (2-9) 152; Jr. Joey Sprague (6-8) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Ben Lilly 106; Fr. Nicholas Deloreto 106; Fr. Justin Gerkhardt 113; Fr. Brandon Casey 126-132; Fr. Rob Fletcher 138; Jr. Ben Adams 170; Jr. Jon Lucas 182; Jr. Alex Hicks 195; Sr. Scott Yurochak 220.

Outlook: Patriots are fighting low numbers and inexperience coming into this season. Grogan is the lone proven wrestler coming off a third-place finish in last season's district tournament. Stoll is excited about some of the younger wrestlers, but with only two seniors on the entire roster, he will need several others to step up and assume leadership roles. Approaching last season's win total will be the primary goal.

Phillipsburg Stateliners

Coach: Dave Post (96-17, seventh season).

2015-16 record: 17-3, 6-0 Skyland Conference Raritan Division, North 2, Group 4, Group 4 champions.

Returning starters (6): Jr. Cullen Day (16-8) 106; So. Kyle Tino (12-20) 132-138; Jr. Brian Meyer (33-10, D1, R1) 145-152; Sr. Dan Fisher (20-17, D3) 182; Sr. Drew Horun (29-7, D1, R4) 195; Sr. Robert Melise (40-3, D1, R1, S2) 220.

Key losses: Kyle Markus (34-9, D1, R2) 113; Tom Kosar (18-12, D2) 120; Brandon Paetzell (15-4, D1, R1, S2) 132; Tyler Agans (18-19, D2) 138; DJ Wissing (28-7, D1, R2) 152; Kyle Nothnagel (37-7, D1, R2) 285.

Phillipsburg celebrates its District 1 team championship in 2016.

Key returnees: So. Travis Jones (2-3) 113; Jr. Tyris Manley 120; Jr. Lance Wissing (5-15) 138; So. Jayson Zinsmeister 145-152; Jr. Shamyr Brodders 160-170; So. Austin Roth (6-12) 160-170; Sr. Justen Caraballo 285.

Promising newcomers: So. Brenden Fox 120; So. Cody Harrison (22-8, D1, R3, transfer from Warren Hills) 126-132; Jr. Josh Ramos 132-138; Fr. Denny Perez 145; Fr. Ryan Mitzak 145.

Outlook: Stateliners are always in the hunt for championships, and despite the loss of six solid starters to graduation, the state power is ready to reload for another title run. Harrison, who was a state qualifier as a freshman at Warren Hills, is a bonus to what would have already been a strong lineup. There are some inexperienced spots in the lower weights, but the wrestlers stepping in have proven themselves in spot varsity action or on the JV level. First season without being in The Pit will be strange to say the least, but the home opener in a sparkling new gymnasium vs. Bound Brook on Jan. 4 will be a barn burner.

Voorhees Vikings

Coach: Eric Hall (117-40, seventh season).

2015-16 record: 16-12, 0-6 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (seventh).

Returning starters (10): Jr. Colby Koshinski (29-11, D2) 113; So. Hunter Rinehart (12-23, D3) 120; Sr. Colton Riley (12-22) 132; Sr. Liam Cutri-French (20-14, D4) 138; Sr. Ben Brandner (11-20) 145; Sr. Michael Fernandes (34-5, D1) 160; Jr. Scott Fernandes (28-8) 182; So. Lewis Fernandes (28-11, D3) 195; So. Sam Huff (9-17) 195; Sr. Adam Murdock (10-19) 220.

Key losses: Kyle DiNapoli (31-2, D1, R1, S7) 126; Derek Howarth (32-9, D2) 220.

Key returnees: Sr. Augie Heithoff (4-11) 126; So. Matt Brandner 145; Sr. Colton Curtis 182.

Promising newcomers: So. Aidan Taylor 106; Fr. Joe Delusant 126; So. Charlie Eberlie 160; So. Austin Newarski 160; Sr. Eli Jones 285.

