Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings

As we close the books on the holiday tournaments, it's worth noting that we're less than two weeks away from the 10th annual Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament.

This year's event on Saturday, Jan. 12 at Phillipsburg, should feature several brutal weight classes, and we'll take an early weight-by-weight look later this week.

We have a few interesting dual meets on tap this week as North Hunterdon hosts Voorhees in their annual rivalry showdown on Wednesday, while Warren Hills travels to Phillipsburg for the 73rd meeting in that series (check back here on Tuesday for a match preview).

North Hunterdon takes on Voorhees on Wednesday.

North Hunterdon (4-1) has made some early-season noise and is coming off a first-place finish at the 61st annual John Goles Invitational. The Lions received a boost as junior Nathaniel Fossett (head injury) was in the lineup for the first time this season at 170 pounds for Saturday's 39-24 win over West Morris.

Fossett joins what's looking to be a pretty solid group of upper weights, as sophomore James Holder (8-4 at 182), junior Ian Gaburo (6-2 at 195) and senior Lorenzo Becerril (8-4 at 220) all placed top three at the Goles. Holder, a 152-pounder last season, has shown the most improvement.

"[Holder] wrestled all offseason, got 60-something matches plus lifted weights," said Chris Hrunka, a Warren Hills alum now in his second season as the Lions' head coach. "They all worked hard just to get better. [Fossett] would have placed top three [at the Goles] easy."

North figured to be solid down low coming into the season, while junior Drew Doscher (8-3), who won his first John Goles title with a 9-5 come-from-behind win in overtime against Delaware Valley's Gage Crater, has helped solidify the middle weights at 132.

"He keeps moving and scores points," Hrunka said of Doscher. "He's not flashy. He takes advantage of opportunities."

Phillipsburg (2-0) has been busy with two big tournaments (King of the Mountain and Bethlehem Holiday Classic) and opens the home dual meet season against Warren Hills. In fact, the Stateliners will be home for the next two weeks, including matches vs. Raritan (Thursday), Monroe (Saturday), Montgomery (Jan. 9) and Kittatinny (Jan. 10 at The Pit) leading up to the HWS Tournament.

Now, onto this week's rankings:

1. Hunterdon Central (5-0) -- Sophomore Brett Ungar (113) and senior Ryan Joyce (285) finished first in the 62nd annual Hunterdon Central Invitational on Thursday, the nation's oldest consecutive holiday tournament (beating John Goles by one year). Seniors Jack Bauer (126), Pasquale Vizzoni (145), Vincent Romaniello (152) and sophomore Norman Cella (160) were all runners-up. Coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm's team, which earned the program's 900th win earlier this season against North Hunterdon, squeaked out a 37-31 win over Raritan on Saturday without several starters in the lineup, including Vizzoni, who lost by injury default in Thursday's finals.

Up next: Delaware Valley at home on Thursday; Delran, Woodstown at Robbinsville on Saturday.

2. Pope John (4-1) -- Lions dropped a 44-23 decision to Delbarton in an NJAC American Division clash on Friday, a stark reversal of their 47-29 win over the Green Wave at the Kingsway Duals on Dec. 15. Coach Mark Piotrowsky's team was without several starters, including state placewinner Eddie Ventresca (120), along with Matthew Garcia (145) and Robert Garcia (152).

Up next: Mendham at home on Thursday; at Sam Cali Invitational on Saturday and Sunday.

The 2018 Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic runner-up finisher at 132 lbs.....Travis Jones!!! pic.twitter.com/s5ijq1FH2t

— PBurg HS Wrestling (@PBurgHSWrestlin) December 29, 2018

3. Phillipsburg (2-0) -- Stateliners finished eighth in the Bethlehem Holiday Classic this weekend, which was won by host Liberty (Pa.) High School. Senior Travis Jones, who finished second at 132, was among seven placewinners for coach Dave Post's team. Freshman James Day (106) placed fifth, while senior Bryce Parenti (126) placed sixth and senior Austin Roth (195) seventh. Sophomore Logan Maczko (113), senior Kyle Tino (145) and senior TJ Abode (160) were eighth-place finishers. Senior Cody Harrison (152) did not compete due to stitches over both eyes.

Up next: Warren Hills at home on Wednesday; Raritan at home on Thursday; Monroe at home on Saturday.

4. High Point (3-0) -- Wildcats finished third in the Mustang Classic at Brick Memorial on Friday as senior Devin Flannery (120) and junior Billy Talmadge (132) were runners-up. Freshmen Clayton Utter (106) and Brian Soldano (160) were third-place finishers, while senior Andrew Lewis (220) placed fourth. Coach John Gardner's team was minus a five starters for the tournament, including junior Devon Liebl (113), sophomore Josh Gervey (126) and senior Brandon LaRue (132) due to bout restrictions with the Cheesehead and Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex tournaments on tap.

Up next: at Cheesehead Invitational in Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday.

5. North Hunterdon (4-1) -- Lions rolled to the team title in the 61st John Goles Invitational on Thursday behind champions Doscher (132) and Gaburo (195), while seniors Connor Robinson (126), Michael Wilson (160) and sophomore James Holder (182) were runners-up for North, which capped the week with a 39-24 win over West Morris, which finished second in the Goles, on Saturday.

Up next: Voorhees at home on Wednesday; Raritan, West Essex at Wayne Valley on Saturday.

6. Newton (2-1) -- Braves finished a solid third in the 61st John Goles Invitational on Thursday -- crowning three champions in sophomore Nathan Fitt (106) and seniors Wyatt McCarthy (152), a two-time winner, and Luke Fischer (220). It's the most champs for the Sussex County school since 2009, when it had four. Coach Eric Bollette's team, which hosts Jefferson on Thursday, should be hungry to avenge a 30-28 loss to the Falcons in the North 1, Group 2 sectional semis last season.

Up next: Jefferson at home on Thursday; Henry Boresch Duals at home on Saturday.

Your Champion at HWT...Duro Ajayi! Congrats, Duro! #WHRHSPride pic.twitter.com/Lf3iMQFUKv

— Warren Hills HS (@WHRHighSchool) December 28, 2018

7. Warren Hills (5-0) -- Blue Streaks, who finished fifth in their own John Goles Invitational on Thursday, as senior Duro Ajayi (285) was the lone champion -- extending the program's run of at least one winner to 16 straight years. Runners-up were freshman Jared Lee (106), junior Greg Slivka (120) and senior Nick Galka (220), a three-time finalist and champ in 2017. Coach Dave Sbriscia's team puts its unbeaten mark in dual meets to the test against Phillipsburg on Wednesday.

Up next: at Phillipsburg on Wednesday; at Lenape Valley on Thursday; Governor Livingston, New Brunswick at Montgomery on Saturday.

8. Kittatinny (6-2) -- Cougars ran away with the team championship in their Linn Crawn Memorial Classic on Thursday as seniors Mike Nelson (120) and Zach Mafaro (182) won titles, while Shane Nelson (106), Nile Mattar (132) and Brycen Mafaro (285) finished second. Saturday's quad marked the return of junior Jacob Mafaro (220) to the lineup, as coach John Gill's team went 1-2 with a win over Piscataway (42-33) and losses to Rumson-Fair Haven (36-30) and host Seton Hall Prep (52-16). Zach Mafaro dropped an 17-11 decision to Rumson's Nick Addison in a match between state placers.

Up next: Pingry, Sayreville at Old Bridge on Saturday.

Congrats to AJ DeRosa on winning his 3rd Goles Title and bringing home the Outstanding Wrestling Award for the event! pic.twitter.com/CN8n56OyYV

— Del Val Wrestling (@DVRWrestling) December 28, 2018

9. Delaware Valley (3-1) -- Terriers finished fourth in the 61st John Goles Invitational on Thursday with A.J. DeRosa (138), a four-time finalist, becoming just the 39th wrestler in tournament history to win at least three titles. DeRosa (9-0), now 107-22 overall, also earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award. Gage Crater (132) and Shawne Ramsby (170) were runners-up. Coach Andy Fitz's team split a pair of duals on Saturday with a 63-15 win over Pingry and a 54-12 loss to South Plainfield.

Up next: at Watchung Hills on Wednesday; at Hunterdon Central on Thursday.

10. Voorhees (6-2) -- Vikings finished second in the Lenape Valley Tournament on Thursday behind champions Aidan Taylor (120) and Lewis Fernandes (285), who enters the week with a career mark of 119-22, just two wins shy of passing coach Eric Hall (120-19 from 1992-96) for third place on the school's all-time wins list. The Hunterdon County school capped the week by sweeping a quad with North Warren (67-9), Newark Academy (83-0) and Sparta (36-35). Senior Hunter Rinehart needed a pin in the final bout at 126 pounds to beat the Spartans.

Up next: at North Hunterdon on Wednesday; Brearley-Dayton, Bridgewater-Raritan, Piscataway at home on Saturday.

Wrestling: HWS schedule for Jan. 2-6

Wednesday, Jan. 2

(All matches 7 p.m.)

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Watchung Hills
Warren Hills at Phillipsburg
Voorhees at North Hunterdon

Thursday, Jan. 3

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

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Jefferson at Newton
Mendham at Pope John
Vernon at Lenape Valley, 5:30 p.m.
Hopatcong at Wallkill Valley, 6 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Hunterdon Central, 6:30 p.m.