Outlook: Vikings were expected to struggle last season, but they still managed to log 16 wins. With 10 returning starters, including four region qualifiers, excitement is high for the Hunterdon County school, which has won two sectional titles over the past four seasons. The strength for this season's team is up top, while Michael Fernandes, a district champ, anchors the middle of the lineup. All three Fernandes brothers combined for 57 pins last season. Vikes will need to be better down low against the stronger teams on the schedule as they move to the Central Jersey, Group 2 section -- joining champion Delaware Valley and runner-up Raritan.

Warren Hills Blue Streaks

Coach: Jarrett Hosbach (142-113, 12th season).

2015-16 record: 12-9, 3-3 lSkyland Conference Raritan Division (third).

Returning starters (11): Jr. Kyle Wulff (24-11, D2) 120; Jr. Cody O'Rourke (17-9) 126; Sr. Matt Valli (33-3, D2) 132-138; Jr. Pedro Cruz (8-21) 132-138; Sr. Zach Nauta (24-9, D3) 145; Jr. Cameron Nauta (11-20, D3) 145-152; Sr. Rashon Wade Taylor (10-22) 152-160; Jr. Jarod Ostir (16-9, D1, R3) 182; So. Nick Galka (19-15, D3) 195; Sr. Brody Oberly (16-18, D4) 220; Sr. Taylan Zafis (16-16, D4) 285.

Key losses: Anthony Roessner (24-12, D3) 160; Kurt Nemeth (21-6) 182.

Key returnees: So. Chris Ostir (1-2) 126; Sr. Kyle Henderson 160; Sr. Ryan Beckler 160; Sr. Paul Turnbull 170; Sr. Henry Garcia 220.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Greg Slivka 106; Fr. Logan Nauta 113; Fr. Geir Nemeth 138.

Outlook: Blue Streaks are plenty experienced and should be a factor in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division race. There are a few question marks in the lineup, but this should be one of the more balanced teams in the area with six returning region qualifiers. The Warren County school moves to Region 3 this season. Valli will be hungry for a trip to AC following an abrupt end to his junior season in a tough Region 1 weight class -- he also won his first Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex title -- while Jarod Ostir (coming off Tommy John surgery in the spring) looks to lead the upper weights.

Wrestling: Sussex County preview capsules

High Point Wildcats

Coach: John Gardner (306-93-2, 19th season).

2015-16 record: 14-7, 3-0 NJAC Freedom Division (first).

Returning starters (9): So. Devin Flannery (27-9, D2) 113; Jr. Maverick Liebl (12-10, D3) 120; Jr. Shane Kobis (23-13, D3) 138; Jr. Trey Osborn (16-14) 145; Jr. Sawyer Fenlon (4-8, D2-2015) 152; Sr. Aric Wingle (16-7, D3) 152; Jr. Robbie Turro (18-12, D3) 170; Sr. Cliff Rutter (13-17, D2-2015) 220; Jr. Thomas Hubmaster (4-13) 285.

Key losses: Jared Kobis (22-0, D1) 145; Kevin Lewis (30-10, D1, R1) 285; Justin Liebl (19-15, D4) 120.

Key returnees: So. Brandon LaRue (4-3) 106; Jr. Marlee Smith 120; Sr. Trevor Kocher (6-7) 145; Sr. Derek Sarapuchiello (2-4) 132; So. Oviane Marsh 138; Sr. Matthew McDonnell (3-6) 182.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Billy Talmadge 126; So. Grayson Sabo 170; Jr. Hunter Flores (14-13, transfer from Clifton) 195.

Outlook: Wildcats, with nine returning starters, are usually in the mix for division and sectional titles, and this season should be no different. Consider the past two seasons when they lost to the eventual Group 2 runner-up (Lenape Valley in 2015) and champion (Emerson-Park Ridge in '16). Shane Kobis, a Region 1 qualifier, will be the next budding star for this group, while Talmadge should be an impact freshman. From 106 through 170, this is a very solid lineup with everyone at their respective weights. The upper weights is where this team struggled last season, but Rutter is a one-time district finalist and Flores, a transfer, should also fill a hole. If everything comes together, expect to see a return to the Group 2 championships at Toms River.

Hopatcong Chiefs

Coach: Eric Fajerman (118-257-3, 17th season).

2015-16 record: 0-26, 0-4 NJAC Colonial Division (fourth).

Returning starters (3): Jr. Anthony Mastroeni (35-7, D1, R2) 132; Sr. Bart Yarosz (13-4) 145; So. Liam McGuire 182.

Key returnees: Sr. Brandon Olmstead (20-11 in 2014-15, injured last season) 120; Sr. Jake Wilkerson (25-11, D3 in 2014-15, injured last season) 170.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Freddie Gonzalez 113; Fr. Zach Chaparro 126; Jr. Ryan Rodriguez 126; Fr. Sean Cranmer 138; Fr. Alex Feinberg 152; Jr. Coty Lessig 160; Fr. John Sanchez 195; Jr. Joe Sisco 220.

Outlook: Chiefs hit rock-bottom last season with no dual meet wins and fewer than 10 wrestlers on the roster. However, things are looking brighter this winter as numbers have increased, along with the return of Olmstead and Wilkerson from season-ending knee injuries following promising sophomore campaigns. Fajerman always gets the most out of his kids, so expect dramatic improvement with the additional numbers. Mastroeni is a bona fide star and a contender for a state medal this season.

Kittatinny Cougars

Coach: John Gill (533-164-5, 37th season).

2015-16 record: 18-2, 4-0 NJAC Colonial Division (first).

Returning starters (6): So. Derek Molfetto (11-18) 113; Sr. Mark DiGeronimo (25-8, D1) 120; Jr. Perry Maio (19-11, D3-2015) 132; Jr. Calvin Brook (19-12, D4) 145; Sr. Josh Klimek (28-8, D2) 182; So. Zach Mafaro (25-9, D2) 195.

Key losses: Nick Klinger (32-4, D1) 132; Austin Scrivani (37-3, D1, R1, S4) 138; Jake Vanwingerden (23-11, D2, R4) 145; Taylor Molfetto (23-9, D2) 160; Luke DeGroat (16-18, D2) 195; Griffin Waldron (9-11, D3) 285.

Kittatinny celebrates its 20th sectional championship in 2016.

Key returnees: Sr. Kasey Hotz 152; Jr. Brian Rast 145; Jr. Shane Smith 160; Jr. Josh Hiler 170.

Promising newcomers: So. Mike Nelson 113; So. Nile Mattar 120; Jr. Dan Doherty 126; Jr. Mike Callahan 138; Fr. Gian Knippenberg 138; Fr. Jake Mafaro 182-220; Sr. Gavin Apgar 220-285; Sr. Graham Harpell 285; Jr. Chris Litterio 285.

Outlook: Cougars are coming off another fine dual-meet season that ended with a tough one-point loss to Paulsboro in an entertaining Group 1 final. With six returning starters, this group certainly has the pieces to make another run at the North 1, Group 1 sectional championship. But the loss of senior Dylan Minter (19-11), a district runner-up and two-year starter who opted not to wrestle this season, hurts. DiGeronimo, Klimek and Zach Mafaro will contend for their first trips to Atlantic City. Hotz was a starter as a freshman and should help fill the middle weights, which are lacking experience. This team will need some of the upper weights to hold their own and improve to make another deep run.

Lenape Valley Patriots

Coach: Doug Vetter (200-153-1, 16th season).

2015-16 record: 14-10, 2-1 NJAC Freedom Division (second).

Returning starters (4): So. James Haws (15-20, D3) 120-126; Sr. Jacob Falleni (24-12, D1, R3) 120-126; Sr. Ray Smaha (17-14, D2) 138-145; Sr. Nick Palumbo (39-8, D2, R3, S3) 145-152.

Key losses: Zach Merkey (15-16, D4) 120; Aaron Merkey (3-2, D3-2015) 132; Aaron Arzon (14-18) 138; Sam Palumbo (33-8, D2) 182; Scott Prior (12-18, D3) 195; Ralph Hall (26-13, D3) 220; Rich Fritzky (23-13, D3) 285.