Independent

Raritan at Phillipsburg
Warren Hills at Lenape Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 4

Independent

High Point at Cheesehead Invitational, noon

Saturday, Jan. 5

(All matches 9 a.m., unless noted)

Independent

North Warren at Wayne Hills
Monroe at Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

Tournaments, tri-meets, quads

Henry Boresch Duals at Newton
High Point at Cheesehead Invitational, 10 a.m.
Pope John at Sam Cali Invitational
Brearley-Dayton, Bridgewater-Raritan, Piscataway at Voorhees, 10 a.m.
Sparta, Emerson-Park Ridge, Passaic Valley at Jefferson
Kittatinny, Pingry, Sayreville at Old Bridge, 10 a.m.
Hunterdon Central, Delran, Woodstown at Robbinsville
North Hunterdon, Raritan, West Essex at Wayne Valley
Demarest, Holy Cross, Rutherford at Hackettstown, 10 a.m.
Lenape Valley, Nutley, Verona at Livingston
Hopatcong at Elizabeth Tournament
Warren Hills, Governor Livingston, New Brunswick at Montgomery, 10 a.m.
Wallkill Valley, Highland Park, Summit at Dover, 10 a.m.

Sunday, Jan. 6

Pope John at Sam Cali Invitational, 9 a.m.

Wrestling: State powers set for Boresch Duals

Several of New Jersey's top teams are once again slated to compete in the 14th annual Henry Boresch Duals at Newton High School on Saturday, Jan. 5.

The Duals setup at Henry Boresch Memorial Gym.

Paulsboro, which won last year's title in the perennial Group 1 champion's first appearance with a 48-20 victory over Hanover Park, drew the No. 1 seed for this year's event. South Plainfield, a four-time Boresch Duals winner and the reigning Group 3 champion, is the No. 2 seed.

"It's a heckuva tournament," said Newton coach Eric Bollette, whose teams have won the Duals four times. "It's a tough field. There will be some good bouts."

Hanover Park, coached by former Kittatinny standout Tyler Branham, is the No. 5 seed and will take on newcomer Toms River North, the No. 4 seed, in the opening round. Paulsboro is set to face No. 8 Caldwell on the adjacent mat at 9 a.m.

Kingsway, the No. 3 seed and Group 4 challenger, will take on No. 6 Newton, while South Plainfield squares off against No. 7 Cranford in the second session at approximately 10:30 a.m.

"We've got a lot of counties covered -- Sussex, Morris, Union, Middlesex," Bollette said. "We have teams from the Shore [Conference] and South Jersey."

In all there are nine state medal winners in the field, including returning state champion Joey Olivieri (126) and three-time placewinner Nick Raimo (132), who won a state title in 2017 and has finished second (2016) and third ('18) for Hanover Park.

South Plainfield features Luke Niemeyer (fifth at 195) and Zach Delvecchio (fourth at 220 in '17 and seventh in '16) up top, while Paulsboro is led by George Worthy (fifth at 152), Brandon Green (seventh at 170) and Santino Morina (fifth at 182). The other state placers are Kingsway's McKenzie Bell (seventh at 113), now at 120, and Newton's Wyatt McCarthy (seventh at 145), who is competing at 152.

Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for students.

Here is the schedule (All times approximate as a new round will begin following the completion of the previous session):

Quarterfinals, 9 a.m.

1-Paulsboro vs. 8-Caldwell
4-Toms River North at 5-Hanover Park

Quarterfinals, 10:30 a.m.

3-Kingsway vs. 6-Newton
2-South Plainfield vs. 7-Cranford

Wrestleback semifinals, noon

Paulsboro-Caldwell loser vs. Hanover Park-Toms River North loser
Kingsway-Newton loser vs. South Plainfield-Cranford loser

Semifinals, 1:30 p.m.

Paulsboro-Caldwell winner vs. Hanover Park-Toms River North winner
Kingsway-Newton winner vs. South Plainfield-Cranford winner

Consolation round, 3 p.m.

Fifth- and seventh-place matches.

Championship round, 4:30 p.m.

First- and third-place matches.

Memory lane of champions

2006 -- Don Bosco 50, Haddonfield 24

2007 -- Newton 54, Pequannock 9

2008 -- Newton 36, Haddonfield 31

2009 -- Newton 43, Haddonfield 18

2010 -- Newton 34, Don Bosco 32

2011 -- Raritan 41, Newton 24

2012 -- South Plainfield 47, Raritan 18

2013 -- South Plainfield 62, Raritan 8

2014 -- Hanover Park 35, Raritan 29

2015 -- Howell 40, South Plainfield 15

2016 -- South Plainfield 45, Howell 20

2017 -- South Plainfield 43, Hanover Park 23

2018 -- Paulsboro 48, Hanover Park 20

Wrestling: Lions find their place with John Goles title

WASHINGTON TWP. -- North Hunterdon's wrestling team is best measured by the total sum of its parts.

The Lions placed 11 of 14 wrestlers in the top four at their respective weights, including champions Drew Doscher and Ian Gaburo, in winning the team championship at the 61st annual John Goles Invitational Tournament at Warren Hills Regional High School.

North Hunterdon celebrates its John Goles team title.

"We knew we were going to have to beat some decent kids with untested guys. There were some deep brackets," said Chris Hrunka, now in his second season as North Hunterdon's head coach. "We knew this was going to be won or lost in the wrestlebacks."

North Hunterdon, which captured its third team title and first since 2014 with 189 points, bested second-place West Morris (179.5) and third-place Newton (170) in what projected to be a tight three-way battle coming in. Delaware Valley, behind three-time champion and Outstanding Wrestler Award winner A.J. DeRosa (138 pounds) was fourth, while Warren Hills rounded out the top five. The only other Open Mike area team in the 10-team field was Sparta, which finished seventh and matched West Morris and Newton with a tournament-best three champions.

Doscher was involved in one of the most entertaining finals as he converted a takedown and two back points in sudden-victory overtime to pull off a 9-5 win over previously-unbeaten Delaware Valley junior Gage Crater, who had finished third the previous two years, at 132. Doscher (7-3) escaped with 27 seconds left to force OT after giving up a go-ahead takedown in the third period.

With four final matches remaining, Gaburo's 3-2 win over Newton senior Ryan Kaiser sealed the team title with North Hunterdon holding a 5 1/2-point lead entering their bout at 195. Gaburo (5-2), who wasn't a varsity starter last season, converted a takedown with 23 seconds left in the third period for his first Goles championship.

"[Doscher] was the best performance of the day. No doubt," said Hrunka, a John Goles champion at 160 pounds for Warren Hills in 2006. "If you had told me those two would be our champions, I probably would not have believed it. Not because I didn't think they could do it, but they were probably our least likely."

North also had three runners-up in Connor Robinson (126), Michael Wilson (160) and James Holder (182). Robinson, who was looking to become just the second at his school to win at least three titles, was pinned in 19 seconds by Sparta's Garrett Stewart, while Wilson was also one of five 2017 champions to fall in the finals.

"We didn't think we'd have five in the finals -- we thought maybe two," said Hrunka, whose team is off to a 3-1 start in dual meets. "We're not a team full of hammers. We had a fairly consistent tournament."

DeRosa joins exclusive club

In the 61-year history of this tournament, only 39 wrestlers have won three or more titles. DeRosa added his name to that group with an impressive 13-2 major over Edison's Michael O'Brien in a battle of returning champs.

DeRosa (7-0) broke it open with a reversal and three back points off a bar in the second period in building a 7-0 lead against the dangerous O'Brien, who was looking to go upper body for a big move.

Congrats to AJ DeRosa on winning his 3rd Goles Title and bringing home the Outstanding Wrestling Award for the event! pic.twitter.com/CN8n56OyYV

— Del Val Wrestling (@DVRWrestling) December 28, 2018

"It definitely opens the match more," DeRosa said of getting the back points. "Once you get that gap, you feel more comfortable. With a kid like [O'Brien], a match like that is never in the bank. You have to keep wrestling until the end."

DeRosa, who finished second as a freshman, is just the seventh Del Val wrestler to win at least three titles -- joining Dan Kelly (2003-05), Kris Sigafoos (2003-05), Dan Hutchins (1998-2001), Mike Pongracz (2010-12), Lance Thatcher (1999-2001) and Bob Brunner (1994-97). Pongracz was in attendance on Thursday and came over to congratulate DeRosa after his match.

"I'm honored to be part of that special group," said DeRosa, a Binghamton University recruit who is now 105-22 overall. "They're all amazing athletes. I have the utmost respect for all of those guys."

Repeat the feat

Newton senior Wyatt McCarthy joined DeRosa as the only 2017 champions to repeat, as McCarthy scored a 4-3 win over West Morris senior Justin LeMay in a rematch of their 152-pound final from last season.

McCarthy (7-1), who was coming off his first loss of the season to Phillipsburg state placewinner Cody Harrison, also in attendance on Thursday, secured a takedown with three seconds left in the first period en route to his fifth win over LeMay the past two years (including offseason meetings), including a pin in last year's championship round.

"I knew he was going to come out hard, and I needed to keep good position," said McCarthy, last year's OW who placed seventh in the state at 145 last season. "This is a tough tournament, there are some tough teams like North Hunterdon and West Morris. It's always good for the team, you get one or two good individual bouts."

McCarthy, who may drop to 145 for the postseason, would like a rematch with Harrison, possibly at next month's Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament. Harrison, who was fourth in the state at 138 last season, scored a pair of takedowns in a 6-3 win over McCarthy this past Saturday.

"Hopefully we can settle it there," McCarthy said. "I'm just going to wrestle like I can and make more attacks."

Here and there

Sparta displayed its brother act as Cooper Stewart (113) and Spencer Stewart (120) joined Garrett as first-time winners. They're also believed to be the first trio of siblings to win titles in the same John Goles Invitational. Senior Chris Hwang, who finished third at 132, was the only other placewinner for the Spartans. Spencer Stewart also won the award for most individual team points with 26, along with Verona's Nick Riggio.

Warren Hills kept its title streak going as senior Duro Ajayi posted a 7-2 win over West Morris senior Kevin Ramos for his first championship at 285. Greg Slivka (120) and Nick Galka (220) were runners-up for the Blue Streaks, who now have a tournament-best 184 champions overall and have not been shut out in the final round since 2002. Galka, a returning champion, dropped a 1-0 decision to Newton senior Luke Fischer, who won their two head-to-head meetings last season.