Key returnees: So. Dominic Falleni (3-4) 113; Jr. Neil Kelly (2-12) 126-132; So. Anthony Esposito 132-138; Jr. Jake Hickey (7-7) 138; Sr. Andrew Abiskaroon 132-138; Sr. Jack Lipkin 138-145; Sr. Anthony Smaha (3-2) 152; So. Lukas Liloia 152-160; Jr. Jordan Costanza 170; Sr. Kai Dickerson 170-182; Sr. Mike Bonavolonta 182-195; Sr. Scott McMillan 220-285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Zach Miller 106; Fr. Eric Falleni 120-126; So. Jake Wronko (transfer from Bergen Catholic) 126-132; So. Kalvin Green 152-160; Fr. Dominic Ruffino 182-195; Fr. Ryan Hall 195-220; Fr. Sage Liberatore 220-285.

Outlook: Patriots lost 10 starters to graduation, including their stout upper weights, so expect this to be a bit of a rebuilding season. Jacob Falleni and Palumbo are the stars and both should make runs at medals in Atlantic City. There is a solid group of returning wrestlers who will likely contribute, but the inexperience in the upper weights is a major concern. Instead of getting up to 24 points in most meets up top as in past seasons, the Pats may be giving up quite a bit. The coaching staff is excellent so expect this team to show major improvement by season's end.

Newton Braves

Coach: Eric Bollette (197-163-1, 16th season).

2015-16 record: 9-10, 3-1 NJAC Colonial Division (second).

Returning starters (8): So. Matt Rosa (13-11) 120; So. Michael Freda (10-14) 132; Sr. Jake DeLuca (10-13, D4-2015) 138; Sr. Nick Giordano (19-14, D3) 145; So. Wyatt McCarthy (24-10, D2) 152; Jr. Jonathon Borgognoni (14-9) 160-170; Jr. Joey DeLuca (12-12, D4) 182; So. Luke Fischer (10-15, D4) 220.

Key losses: Lance Fischer (16-6, D1, R4) 160; Adam Schlereth (13-6, D1, R4) 220; Tyler Pittenger (20-9) 285.

Key returnees: So. Nick Brigante (3-6) 160-170; Jr. Devin Mager (3-6) 195; Sr. Luis Arrazola 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Aidan Bartsch 106; Fr. Mason Leen 106; Fr. Chris Megna 106; Fr. Julian Sibblies 113; Fr. Ryan Sosa 126-132; Sr. Erion Mahmudi 132; Fr, Janchris Munoz 182; Fr. John Kreusch 182; Fr. Isaiah Wilkins 195; So. Matt Somers 220; So. Jimmy Harding 220-285.

Outlook: Braves have been battling injuries and being short-handed the past few seasons, but this season should be different in terms of filling out 14 weight classes. This team is solid through the middle with Jake DeLuca, Giordano, McCarthy and Borgognoni. McCarthy is a contender for a Region 1 medal, while Borgognoni should be one of the most improved wrestlers in the tri-county area. Up top, Joey DeLuca and Fischer will be counted on to come up big in dual meets. This team could me a major surprise -- shifting back to a very competitive Freedom Division -- with the guidance of a highly-regarded coaching staff.

Pope John Lions

Coach: Mark Piotrowsky (36-23, fourth season).

2015-16 record: 18-4, 4-0 NJAC American Division (first).

Returning starters (9): Sr. Christian Deehan (29-9, D2) 106-113; So. Joe Aragona (40-1, D1, R1, S3) 120; Jr. Jake Rotunda (33-6, D1, R2) 126-132; So. Robert Garcia (32-7, D1, R3) 132-138; Sr. Ryan Luchs (21-10, D4) 138-145; So. Anthony Rispoli (13-15) 160-170; Jr. James Swentzel (14-14) 170-182; Jr. Jake Brown (34-9, D1, R3) 195-220; Jr. Jack Morelli (9-13) 285.

Key losses: Billy Koenig (16-17, D4) 152; Joseph Frumolt (25-11, D3) 170; Colin Myles (15-19, D3) 195; Andrew Nieves (22-8, D3) 220.

Key returnees: Jr. Mike Damico 126; Jr. Patrick Hanley 126-132; Jr. Thomas Germano 132-138; Jr. Trevor Craig 132; So. Chris Fontana 138; Jr. Joseph Arbolino 145-152; Sr. Travis Healy (2-5) 145-152; Jr. Tyler Craig 160; So. Louis "Max" Montana 220.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Mathew Garcia 106; Fr. Eddie Vrencesca 113; Fr. Jesse Germano 132; Fr. Cosmo Esposito 138; Fr. Connor Fritsch 138; So. Chase Nugnes 145; Jr. Reece Mulduun 152-160; So. Chris Jhong 182; Fr. Cole Zydel 195; So. Nicholas DeSenzo 285.

Outlook: Lions took a big leap last season with 18 victories and winning a division title, while also qualifying in the rugged Non-Public North A section. This group enters this season as unquestionably the team to beat in Sussex County and a likely preseason Top 25 team in the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Poll. Aragona, Rotunda, Garcia and Brown are all returning state qualifiers with designs on winning medals in Atlantic City. Aragona was a state semifinalist at 106 as a freshman. Vrencesca, who came up through the Roxbury system, is a blue-chipper. This is a balanced lineup with few if any holes.

Sparta Spartans

Coach: Frank Battaglia (70-45, sixth season).

2015-16 record: 15-8, 3-1 NJAC American Division (second).

Returning starters (9): So. Marcus Bitetto (17-14, D4) 106-113; So. Chris Hwang (26-9, D4) 113-120; So. Carter Sheridan (11-20) 138; Sr. Sean McHugh (18-15, D3) 152-160; Sr. Sean Finnegan (17-10, D4-2015) 160-170; Sr. Paddy Finnegan (10-19, D4) 170; Jr. Robbie Gennat (28-11, D2) 195-220; Sr. William Loewen (20-4, D1) 220; Sr. Zach Herbert (26-7, D2) 220.

Key losses: Garrett Gerndt (23-7, D2) 120; Grant Gerndt (25-9, D2) 126; Al Falco (32-9, D1, R4) 170.

Key returnees: So. Rocco Gignatelli 120-126; Sr. Mike Freeman (5-13) 182.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Cooper Stewart 106; Fr. Garrett Stewart 126-132; Fr. Cassius Battaglia 126-132; Fr. Paul Shumlas 138.

Outlook: Spartans have steadily improved over the past five seasons and should once again be a factor in the division and sectional races. The strength of this team is up top with three district finalists in Loewen, Gennat and Herbert. Loewen was a champion at 195 last season. Gennat and Herbert alternated at 220, but Gennat will eventually be at 195 to allow all three to get in the lineup. Bitetto and Hwang just missed trips to regions and will anchor the lower weights, which have some new faces. This team is pretty balanced and should be solid if the newcomers can contribute.

Vernon Vikings

Coach: Kevin Gocklin (first season).

2015-16 record: 8-13, 0-4 NJAC American Division (fifth).

Returning starters (5): So. Logan Folb (6-10) 120-126; Sr. Roman Moss (12-11) 132; Sr. Mike Roccasanta (2-8) 152-160; Sr. Storm DiGuiseppe (11-13) 160; Sr. Mike Alvarez (17-11, D4-2015) 220.

Key losses: Cole Nagle (29-5, D2) 138; Zack Jano (17-10) 182.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Jon Alvarez 138-145; Jr. Walt Talt 170; Sr. Casimiro Jimenez 285.

Outlook: Vikings have a new coach in Gocklin, a former district runner-up who graduated in 2012 and compiled 74 career wins for the Sussex County school. He inherits a program that has been battling low numbers, with 10 wrestlers on the roster for this season. Moss and Mike Alvarez, who finished fourth in the district as a sophomore, will be counted on for leadership. Vernon also has a new home in the five-team Freedom Division this season.

Wallkill Valley Rangers

Coach: Jeff Churchill (7-29, third season; 159-89-3 in 15 seasons from 1989-2003 at Morris Knolls).

2015-16 record: 2-12, 1-3 NJAC Colonial Division (fourth).

Returning starters (7): Sr. Michael Dietrich (5-15) 132; Jr. Justin Lindquist (5-16) 138; So. Shane Simon (4-15) 145; Sr. Trevor Kish (14-9, D4) 152; Jr. Brodie McDonald (4-15) 182; Sr. Connor Andrews (12-8, D4) 220; So. Zach Dora (5-14) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Erik Ross 106-113; Fr. Samantha Larsen 106-113; Fr. Zac Creeden 113; Fr. Tommy Bock 120; Fr. Tyler Sanchez 126; So. Steve Line 170; So. Jamie Flores 195.