Newton, which won the 2017 team title, crowned three champions in all as sophomore Nathan Fitt earned a 9-4 win over Warren Hills freshman Jared Lee at 106. It's the most winners for the Braves since they had four in 2009.

Delaware Valley lost two heartbreakers in the championship round. In addition to Crater, senior Shawne Ramsby also lost in sudden-victory overtime as he was pinned by Riggio. Ramsby gave up an escape with one second left in the second period and led 5-2 going into the third. But Riggio scored a takedown and an escape in the final 10 seconds to force OT before hitting a throw at the edge of the mat for the pin.

Team standings

1. North Hunterdon (NH) 189; 2. West Morris (WM) 179.5; 3. Newton (N) 170; 4. Delaware Valley (DV) 134; 5. Warren Hills (WH) 131; 6. Hopewell Valley (HV) 103; 7. Sparta (S) 87.5; 8. Columbia (C) 75.5; 9. Verona (V) 66; 10. Edison (E) 35.

Placewinners by school (top four)

North Hunterdon 2+3+5+1=11; West Morris 3+2+1+2=8; Newton 3+1+1+3=8; Warren Hills 1+3+1+2=7; Delaware Valley 1+2+3+0=6; Sparta 3+0+1+0=4; Hopewell Valley 0+1+1+2=4; Columbia 0+1+1+2=4; Verona 1+0+0+2=3; Edison 0+1+0+0=1.

Championships

113 -- 4-Jr. Cooper Stewart (8-1), S, d. 2-Jacob Venezia (5-1), HV, 3-2.
120 -- 1-So. Spencer Stewart (8-1), S, p. 2-Jr. Greg Slivka (8-2), WH, 1:08.
126 -- 2-Jr. Garrett Stewart (8-1), S, p. 4-Sr. Connor Robinson (6-4), NH, :19.
132 -- 5-Jr. Drew Doscher (7-3), NH, d. 3-Jr. Gage Crater (7-1), DV, 9-5 SV.
138 -- 1-Sr. A.J. DeRosa (7-0), DV, md. 2-Sr. Michael O'Brien (5-1), E, 13-2.
145 -- 2-Jr. Colin Loughney (7-2), WM, d. 1-Sr. Devin Rocha (8-3), C, 9-4.
152 -- 1-Sr. Wyatt McCarthy (7-1), N, d. 2-Sr. Justin LeMay (6-3), WM, 4-3.
160 -- 1-Sr. John DeVito (8-2), WM, d. 2-Sr. Michael Wilson (8-2), NH, 6-3.
170 -- 2-Sr. Nick Riggio (6-0), V, p. 1-Sr. Shawne Ramsby (6-2), DV, 6:54 SV.
182 -- 1-Sr. Luke Stefanelli (5-0), WM, d. 7-So. James Holder (8-3), NH, 6-1.
195 -- 4-Jr. Ian Gaburo (5-2), NH, d. 3-Sr. Ryan Kaiser (4-5), N, 3-2.
220 -- 1-Sr. Luke Fischer (8-0), N, d. 2-Sr. Nick Galka (8-2), WH, 1-0.
285 -- 1-Sr. Duro Ajayi (10-1), WH, d. 2-Sr. Kevin Ramos (5-3), WM, 7-2.
106 -- 3-So. Nathan Fitt (7-1), N, d. 5-Fr. Jared Lee (7-3), WH, 9-4.

Third-place consolations

106 -- 2-Jr. Christian Micikas (6-4), HV, md. 7-Fr. Nick DeLorenzo (6-4), NH, 10-0.
113 -- 1-So. Frank Diesso (7-2), NH, d. 3-Sr. Naquan Tory (7-3), C, 6-5.
120 -- 3-So. Conner Quinn (5-3), NH, d. 5-So. Malachi Shepard (6-4), WM, 3-2.
126 -- 5-So. JoJo Lotruglio (6-4), N, d. 6-So. Dean Palmer (5-2), V, 9-2.
132 -- 2-Sr. Chris Hwang (7-3), S, d. 1-Sr. Matthew Rosa (6-4), N, 8-5.
138 -- 4-Jr. Evan Klimas (7-3), NH, d. 6-Jr. Logan Nauta (7-5), WH, 11-4.
145 -- 6-Sr. Luke Hanlon (7-4), NH, d. 3-Sr. Chris Ostir (8-3), WH, 8-3.
152 -- 6-So. Anthony DeRosa (8-1), DV, d. Sr. 3-Justin Venezia (7-4), HV, 5-2.
160 -- 3-Jr. Nick Hildebrant (6-3), WH, d. 5-So. John Pavia (4-3), V, 4-3.
170 -- 4-Sr. Blake McGowan (9-1), C, d. 5-Sr. Nick Brigante (7-3), N, 5-0.
182 -- 2-Sr. Kyle Carney (7-2), DV, md. 5-Fr. Tyson Carroll (7-4), C, 11-2.
195 -- 5-Sr. Brian Cherifi (4-4), WM, md. 1-So. Brian LaCross (6-4), HV, 15-5.
220 -- 4-Sr. Lorenzo Becerril (7-4), NH, d. 8-Jr. Jorge Montenegro (7-6), WM, 3-1 SV.
285 -- 4-Jr. Ryan Sutter (7-2), DV, p. 6-So. Jacob Tonking (3-4), N, 5:07.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- A.J. DeRosa, Delaware Valley.
Ryan M. Storm Memorial Award (Most pins in least time by a champion) -- Spencer Stewart, Sparta (three in 2:30).
Alonzo Widenor Memorial Award (Fastest pin) -- Matthew Borgia, West Morris (13 seconds).

Wrestling: John Goles Invitational preview, info

What: John Goles Invitational Tournament (61st annual).

When: Thursday.

Where: Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington Township.

Participating teams (10): Columbia; Delaware Valley; Edison; Hopewell Valley; Newton; North Hunterdon; Sparta; Verona; Warren Hills; West Morris.

Schedule (approximate): Pigtails and quarterfinals, 9:30 a.m.; Championships, 4 p.m.

Returning champions (2018 weights): Connor Quinn, North Hunterdon (120); Connor Robinson, North Hunterdon (126); A.J. DeRosa, Delaware Valley (138); Michael O'Brien, Edison (138); Wyatt McCarthy, Newton (152); Michael Wilson, North Hunterdon (160); Nick Galka, Warren Hills (220).

Newton won its first team title since 2008 last season.

Others to watch: Frank Diesso, North Hunterdon (113, District 15 second, Region 4 fourth); Robert Bohr, West Morris (120, District 11 third, Region 3 fourth); Spencer Stewart, Sparta (120, District 3 second, Region 1 fifth); Garrett Stewart, Sparta (126, District 3 second, Region 1 fourth); Chris Lanciano, Hopewell Valley (126, District 18 first, Region 5 second); Gage Crater, Delaware Valley (132, District 19 second); Michael Freda, Newton (138, District 1 third, Region 1 fifth); Devin Rocha, Columbia (145, District 10 second, Region 3 sixth); Justin Venezia, Hopewell Valley (152, District 18 first, Region 5 fifth); Justin LeMay, West Morris (152, District 11 first, Region 3 fourth); John DeVito, West Morris (160, District 11 second, Region 3 fourth); Shawne Ramsby, Delaware Valley (170, District 19 second, Region 5 third); Nick Riggio, Verona (170, District 10 third, Region 3 sixth); Dean Escobar, Edison (195, District 19 third); Luke Fischer, Newton (220, District 1 second, Region 1 second).

Notes: Robinson and DeRosa are looking to join only 38 other wrestlers in tournament history to win at least three titles. Ryan Pomrinca (2011-14), who is now at Lehigh, is the only North Hunterdon wrestler to win at least three three titles as he is one of just seven in tournament history to win four. Terriers have six who have won three or more titles -- Dan Kelly (2003-05), Kris Sigafoos (2003-05), Dan Hutchins (1998-2001), Mike Pongracz (2010-12), Lance Thatcher (1999-2001) and Bob Brunner (1994-97). ... The team championship race should be quite entertaining as Newton, West Morris (which shared its only title with Washington in 1964) and North Hunterdon should all be in the hunt. Braves, who amassed a record 254 points in winning the 2008 championship, feature McCarthy (a two-time Goles placewinner and the OW Award winner in '17, and a seventh-place finisher in the state last season at 145), along with the team's lone unbeaten wrestler in Fischer (5-0), who is seeking his first title after finishing second at 195 in '17. ... Warren Hills has crowned a tournament-best 183 champions overall. The Blue Streaks haven't gone without at least one gold medal since getting shut out in 2002, while they've won or shared 22 team championships since the tournament's inception in 1958, including its last title in 2013. Delaware Valley has won 11 of the last 19 team titles, including its last in 2016. ... Newton has produced at least one champ in all but three tournaments since 2000. Speaking of which, assistant coaches Andy Iliff (1985-86) and Ted Sibblies (1987-88) were two-time winners for the Braves. Warren Hills head coach Dave Sbriscia was a two-time champion in 2004 and '05, while Del Val assistant Gregg Wiseburn (1999-2000) and North Hunterdon head coach Chris Hrunka (2006) were also champs for the Blue Streaks. Del Val assistant coach Chris Cancelliere (2009-10) was a two-time champion for North Hunterdon.

Championship picks: Nathan Fitt, Newton (106); Frank Diesso, North Hunterdon (113); Connor Quinn, North Hunterdon (120); Garrett Stewart, Sparta (126); Gage Crater, Delaware Valley (132); A.J. DeRosa, Delaware Valley (138); Colin Loughney, West Morris (145); Wyatt McCarthy, Newton (152); John DeVito, West Morris (160); Shawne Ramsby, Delaware Valley (170); Luke Stefanelli, West Morris (182); Dean Escobar, Edison (195); Luke Fischer, Newton (220); Duro Ajayi, Warren Hills (285).

Team champion: North Hunterdon.

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings

Christmas came a little early with an eventful first weekend of dual meets in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area.

High Point got it started with a 49-20 win over Kittatinny in a renewal of that rivalry series, which was interrupted for the first time last season. The 'Cats kept it rolling with impressive wins over Roxbury and Southern at home on Saturday.

"Matches [like Kittatinny and Southern] force us to be better," said High Point coach John Gardner following the win over the Cougars, which evened his record in that series to 10-10. "The sooner we learn that the better off we'll be."

The scheduling of that tri-meet could not have been better for Sussex County fans with Phillipsburg traveling to Newton that evening. In fact, a few Stateliners fans made the trip to Wantage to see that match with Southern, which will host P'burg on Jan. 26. They came away very impressed with that juggernaut group of High Point lower weights (a combined 33-2) -- freshman Clayton Utter (6-0 at 106), junior Devon Liebl (5-1 at 113), senior Devin Flannery (5-0 at 120), sophomore Josh Gervey (5-1 at 126), senior Brandon LaRue (6-0 at 132), a Duke University recruit, and junior Billy Talmadge (6-0 at 138).

Flannery, a region runner-up as a sophomore, is looking to make up for lost time after missing most of last season with an elbow injury.

"My goal is to get high on the podium [in Atlantic City]," said Flannery, who improved to 74-18 with a pin and a major decision on Saturday.

The one good thing that came out of Flannery's lost season was Gervey gaining valuable experience as a freshman. After being thrust into the starting lineup, Gervey came on late and recorded a huge victory that sparked High Point in the Group 2 title match against Raritan.

"That was a bad break for us at the time [losing Flannery], and it's fortunate that Devin responded the way he did," Gardner said. "The added bonus was Josh Gervey being better than we thought he'd be."

@PBurgHSWrestlin 45 Newton 12 Final pic.twitter.com/XrDVLJF2RA

— PBurg HS Wrestling (@PBurgHSWrestlin) December 23, 2018

On Saturday night, Phillipsburg senior Bryce Parenti sparked his team to a 45-12 win over Newton with an upset-win over JoJo Lotruglio, a district runner-up, at 126 pounds in the opening bout of a matchup between programs with a ton of history. Click here to find out why Parenti, who entered the season with a 2-1 career record, decided to stick it out on the JV level in hopes of eventually making the varsity lineup.

That should be a fun Friday night when Phillipsburg travels to High Point on Jan. 18.

1. Hunterdon Central (4-0) -- Red Devils rolled to a 38-21 win over North Hunterdon on Friday in their first big test after opening the dual meet season with a 57-16 thumping of Franklin in a Skyland Conference Delaware Division matchup. Coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm's team capped with week with victories over Hillsborough (54-18) and Middletown North (44-21), despite sophomore Brett Ungar state placewinner sitting out both matches. As a result Middletown North state qualifier Tyler Klinsky received a forfeit at 106 pounds. Senior Vincent Romaniello (5-0) is five shy of 100 career wins.

Up next: Hunterdon Central Invitational at home on Thursday; Raritan at home on Saturday.

2. Pope John (4-0) -- Lions finished 13th in the team standings, while senior JoJo Aragona (10-0 at 138) became the Sparta-based school's first champion in the rugged Beast of the East Tournament on Sunday. Aragona, a three-time New Jersey state medal winner, is now 126-6 for his career. Junior Eddie Ventresca (9-1) finished second at 120 pounds and enters the week at 86 career wins.

Congratulations to Sr. JoJo Aragona @JoJo__Aragona on becoming Pope John’s first Beast of the East champion by way of 3-1 victory over Blair’s Travis Mastrogiovanni! Aragona now has a 10-0 record on the season and a 126-6 record for his career! #WeArePopeJohn #PJWrestling pic.twitter.com/6BNkPf2zSX

— Pope John Wrestling (@PJ_Wrestling) December 23, 2018

Up next: Delbarton at home on Friday.

3. Phillipsburg (2-0) -- Stateliners opened the dual meet campaign with a 68-0 rout of Hillsborough before capping the week with an impressive 45-12 win over Newton on Saturday -- winning 10 bouts, including five pins from seniors Kyle Tino (145), TJ Abode (160), Austin Roth (195), and juniors Jacob Wicks (182) and Cody Cruts (285). Senior Cody Harrison, who is now eight wins shy of 100, scored a 6-3 victory over Wyatt McCarthy at 152 in a battle of state placewinners.

"We are a dual meet team. That's our identity," said 'Liners coach Dave Post, whose team won 10 bouts against Newton.

Up next: Bethlehem Holiday Classic at Liberty (Pa.) High School on Friday and Saturday.

4. High Point (3-0) -- Wildcats enjoyed a big week, starting with a 49-20 waxing of rival Kittatinny on Tuesday, as coach John Gardner's team kept rolling with wins over Roxbury (42-22) and Southern (34-28) on Saturday. Freshman Brian Soldano (6-0 at 160) iced the victory over Southern, which jumped out to a 12-0 lead three bouts in, with a 28-second pin off a cement mixer in the next-to-last bout at 170, before scoring a 10-2 major over Evan Vazquez, a fifth-place finisher in Region 2, in the nightcap of a tri-meet.

"Brian and Clay [Utter] are freshmen who have done a lot of learning and growing," Gardner said. "They handled the situation [against Southern] really well."

Up next: Mustang Classic at Brick Memorial on Friday.

5. Newton (2-1) -- Braves rolled to a 51-20 win over Sparta and a 60-16 victory over Hackettstown in an NJAC Freedom Division clash before closing the week with a 45-12 loss to Phillipsburg at home on Saturday at a packed Henry Boresch Memorial Gym. Senior Luke Fischer (5-0 at 220) stayed unbeaten with a 9-2 win over Stateliners sophomore Gage Horvath. Coach Eric Bollette's team will look to rebound by defending its team championship at the John Goles Invitational.

Up next: John Goles Invitational at Warren Hills on Thursday.

6. North Hunterdon (3-1) -- Big weekend for the Lions, who knocked off Emerson-Park Ridge (39-32) and Pascack Valley (42-31) -- both sectional champions last season -- on Saturday after hanging tough in a 38-21 loss to Hunterdon Central on Friday. Senior Michael Wilson (6-1 at 160) scored a key 10-8 win in sudden victory against Emerson-Park Ridge, while junior Ian Gaburo (2-2 at 220) had a nice 6-4 win in sudden victory against Hunterdon Central's Lukas Bakerian.

Up next: John Goles Invitational at Warren Hills on Thursday; at West Morris on Saturday.

7. Warren Hills (5-0) -- Blue Streaks opened last week with a 37-19 victory over Voorhees in a key Skyland Conference Valley Division clash -- sparked by freshman Stephen Malia's 13-4 major of state qualifier Aidan Taylor at 126, while senior Nick Galka scored an 8-4 win over Sam Huff in a showdown between state qualifiers at 220 pounds. Coach Dave Sbriscia's team capped the week by sweeping a quad at Cresskill on Saturday.

Up next: John Goles Invitational at home on Thursday.

8. Kittatinny (4-1) -- Cougars marked two milestones in a 57-16 win at Wayne Hills on Saturday as the victory marked the program's 600th overall, while senior Zach Mafaro, a returning state medal winner, recorded his 100th career win with a 26-second pin at 182 pounds to improve to 5-0 on the season. Coach John Gill's team opened last week with a 49-20 loss at High Point before bouncing back with three wins at the West Milford Duals on Thursday.

Up next: Linn Crawn Memorial Classic at home on Thursday.

9. Voorhees (3-2) -- Vikings stumbled in a 37-19 loss to Warren Hills on Wednesday in the Skyland Conference Valley Division opener for both teams. Senior heavyweight Lewis Fernandes (8-0), a returning state champion, created quite a buzz with an amazing three-second pin against Hopatcong on Saturday. Coach Eric Hall's team scored a 78-3 win over the Chiefs and a 48-33 win over host Randolph, while dropping a 42-32 decision to Pequannock.

Up next: at Lenape Valley Tournament on Thursday; North Warren and Newark Academy at Sparta on Saturday.

10. Delaware Valley (2-0) -- Terriers scored a 34-27 win over Hopewell Valley in an independent matchup on Tuesday and followed up with a 49-13 victory over Somerville in a Skyland Conference Valley Division clash on Wednesday. Junior Gage Crater (5-0 at 132) is off to a strong start. Coach Andy Fitz and his team had the weekend off before returning to action in the John Goles Invitational.

DV wins 34-27 over Hopewell to win the first "Dawg Brawl in the Valley" trophy. Nice! pic.twitter.com/jahHTgPSTW

— Del Val Wrestling (@DVRWrestling) December 19, 2018

Up next: John Goles Invitational at Warren Hills on Thursday; Pingry at South Plainfield on Saturday.

Wrestling: HWS schedule for Dec. 27-29

Thursday, Dec. 27

(All tournaments 9 a.m., unless noted)

Del Val, Newton, North Hunterdon, Sparta in John Goles Invitational at Warren Hills, 9:30 a.m.

Belvidere, North Warren in Linn Crawn Memorial Classic at Kittatinny
Hackettstown at Hunterdon Central Invitational
Voorhees, Wallkill Valley at Lenape Valley Tournament, 9:30 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 28

(All matches 9 a.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hopatcong at Boonton

Independent

Delbarton at Pope John, 1 p.m.
Phillipsburg at Bethlehem Holiday Classic
High Point in Mustang Classic at Brick Memorial

Saturday, Dec. 29

(All matches 9 a.m., unless noted)

Independent

Raritan at Hunterdon Central, 10 a.m.
North Hunterdon at West Morris, 10 a.m.