Outlook: Rangers, who have been battling low numbers, have gone 23-84 over the previous five seasons. But the good news is that the program should be able to fill most of the weight classes in order to be competitive in dual meets. The coaching staff has a new addition as Steven Churchill joins his father and older brother, Kevin. The sons were both standout wrestlers for Newton. Wins will again be tough to come by, but look for this group to make strides as the season wears on.

Wrestling: HWS schedule for Dec. 16-23

Friday, Dec. 16

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Wallkill Valley at Boonton, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17

Tournaments

Phillipsburg and Pope John at Beast of the East
Wendy Pandy-Leh Tournament at Delaware Valley, 12:30 p.m.
Hackettstown and Kittatinny at Caldwell Tournament
Belvidere, Sparta and Vernon at Hopatcong Tournament, cancelled

Independent

Pingry, Wood-Ridge and Carteret at Voorhees, cancelled

Sunday, Dec. 18

Phillipsburg and Pope John at Beast of the East
Lenape Valley and North Warren at Dover Tournament, 9 a.m.
Newton at Mount Olive Tournament, 10 a.m.
Wallkill Valley at Morris Knolls Tournament, 10 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 19

(Both matches 7 p.m.)

Skyland Conference

Hunterdon Central at Bridgewater

Independent

Notre Dame at Delaware Valley

Tuesday, Dec. 20

(All matches 7 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Mount Olive at Hackettstown
Newton at Sparta
North Warren at Morris Catholic
Boonton at Vernon
Morris Hills at Wallkill Valley, 6 p.m.

Independent

Warren Hills at Lenape Valley
Delaware Valley at Hopewell Valley

Wednesday, Dec. 21

(All matches 7 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Jefferson at Hackettstown

Skyland Conference

Bound Brook at Hunterdon Central, 6:30 p.m.
Voorhees at North Hunterdon
Mendham at Belvidere

Thursday, Dec. 22

(All matches 7 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

West Morris at High Point
Roxbury at Newton
Parsippany Hills at North Warren

Independent

Kittatinny at West Milford Duals, 4 p.m.
Sparta at Ramsey, 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 23

(All matches 6:30 p.m., unless noted)

Skyland Conference

Phillipsburg at Delaware Valley
Watchung Hills at Hunterdon Central

Independent

Hopatcong and Warren Hills at Mount Olive, 2 p.m.

Wrestling: Kittatinny-Newton alumni strut their stuff

NEWTON -- We're just weeks away from the start of the high school season, but wrestling fans were treated to a blast from the past at Newton High School on Tuesday night.

Alumni from Kittatinny and Newton put on a great show, with the visiting Cougars pulling out an 18-12 victory in the bi-annual event before a packed house at Henry Boresch Memorial Gymnasium.

The evening featured quite a few former stars from both programs on and off the mat, including New Jersey state champion Will Livingston and former state finalist Mike Weber of Kittatinny. Two-time Newton state champ Andy Iliff, who won titles No. 81 and 82 for the storied program, sat this one out, but Kevin Churchill, a two-time state placewinner and the Braves' all-time wins leader was on hand for this one.

Churchill, who finished his fine high school career with 151 wins, competed in the marquee bout of the night, dropping a 6-1 decision to Mike Gummerson, a former state placewinner who sealed the victory for the visitors in the finale. Gummerson is now an assistant on John Gill's staff, while Churchill is assisting his father, Jeff, at Wallkill Valley.

In another good matchup, former Kittatinny standout Mike Mabel battled Newton state placewinner Austin Alpaugh to a 0-0 draw, one of three bouts that went to a 30-second overtime. Period lengths in regulation were one minute, 30 seconds, 30 seconds.

A real crowd-pleaser was the second bout of the night as Newton's Teddy Sibblies Jr. pulled off a 5-2 win over two-time state qualifier Nik Lasso, now an assistant coach for the Braves. Sibblies, whose father Ted was a state runner-up in 1989 and is also a coach for the Braves, was the big hero in Newton's sectional final win over Kittatinny in 2010.