Tournaments, tri-meets and quads

North Warren, Voorhees, Newark Academy at Sparta
Delaware Valley, Pingry at South Plainfield, 9:30 a.m.
Phillipsburg at Bethlehem Holiday Classic
Kittatinny, Rumson-Fair Haven, Piscataway at Seton Hall Prep, 10 a.m.
Lenape Valley, Jefferson, Morristown at Randolph
Hopatcong at Mountain Lakes Tournament
Wallkill Valley at Manchester Regional quad

Wrestling: 'Liners set early tone in rout of Braves

NEWTON -- Patience has certainly paid off for Phillipsburg 126-pounder Bryce Parenti.

After waiting his turn as a backup the previous three seasons, the senior delivered a huge victory in the opening bout, while senior Cody Harrison won a marquee matchup at 152, as the Stateliners cruised to a 45-12 win over Newton on Saturday night in an independent clash at Henry Boresch Memorial Gym.

Parenti scored a 5-2 decision over JoJo Lotruglio, a district runner-up last season, while Harrison scored an impressive 6-3 win over Wyatt McCarthy in a battle of state placewinners. Senior Travis Jones, another state medalist, followed with 7-3 win over Matthew Rosa at 132, and P'burg never looked back, as coach Dave Post's team won 10 bouts, including five pins.

"We couldn't have started a dual meet off in a better spot," said Post, whose team was coming off a 68-0 waxing of Hillsborough in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division opener on Wednesday. "We figured we had the bonus-point battle, and they couldn't beat us in a 7-7 split. We told the kids before the match that we believe they can win double-digit matches. If we wrestle with this type of moxie this early in the season, we should be able to attain every goal we've set for this year."

After a first-period takedown, Parenti, who was riding with a half, caught Lotruglio trying to roll through off the bottom for two huge back points in the second period to break it open.

"I knew if I started us off, the rest of the guys would follow my lead," said Parenti (5-2), who entered this season with just three varsity bouts under his belt. "I was just trying to wrestle the match I wanted to wrestle, and not worry about what [Lotruglio] wanted to do."

So what made Parenti want to stick it out for four years in an age when most kids bag it if they aren't in the varsity lineup?

"The atmosphere. It's amazing to wrestle for Phillipsburg," he said. "It shows that hard work pays off."

Post calls Parenti a "throwback" to the days when wrestlers routinely waited for their turn to wrestle varsity for the Warren County powerhouse.

"Bryce Parenti is Phillipsburg wrestling," Post said. "He waited around for four years to maybe start as a senior. That's a thing of the past nowadays. What a big start he gave us. You could feel the gym deflated."

Newton completes its warmups on Saturday.

Newton (2-1), which was coming off lopsided wins over Sparta and Hackettstown, got on the board with senior Michael Freda's 12-5 win at 138, but the Braves won just three more bouts -- all regular decisions.

"[P'burg] is solid. They're tough," said coach Eric Bollette, now 1-5 all-time against the 'Liners. "They have some nice freshmen. There were some good bouts. It was a good measuring stick for us. For us to win seven bouts, we knew everything needed to break our way."

Senior Kyle Tino's pin at 145 set the stage for Harrison, who earned takedowns in the first and third periods as the bout was won from the neutral position.

Harrison (7-1), who finished fourth in the state tournament at 138 last season, finally hit his bread-and-butter move, a blast double, in the closing seconds after getting in deep several times earlier in the bout. Unfortunately, he also is getting another set of stitches, this time above his right eye, after getting six administered over the left on the gym floor at the season-opening King of the Mountain Tournament.

"I hated wearing a mask [in a win against Hillsborough], so that's why I had them tape up my head," said Harrison, now 92-22 overall. "I knew McCarthy was pretty good. I've worked on my cardio and I just tried to stay in good position. I was finally able to get [the double-leg takedown]."

McCarthy (4-1), who placed seventh at 145 as a junior, never came close to getting a takedown in a bout that featured questionable points for hands to the face on McCarthy and a second stall call on Harrison with 23 seconds left in the third period, just six seconds before the icing takedown.

"Cody kept his composure. There were some crazy, physical scrambles," said Post, who said they will evaluate Harrison's status for next weekend's Bethlehem Holiday Classic after Christmas. "He looks really good -- 152 is a great weight for him."

Phillipsburg also got big wins from TJ Abode (160) and Jacob Wicks (182), also in his first year of varsity action, and pins from Austin Roth (195) and Cody Cruts (220). Freshman David Pierson (170) and sophomore Gage Horvath (220) did a fine job of saving bonus points in losses.

"We looked really good," Harrison said. "I'm proud of them. This is the hardest working group we've ever had."

PHILLIPSBURG 45, NEWTON 12

126 -- Sr. Bryce Parenti (5-2), P, d. So. JoJo Lotruglio (3-3), 5-2.
132 -- Sr. Travis Jones (5-1), P, d. Sr. Matthew Rosa (4-2), 7-3.
138 -- Sr. Michael Freda (5-1), N, d. Sr. Luke Hardin (2-3), 12-5.
145 -- Sr. Kyle Tino (5-3), P, p. Jr. Damian Gummerson (0-4), :58.
152 -- Sr. Cody Harrison (7-1), P, d. Sr. Wyatt McCarthy (4-1), 6-3.
160 -- Sr. TJ Abode (3-2), P, p. Jr. Trevor Aughenbaugh (1-3), 3:31.
170 -- Sr. Nick Brigante (5-1), N, d. Fr. David Pierson (3-3), 4-2.
182 -- Jr. Jacob Wicks (4-2), P, p. Sr. Matt Somers (3-3), 4:31.
195 -- Sr. Austin Roth (4-2), P, p. Sr. Ryan Kaiser (2-4), 1:28.
220 -- Sr. Luke Fischer (5-0), N, d. So. Gage Horvath (6-4), 9-2.
285 -- Jr. Cody Cruts (3-2), P, p. So. Jacob Tonking (1-2), 3:40.
106 -- So. Nathan Fitt (4-1), N, d. Fr. James Day (6-3), 9-4.
113 -- So. Logan Maczko (4-2), P, d. So. Danny Cleary (2-3), 10-5.
120 -- Fr. Joey Innamorato (3-2), P, d. So. Nick Costa (1-2), 10-6.

Records -- Phillipsburg 2-0; Newton 2-1.

Officials -- Joe Benvenuto and Doug Fisher.

Wrestling: 'Cats strut their stuff against Southern

WANTAGE TWP. -- There are rookies and then there are rookies. Brian Soldano is not your average freshman.

Soldano's first big-match moment was a blink, as his 28-second pin with a cement mixer at 170 pounds secured High Point's 34-28 win over Southern on Saturday afternoon in an independent matchup between two of New Jersey's top teams.

"I've been doing that move since I was 8 years old," said Soldano, an accomplished youth wrestler who improved to 5-0 on the season. "It was fun. Big crowd. I just wanted to wrestle tough and do what I do. Keep it rolling."

High Point (3-0), the defending Group 2 champion which was coming off a 49-20 waxing of rival Kittatinny on Tuesday, overcame an early 12-0 deficit after three bouts behind its powerful group of lower weights. A close loss at 220 and a pin at 285 put the 'Cats in a hole to start before they reeled off six in a row to grab a 16-point lead.

"Southern is a quality team down low, but we have some kids who have been around the sport for a long time, and understand what it takes to be successful," said 'Cats coach John Gardner, whose team capped the day with a 42-22 victory over Roxbury in the tri-meet finale. "We take a lot of pride limiting bonus points and forcing people to wrestle. You can't always do that, but it's one of the reasons we've had some success."

Freshman Clayton Utter started a six-match run for the 'Cats with a pin at 106, followed by junior Devon Liebl's major at 113 and pins by seniors Devin Flannery (120) and Brandon LaRue. Junior Billy Talmadge capped it with a 5-2 win over Robert Woodcock in a rematch of state qualifiers at 138. Talmadge, who converted a pair of takedowns, scored a 3-0 win over Woodcock last season in High Point's 28-25 win at Southern, the Group 5 runner-up.

"We were hoping to limit the points down low, but they're so solid down there," said veteran Rams coach John Stout, whose team rebounded with a 41-23 win over Roxbury in the tri-meet opener after a disappointing 28-25 loss to Jackson Memorial in a Shore Conference clash on Wednesday.

"If those two at 138 wrestle 10 times, they probably split 5-5. [Our effort] was OK. It was better than Wednesday night. We still have a long way to go. I don't expect us to be our best on Dec. 22. If we're the same on Feb. 22, then we have a problem."

Junior Jason Sari stopped the bleeding for Southern with a 7-4 win at 145, and Nicholas Pepe added a 14-6 major at 152 to close the gap to 28-19. Senior state placewinner Nicholas O'Connell followed with a pin at 160, as High Point coach John Gardner bumped Soldano away to 170 to face Hayden Tatarek.

With no other wrestlers weighed in at 152 and 160, Southern (2-2) was locked in and could not chase Soldano with O'Connell. Soldano's pin gave High Point an insurmountable nine-point lead with one bout to go. Stout's son closed out the match with a 9-4 win at 182.

"Some of our kids in the middle and up top did a really good job," said Gardner, who lost senior Grayson Sabo for the season with a shoulder injury and may be without another upper weight as senior Liam Whitteaker sustained a right knee injury at 285 and had to be helped off the mat.

"Auer, Buchwald, PJ Soldano and Jon Morris, saving us some bonus points. When you wrestle quality teams, every point matters. I thought our kids wrestled tough throughout the match."

HIGH POINT 34, SOUTHERN 28

195 -- Jr. Ben LoParo (4-3), S, d. Sr. Jonathan Morris (3-2), 10-3.
220 -- Jr. JT Cornelius (7-0), S, d. Sr. Andrew Lewis (0-1), 4-2.
285 -- Jr. Jayden Smith (4-3), S, p. Sr. Liam Whitteaker (1-1), 2:17.
106 -- Fr. Clayton Utter (5-0), HP, p. Fr. Chris Lubeski (2-5), 1:10.
113 -- Jr. Devon Liebl (5-0), HP, md. Jr. Jayson Scerbo (3-4), 12-2.
120 -- Sr. Devin Flannery (4-0), HP, p. Fr. Nate Bischoff (0-3), :43.
126 -- So. Josh Gervey (4-1), HP, d. Sr. Sebastian Delligatti (4-2), 13-6.
132 -- Sr. Brandon LaRue (5-0), HP, p. So. Matt Brielmaier (3-4), 1:04.
138 -- Jr. Billy Talmadge (5-0), HP, d. Jr. Robert Woodcock (6-1), 5-2.
145 -- Jr. Jason Sari (4-4), S, d. Sr. Nick Auer (1-3), 7-4.
152 -- Sr. Nicholas Pepe (6-2), S, md. So. Alex Buchwald (4-3), 14-6.
160 -- Sr. Nicholas O'Connell (7-0), S, p. Sr. Jacob Carter (0-1), 1:42.
170 -- Fr. Brian Soldano (5-0), HP, p. Sr. Haven Tatarek (3-3), :28.
182 -- Sr. John Stout (7-0), S, d. Jr. PJ Soldano (4-2), 9-4.
Records -- Southern 2-2; High Point 2-0.

HIGH POINT 42, ROXBURY 22

220 -- Sr. Andrew Lewis (1-1), HP, forfeit.
285 -- So. Chris Hendershot (1-2), HP, d. Jr. Charles Lisa (1-4), 3-1.
106 -- Fr. Clayton Utter (6-0), HP, p. So. Thomas Conselyea (3-3), :56.
113 -- So. Franco Mazza (5-0), R, d. Jr. Devon Liebl (5-1), 1-0.
120 -- Sr. Devin Flannery (5-0), HP, md. Sr. John Tesoriero (5-1), 11-1.
126 -- So. Josh Gervey (5-1), HP, md. Fr. Kevin Stigliano (2-4), 13-1.
132 -- Sr. Brandon LaRue (6-0), HP, p. Jr. Josh Rosado (1-5), 2:26.
138 -- Jr. Billy Talmadge (6-0), HP, p. Fr. Alex Poissant (2-4), 3:20.
145 -- Sr. Scott Jarosz (5-0), R, p. Sr. Nick Auer (1-4), 1:20.
152 -- So. Alex Buchwald (5-3), HP, d. Sr. Anietie Akpan (0-3), 3-0.
160 -- Fr. Brian Soldano (6-0), HP, md. Sr. Evan Vazquez, 10-2.
170 -- Sr. Anthony Rallo (5-0), R, md. Jr. PJ Soldano (4-3), 11-3.
182 -- Sr. Michael Corrente (5-1), R, d. Sr. Jonathan Morris (3-3), 4-2.
195 -- Sr. Ben Temples (6-0), R, forfeit.
Records -- Roxbury 0-3; High Point 3-0.

Wrestling: Phillipsburg at Newton preview, lineups

What: Phillipsburg Stateliners at Newton Braves.

Where: Newton High School.

When: Saturday, 6 p.m.

Conference: Independent.

Records: Phillipsburg 1-0; Newton 2-0.

Rankings (Open Mike): Phillipsburg No. 3; Newton No. 5.

Coaches: Dave Post (130-20, ninth season, 1-0 vs. Newton); Eric Bollette (226-180-1, 18th season, 1-4 vs. P'burg).

Series history: Newton owns an 8-7-1 edge dating to 1947 -- including its last win in the series, 37-21 at home on Dec. 30, 2009 -- and is among just a few NJSIAA schools with a series advantage vs. Phillipsburg, which rallied for a 38-29 win at home last season. The Stateliners scored a 67-3 win in 2004 at Newton, while their other most recent victories came as part of a tri-meet with Roxbury -- 38-23 in 2007 and 41-18 in '08. Teams wrestled nine times from 1947-56 (Braves went 7-1-1 in that span) before the series briefly resumed in 1986 and '87.

Probable lineups: Phillipsburg wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.

106 -- Fr. James Day (6-2) vs. So. Nathan Fitt (3-1).

113 -- So. Logan Maczko (3-2) vs. So. Danny Cleary (2-2).

120 -- Fr. Joey Innamorato (2-2) vs. So. Nick Costa (1-1).

126 -- Sr. Bryce Parenti (4-2) vs. So. JoJo Lotruglio (3-2).

132 -- Sr. Travis Jones (4-1) vs. Sr. Matthew Rosa (4-1).

138 -- Sr. Luke Hardin (2-2) vs. Sr. Michael Freda (4-1).

145 -- Sr. Kyle Tino (4-3) vs. Jr. Damian Gummerson (0-3) or Jr. Ryan Sosa (0-0).

152 -- Sr. Cody Harrison (6-1) vs. Sr. Wyatt McCarthy (4-0) or Jr. Trevor Aughenbaugh (1-2).

160 -- Sr. TJ Abode (2-2) vs. Aughenbaugh or McCarthy.

170 -- Fr. David Pierson (3-2) vs. Sr. Nick Brigante (4-1).

182 -- Jr. Jacob Wicks (3-2) vs. Sr. Matt Somers (3-2).

195 -- Sr. Austin Roth (3-2) vs. Sr. Ryan Kaiser (2-3).

220 -- So. Gage Horvath (6-3) vs. Sr. Luke Fischer (4-0).

285 -- Jr. Cody Cruts (2-2) vs. So. Jacob Tonking (1-1).

Braves honor McCarthy's 100th win. (Kelsey Pittenger)

Breakdown: Two of the state's oldest and most storied programs are set to go at it again after an entertaining dual last season. Newton leads New Jersey with 82 individual state champions, the last being current assistant coach Andy Iliff (1986-87), and was founded under legendary coach Henry Boresch. Assistant coach Ted Sibblies is the school's last state finalist (130 pounds in 1989). P'burg, which has won five straight Group 4 titles and opened its season with a 68-0 win over Hillsborough on Wednesday. Both teams should go straight up in this one as Newton is locked in at 132 and 138. The 'Liners have the edge at 113, 120, 132, 145, 160, 195 and 285, while the Braves are favored at 106, 126, 138, 170 and 220. That leaves 152 and 182 as tossups, but it would not be shocking to see P'burg win one or both matchups down low as the underdog. Harrison (fourth at 138) against McCarthy (seventh at 145), who recorded his 100th win last Saturday, is a marquee bout between returning state medal winners. P'burg has a good a chance for bonus points in at least three, maybe four weights, while Newton, which likely needs both tossups to get to seven wins and have a shot at pulling off the upset, will likely settle for decisions where it's favored. That should ultimately be the difference.

Prediction: Phillipsburg, 31-21.

Wrestling: 'Cats roll in rivalry match with Cougars

WANTAGE TWP. -- It was a night of happy returns for High Point's wrestling team.

Senior Devin Flannery was back in dual-meet action for the first time in just over 11 months after missing most of last season with a left elbow injury, and his pin at 120 pounds helped spark the Wildcats to an impressive 49-20 win over Kittatinny on Tuesday in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division matchup.

High Point (1-0, 1-0 division) won 10 bouts (five pins and a major) as it snapped a two-match skid in the series with its first win over Kittatinny since a 32-31 victory in the North 1, Group 2 sectional quarterfinals in 2015. The longtime rivals did not meet last season for the first time since the series began in 1975, as the 'Cats now own a 28-14-1 edge overall.

"This was a good win," said Flannery, who used an arm bar to flatten Connor Hanna, who was filling in for senior Mike Nelson (head injury) in 1:01. "We lost to them my freshman and sophomore seasons. It was good to get a win over Kittatinny my [senior] year."

Kittatinny (0-1, 0-1), which came in as a heavy underdog, won four bouts -- three against backups. High Point is dealing with injuries as well, as senior 195-pounder Grayson Sabo will have season-ending should surgery on Wednesday. 'Cats coach John Gardner took the opportunity to get some of his younger wrestlers some experience in a big match.

Still, longtime Cougars coach John Gill was pleased with some of what he witnessed in this one.

"On paper, we though we'd get three, and maybe squeak out four. We darn near squeaked out five," said Gill, now 13-24-1 all-time against High Point. "I saw good effort. I'm more pleased than depressed. Hats off to High Point. They are an outstanding, well balanced, well coached team."

The tone was set early in this one as senior Liam Whitteaker, who had never wrestled in the youth level and had never seen a live match before this season, scored a 6-3 upset-win over freshman Brycen Mafaro in the opening bout at 285. Whitteaker, a trumpet player in the school band who outweighed his opponent by nearly 80 pounds (280.5 to 203.3), used that to his advantage as he countered Mafaro's attempts to go upper body for a pair of takedowns in the win.

Then came High Point's powerful lightweight surge as the 'Cats won the first seven bouts in racing out to a 37-0 lead. Freshman Clayton Utter (106), senior Brandon LaRue (132) and junior Billy Talmadge (138) all had pins, while Devon Liebl (113) received a forfeit. Sophomore Josh Gervey, one of the heroes in last season's Group 2 final win over Raritan, racked up two takedowns and three back points in a 14-2 major over Patrick Franco at 126.

Devin Flannery (front row right) celebrates the Group 2 win.

"We're good," Flannery said of the team's lower weights. "From 106 through 138, everyone is solid. I think we're as good as any group [High Point has ever had]."

Flannery, who sustained a UCL injury that is common with pitchers in baseball, did not undergo Tommy John surgery, and he was able to get back on the mat sooner this past offseason. Flannery said it was tough watching last season's team make a run to the Group 2 title -- the program's fifth championship overall and third in Group 2. That squad was honored prior to the match against Kittatinny.

"It wasn't fun to put all that hard work in and get hurt," said Flannery, now 72-18 in his career. "That was motivation to work hard all summer and put in a lot of hours to get better. My goal is to get high on the podium [at the state tournament in Atlantic City]."