Livingston, a state champ in 2006 and 145-12 overall, had little trouble in a 7-0 win over Nick Sucameli to give Kittatinny a 6-3 lead. Newton rallied to win three of the next four bouts, including Rich Quayle's 7-0 win over David Iler and Mike Walker's 4-1 win over Chris Caldarella. Adam Schlereth, who graduated this past spring, scored a 2-0 win to give the Braves a 12-6 edge.

But Kittatinny won three of the final four, including a big 2-0 win by former Region 1 champion Mike Del Mauro over Adam Armstrong that set up Gummerson's match-sealing victory. In between, Weber battled to a 0-0 draw with Brendan Ryan in a good matchup between longtime friends.

Among the notable spectators were former Kittatinny greats Steve Dalling and Roman Fleszar, both two-time state champs and Region 1 Hall of Fame members. Dale Kobler, a Newton state champ in 1946 and '47 and former coach who started the program at Pope John, was in attendance, as well as Braves state champion Gary Markowski ('68). The son of Bob McKeeby, the only three-time state champ for the Braves, winning titles from 1940-42, and state runner-up William Decker ('54) were also on hand. And of course, Gill, who is entering his 37th season as Kittatinny's head coach with a career mark of 533-164-5.

Newton head coach Eric Bollette, a state placewinner for Kittatinny, did not wrestle due to injury and worked the scoreboard clock.

KITTATINNY 18, NEWTON 12

Hobie Wanamaker, K, d. Niko Grello, 4-0.

Teddy Sibblies Jr., N, d. Nik Lasso, 5-2.

Eric Schuffenhauer, K, p. Bill VonHolten, 1:45.

Vincenzo Sebastiano, N, d. Greg Metzgar, 4-2.

David Sylvester, K, drew with Jake Stark, 4-4.

Mike Grace, K, d. Nicholas Molteni, 2-1.

Will Livingston, K, d. Nick Sucameli, 7-0.

Rich Quayle, N, d. David Iler, 7-0.

Mike Mabel, K, drew with Austin Alpaugh, 0-0.

Mike Walker, N, d. Chris Caldarella, 4-1.

Adam Schlereth, N, d. Dan Sylvester, 2-0.

Clarke Moynihan, K, p. Michael Larsen, 1:57.

Mike Weber, K, drew with Brendan Ryan, 0-0.

Mike Del Mauro, K, d. Adam Armstrong, 2-0.

Mike Gummerson, K, d. Kevin Churchill, 6-1.

Officials -- Frank Leitner and Bob Melillo

Note -- Matches in bold were between one school and did not count toward the team scoring.

Wrestling: HWS active wins leaders for 2016-17

   (Minimum 50 victories)

Wrestler	School	Record	Year
Peter Nace	Hunterdon Central	93-22	Senior
Nick Palumbo	Lenape Valley	89-27	Senior
Matt Kolonia	Delaware Valley	87-28	Senior
Robert Melise	Phillipsburg	83-18	Senior
Drew Horun	Phillipsburg	77-24	Senior
Matt Valli	Warren Hills	70-15	Senior
Anthony Mastroeni	Hopatcong	67-16	Junior
Michael Fernandes	Voorhees	67-17	Senior
Hunter Graf	Hunterdon Central	66-19	Junior
Kyle Connelly	Hackettstown	64-38	Senior
Michael Iodice	Hunterdon Central	62-17	Senior
Zach Nauta	Warren Hills	59-33	Senior
Alex Carida	Hackettstown	58-22	Junior
Jake Rotunda	Pope John	57-13	Junior
Zach Herbert	Sparta	57-33	Senior
Jacob Falleni	Lenape Valley	55-18	Senior
Ryan Luchs	Pope John	55-25	Senior
Josh Klimek	Kittatinny	55-36	Senior
Robbie Gennat	Sparta	54-17	Junior
Brian Meyer	Phillipsburg	53-24	Junior
Jake Brown	Pope John	52-15	Junior
Mark DiGeronimo	Kittatinny	52-16	Senior
Victor Lacombe	Hunterdon Central	51-15	Senior
Charlie Tordik	North Hunterdon	51-20	Senior
Nick Giordano	Newton	51-43	Senior