Kittatinny finally broke through at 145, when senior Brian Hanna scored a technical fall over Ben Intili. Junior Gian Knippenberg followed with a hard-fought 10-6 decision over Alex Buchwald at 152. Buchwald built a 4-0 lead in the first period, but Knippenberg rallied with five points off a headlock in the second period and another takedown to grab a 7-6 lead.

Super freshman Brian Soldano got High Point back on track with a pin at 160, and the 'Cats won three of the last five to close it out.

"Anytime you can get an early-season win against a quality team like Kittatinny, you'll take that," said Gardner, now 10-10 overall in this rivalry, not including his three wins as a High Point wrestler from 1988-90. "There are a lot of little things we can still improve on. This was a good start to the [dual meet] season."

High Point will have little time to savor this one as it will host Southern, last season's Group 5 runner-up and one of the top teams in New Jersey, as part of a tri-meet that includes Roxbury at noon on Saturday.

"Our schedule is going to be a challenge," said Gardner, whose team scored a 28-25 win at Southern last season. "We can't get too high or too low. We have to keep building and perform as consistently as we can perform."

HIGH POINT 49, KITTATINNY 20

285 -- Sr. Liam Whitteaker (1-0), HP, d. Fr. Brycen Mafaro (2-2), 6-3.
106 -- Fr. Clayton Utter (4-0), HP, p. Fr. Shane Nelson (2-2), 1:09.
113 -- Jr. Devon Liebl (4-0), HP, forfeit.
120 -- Sr. Devin Flannery (3-0), HP, p. So. Connor Hanna (0-1), 1:01.
126 -- So. Josh Gervey (3-1), HP, md. So. Patrick Franco (2-2), 14-2.
132 -- Sr. Brandon LaRue (4-0), HP, p. Sr. Nile Mattar (1-3), 1:39.
138 -- Jr. Billy Talmadge (4-0), HP, p. Sr. Derek Molfetto (1-3), 1:58.
145 -- Sr. Brian Hanna (3-1), K, tf. Sr. Ben Intili (0-1), 16-0, 4:53.
152 -- Jr. Gian Knippenberg (1-3), K, d. So. Alex Buchwald (4-2), 10-6.
160 -- Fr. Brian Soldano (4-0), HP, p. Jr. Kyle Raposo (0-4), 1:29.
170 -- Jr. PJ Soldano (4-1), HP, d. Sr. Blake Dippel (1-3), 9-7.
182 -- Sr. Zach Mafaro (1-0), K, p. So. Sean Van Wingerden (0-1), 1:51.
195 -- Sr. Jonathan Morris (3-1), HP, d. Jr. Robert Bruce (3-2), 5-3.
220 -- So. Jackson Crawn (3-1), K, p. So. Justin Klass (0-1), 2:24.
Records -- Kittatinny 0-1, 0-1; High Point 1-0, 1-0.
Officials -- Frank Leitner and Barry Jackson.

Wrestling: Kittatinny at High Point preview, lineups

What: Kittatinny Cougars at High Point Wildcats.

Where: High Point Regional High School, Wantage Twp.

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Records: Kittatinny 0-0; High Point 0-0.

Conference: Northwest Jersey Athletic Freedom Division.

Rankings (Open Mike area): Kittatinny No. 9; High Point No. 4.

Coaches: John Gill (564-180-5, 39th season (13-23-1 vs. HP); John Gardner (346-100-2, 21st season (9-10 vs. Kitt).

Series history: High Point owns a 27-14-1 edge dating to 1976, but has won just two of the previous five matchups. Kittatinny, which has won two in a row in this series, posted a 36-25 win at home in the last matchup two seasons ago, as the teams did not meet last season for the first time -- and for just the second during the regular season -- in series history. The 'Cats last came out on top with a 32-31 win in the North 1, Group 2 quarterfinals in 2015 -- the first postseason match between the longtime rivals. Kittatinny snapped a seven-match skid in the series with a 35-18 win at home in 2013. Prior to that stretch, the Cougars won seven straight from 1999-2005.

Probable lineups (Kittatinny wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses):

106 -- Fr.  Shane Nelson (2-1) vs. Fr. Clayton Utter (3-0).

113 -- Open vs. Jr. Devon Liebl (3-0).

120 -- Sr. Mike Nelson (1-2) vs. Sr. Devin Flannery (2-0).

126 -- So. Patrick Franco (2-1) vs. Sr. Brandon LaRue (3-0).

132 -- Sr. Nile Mattar (1-2) vs. So. Josh Gervey (2-1).

138 -- Sr. Derek Molfetto (1-2) vs. Jr. Billy Talmadge (3-0).

145 -- Sr. Brian Hanna (2-1) vs. Sr. Nick Auer (1-2).

152 -- Jr. Kyle Raposo (0-2) vs. So. Alex Buchwald (4-1).

160 -- Jr. Gian Knippenberg (0-3) vs. Fr. Brian Soldano (3-0).

170 -- Sr. Blake Dippel (1-2) vs. Jr. PJ Soldano (3-1).

182 -- Sr. Zach Mafaro (0-0) or Jr. Austin Smith (0-1) vs. Sr. Jonathan Morris (2-1).

195 -- Jr. Robert Bruce (3-1) or Z. Mafaro vs. Sr. Grayson Sabo (0-0).

220 -- So. Jackson Crawn (2-1) vs. Sr. Andrew Lewis (0-0).

285 -- Fr. Brycen Mafaro (2-1) vs. So. Chris Hendershot (0-2).

Breakdown: Good to see these teams squaring off again after last season's hiccup in the series. This one doesn't figure to be a nail-biter, but it does have conference implications in the new-look NJAC Freedom Division, which also includes Newton. Kittatinny had been housed in the Colonial Division for several seasons, and that was a big part of why a match with High Point did not come off in 2017-18. Cougars are a bit shorthanded with no one at 113 pounds and junior Jacob Mafaro (220) not officially with the team. The 'Cats rate as heavy favorites behind a strong set of lower weights, and they'll be favored from 106 through 138 (except 132, which we'll call a tossup) and from 152 to 170, as well as 182 or 195, wherever Z. Mafaro doesn't go. That's nine weights, with a strong potential for bonus points in at least six. Kittatinny gets the nod at 145, 220 (slight edge), 285 and whichever weight Z. Mafaro goes, though he didn't compete in the Caldwell Tournament on Saturday. Even at full strength, the Cougars would be hard pressed to keep this close as the 'Cats simply have too much down low.

Prediction: High Point, 43-16.

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings

We're off and running in the 2018-19 high school wrestling season and we have several interesting dual meets on tap this week.

One of the area's most storied rivalries takes place on Tuesday when Kittatinny travels to High Point for a key Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division matchup at 7 p.m.

It's really a shame this one is so early in the season. The Cougars were without a few starters at the Caldwell Tournament on Saturday, most notably senior Zach Mafaro, who finished sixth in the state tournament last season at 182 pounds, while junior Jacob Mafaro (220) has still not joined the team coming off a fine football season.

Meanwhile, High Point, behind a strong contingent of lower weights, rates as a heavy favorite even with Kittatinny at full strength. We will preview that match here on Monday, as the 'Cats have a huge week with Southern, last season's Group 5 runner-up, slated to make the long trek to Wantage next Saturday.

It was great to see tradition being celebrated on Friday night as Warren Hills rolled to a 44-21 win over North Warren in a match held at the Warren Hills Middle School (the former Washington High School where legendary coach John Goles and his teams made New Jersey history). First-year coach Dave Sbriscia is making a huge effort to get the Blue Streaks alumni and community involved with the storied program, which had fallen off a bit in recent years.

"This is Washington-Warren Hills. We're a wrestling school," Sbriscia said after picking up his first win. "We need to get back to that toughness, and I think we showed that tonight. It was an awesome environment to wrestle in."

Lewis Fernandes on top of the podium at 285 pounds last season.

Warren Hills will host Voorhees on Wednesday night in a matchup that should give the winner a leg up in the new-look Skyland Conference Valley Division race.

The Vikings feature returning state champion Lewis Fernandes at heavyweight, as he bids to become the school's first two-time winner and its all-time leader in victories this season.

The Streaks will also unveil their new mat and an updated banner commemorating the program's seven 100-match winners -- Dave Richmond (124-17 from 2002-06), Max Nauta (123-29 from 2011-15), Ryan Kanewski (110-31 from 1993-97), Andrew Pacheco (105-22 from 2011-15), Matt Valli (105-23 from 2013-17), Sean Smith (101-40 from 2003-07) and Doug Detrick (100-7-1 from 1988-92).

Is it wrestling season yet? New mat ready to go!!! pic.twitter.com/llGbIYeJCo

— Warren Hills Wrestling (@WHR_Wrestling) July 31, 2018

On Friday, one of Hunterdon County's long-running rivalries renews as Hunterdon Central travels to North Hunterdon. The Red Devils are loaded for a run at the Group 5 championship with one of the most balanced lineups around. Coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm's team will be a tough out this season.

Rounding out the week is Phillipsburg traveling to Newton for an independent matchup at Henry Boresch Memorial Gymnasium. The Braves, who own an 8-7-1 edge in the all-time series, including a 31-27 win early in the 2009-10 season in the last meeting at Newton, gave the Stateliners a scare in a 38-29 loss at P'burg last season in a match that came down to the final two bouts.

Now, onto our first set of area rankings:

1. Hunterdon Central (0-0) -- Red Devils opened the season with a first-place finish at the Caldwell Tournament on Saturday behind six champions -- Brett Ungar (106), Jack Bauer (126), Pasquale Vizzoni (145), Vincent Romaniello (152), Norman Cella (160) and Lukas Bakerian (220). In addition, Colton Washleski (120) and Dan Furmato (170) finished second.

Up next: Franklin at home on Wednesday; at North Hunterdon on Friday; Hillsborough at Middletown North on Saturday.

2. Pope John (4-0) -- Lions impressed in their four wins at the rugged Kingsway Duals -- handing Delbarton a 47-29 loss in the championship match to avenge a 41-29 loss to the Morris County school last season. Coach Mark Piotrowsky's team also rolled to a 50-22 win over St. Joseph-Montvale, while beating Brother Martin (La.) (37-30) and Sun Valley (Pa.) (65-12).

Up next: at Beast of the East Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 23.

3. Phillipsburg (0-0) -- Stateliners finished fourth in the tough King of the Mountain Tournament, as seniors Travis Jones (second at 132) and Cody Harrison (third at 152) were the highest finishers, while James Day (fifth at 106), Kyle Tino (sixth at 145) and Gage Horvath (sixth at 220) also placed for P'burg.

Up next: at Hillsborough on Wednesday; at Newton on Saturday.

2018 King of the Mountain runner-up finisher at 132 lbs....Travis Jones!!! pic.twitter.com/tRfNXLgmcn

— PBurg HS Wrestling (@PBurgHSWrestlin) December 15, 2018

4. High Point (0-0) -- 'Cats crowned six champions in rolling to the team championship at the Colt Classic, as Clayton Utter (106), Devon Liebl (113), Devin Flannery (120), Brandon LaRue (126), Billy Talmadge (138) and Brian Soldano (160) won titles, while Josh Gervey (132) was second. Coach John Gardner's team was without starters -- Grayson Sabo (195) and Andrew Lewis (220).

Up next: Kittatinny at home on Tuesday; Roxbury and Southern at home on Saturday.

5. Newton (0-0) -- Braves finished second behind Mendham in the Battle of the Bay Tournament at Bayonne on Saturday. Senior Wyatt McCarthy claimed the 152-pound title and became the ninth wrestler in program history to reach 100 career wins, while Michael Freda (138) and Luke Fischer (285) also won titles. Danny Cleary (113) and Matthew Rosa (132) were runners-up.

Up next: at Sparta on Tuesday; Hackettstown at home on Thursday; Phillipsburg at home on Saturday.

6. North Hunterdon (0-0) -- Lions, led by champions Frank Diesso (113) and Evan Klimas (138), finished third in the Neptune Classic behind Jackson Memorial and Long Branch. Finishing in third place were Drew Doscher (132), Luke Hanlon (145), Michael Wilson (160) and Lorenzo Becceril (220).

Up next: Ridge at home on Wednesday; Hunterdon Central at home on Friday; Emerson-Park Ridge at Pascack Valley on Saturday.

7. Voorhees (0-0) -- Vikings finished fifth at the Morris Knolls Tournament. Fernandes was the lone champion and registered three pins in a total time of 54 seconds, including an 8-second fall in the opening round. Aidan Taylor (126) and Sam Huff (220) were third-place finishers.

Up next: at Warren Hills on Wednesday; New Providence at home on Friday; Pequannock and Secaucus at Randolph on Saturday.

8. Warren Hills (1-0) -- Blue Streaks followed up a 44-21 win over North Warren on Friday night with a fifth-place finish at the Nottingham Tournament on Saturday. Senior Duro Ajayi won the title at 285 and Nick Hildebrant was second at 160, while Greg Slivka (120) and Logan Nauta (138) were third-place finishers.

Up next: Voorhees at home on Wednesday; Demarest and Mahwah at Cresskill on Saturday.

9. Kittatinny (0-0) -- Cougars, who are a little short-handed to start the season, finished fourth at the Caldwell Tournament. Sophomore Jackson Crawn (220) and freshman Brycen Mafaro (285) were the lone finalists and finished second. Shane Nelson (106) and Brian Hanna (145) placed third. Coach John Gill's team needs four wins to reach 600 as a program.

Up next: at High Point on Tuesday; Kinnelon and Wayne Valley at West Milford; at Wayne Hills on Saturday.

Our champs from the weekend. Gage Crater, Anthony DeRosa, and our newest 100 match winner, AJ DeRosa. pic.twitter.com/ulyfwY0E8U

— Del Val Wrestling (@DVRWrestling) December 16, 2018

10. Delaware Valley (0-0) -- Terriers finished second in their own Wendy Pandy-Leh Tournament, just one point behind behind Ocean Township. A.J. DeRosa won the 138-pound title and collected his 100th career win, while Gage Crater (132) and Anthony DeRosa (152) also won titles.

Up next: at Hopewell Valley on Tuesday; Somerville at home on Wednesday.

Wrestling: Streaks turn back clock, beat Patriots

WASHINGTON -- Warren Hills senior Nick Galka seemed to sum it up best on a night when former Blue Streaks alums were on hand to help celebrate one of New Jersey's most storied programs.

"It was pretty cool," said Galka, whose first-period pin at 220 pounds helped spark the Blue Streaks to a season-opening 44-21 victory over North Warren on Friday at the Middle School gym on the campus of the old Washington High School.

Warren Hills warms up before Friday night's match.

"They wrestled here and they came back to watch me wrestle here. It was a privilege to wrestle in front of those older guys."

Among the notables on hand were former state champion Dan Slack (heavyweight in 1977) and state runner-up John Rhinehart (1969), along with Dave Detrick (three-time district champion from 1965-67) and Rob Rhinehart (district and region champion in 1976).

Our great past Warren Hills wrestlers....TRADITION.... pic.twitter.com/9PAxNSv2k2

— WHRSD Athletics (@WHRSDAthletics) December 15, 2018

The victory was the first for rookie head coach and former Warren Hills wrestler Dave Sbriscia, a two-time district champion who has made an effort to get the alumni and the community behind the program. This throwback match was conceived right after he was hired last spring.

"It came about a week after I took the job," said Sbriscia, who also served as an assistant coach at North Warren before coming back to his alma mater. "We wanted to do some kind of Alumni Night. What better than to wrestle in the old Washington High School. The place was packed and we had a lot of community support. That's what we were going for. It was nice [to get that first win].

"This is Washington-Warren Hills. We're a wrestling school. We need to get back to that toughness, and I think we showed that tonight."

North Warren (0-1), which won 13 matches last season, also has a new head coach in Kellen Bradley, a former Kittatinny standout and High Point assistant. The Patriots started off strong by winning the first two bouts with junior Rob Fletcher's 7-2 come-from-behind win at 160, followed by senior Joseph Voitek's pin at 170.

But Warren Hills won the next seven bouts and 10 overall to take command of the independent matchup and give the Streaks, who have won eight in a row against the Patriots and own a 29-4 lead in the all-time series dating to 1975. North Warren's last victory was 38-33 in 2008.

Tyler McCatharn, one of four freshmen in the lineup, started Warren Hills' run with a pin at 182. After a forfeit win at 195, Galka, a state qualifier last season, needed just 1:08 to flatten sophomore Dylan Lobycz for his 73rd career win, and the Streaks were on their way to making it a successful night for their new head coach.

That's an introduction....!!!! pic.twitter.com/xzdvOoCUxK

— WHRSD Athletics (@WHRSDAthletics) December 15, 2018

"I think it's great. We needed some good change and he's a great person for the spot," Galka said of Sbriscia. "He's brought a different culture and school spirit. This is the biggest crowd I've wrestled in front of [at a home match]."

Two other freshmen -- Jared Lee (106) and Noah DiNapoli (113) got their first varsity wins, while junior Greg Slivka capped the run with a 9-4 win at 120, losing a major decision by giving up an escape and a takedown in the final 22 seconds. The Streaks also lost tough ones at 132 and 152, bouts in which they were winning at one point.

But junior Logan Nauta, a dangerous mat wrestler, clinched it with a pin at 138 -- reversing Ben Lilly to his back after trailing by a point heading into the second period. Senior Chris Ostir, a two-time region qualifier, followed with a pin at 145.

"We're not a team without flaws. We're a young team with a lot of freshmen and sophomores," Sbriscia said. "But I love their passion, and they work hard. It was nice to see [Nauta and Ostir] get pins. Our goal is to get better every day. It was nice for them to see their hard work pay off."

Warren Hills is back in action on Saturday at the Nottingham Tournament, while North Warren looks to bounce back in the Dover Tournament.

WARREN HILLS 44, NORTH WARREN 21

160 -- Jr. Rob Fletcher (1-0), NW, d. Jr. Nick Hildebrant (0-1), 7-2.
170 -- Sr. Joseph Voitek (1-0), NW, p. So. Cameron Rothstein (0-1), 3:52.
182 -- Fr. Tyler McCatharn (1-0), WH, p. Sr. Jason Zilderfarb (0-1), 1:23.
195 -- So. Logan Polcari (1-0), WH, forfeit.
220 -- Sr. Nick Galka (1-0), WH, p. So. Dylan Lobycz (0-1), 1:08.
285 -- Sr. Duro Ajayi (1-0), WH, md. Sr. Matthew Luque (0-1), 9-0.
106 -- Fr. Jared Lee (1-0), WH, md. So. Tanner Thatcher (0-1), 9-1.
113 -- Fr. Noah DiNapoli (1-0), WH, d. Fr. Sean Bodine (0-1), 6-0.
120 -- Jr. Greg Slivka (1-0), WH, d. Jr. Justin Gerkhardt (0-1), 9-4.
126 -- So. Alex Davila (1-0), NW, d. Fr. Max Pagano (0-1), 10-5.
132 -- So. Devin Collett (1-0), NW, p. Jr. Nickolas Gorab (0-1), 3:17.
138 -- Jr. Logan Nauta (1-0), WH, p. Jr. Ben Lilly (0-1), 2:46.
145 -- Sr. Chris Ostir (1-0), WH, p. So. Austin Collett (0-1), 1:57.
152 -- Jr. Brandon Casey (1-0), NW, d. Jr. Geir Nemeth (0-1), 7-5.
Records -- North Warren 0-1; Warren Hills 1-0.