| Skyland Conference | |||
| Delaware Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| x-Hunterdon Central | (19-1) | (4-0) | |
| y-Watchung Hills | (11-1) | (3-1) | |
| Bound Brook | (4-11) | (2-2) | |
| Bridgewater-Raritan | (7-10) | (1-3) | |
| Franklin | (8-8) | (0-4) | |
| Raritan Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| xy-Phillipsburg | (12-2) | (4-0) | |
| North Hunterdon | (16-2) | (3-1) | |
| Ridge | (11-7) | (2-2) | |
| Hillsborough | (4-13) | (1-3) | |
| Montgomery | (0-15) | (0-4) | |
| Valley Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| x-Warren Hills | (13-4) | (3-1) | |
| x-Voorhees | (18-5) | (3-1) | |
| x-Delaware Valley | (10-5) | (3-1) | |
| Somerville | (7-8) | (1-3) | |
| Bernards | (11-7) | (0-4) | |
| Mountain Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| x-Manville | (16-3) | (4-0) | |
| Belvidere | (5-6) | (2-1) | |
| North Plainfield | (9-9) | (2-2) | |
| Pingry | (3-10) | (1-2) | |
| Rutgers Prep | (1-9) | (0-4) | |
| Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference | |||
| Freedom Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| x-High Point | (11-2) | (4-0) | |
| Newton | (11-6) | (3-1) | |
| Kittatinny | (13-7) | (2-2) | |
| Jefferson | (15-5) | (1-3) | |
| Hackettstown | (7-10) | (0-4) | |
| American Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| xy-Delbarton | (13-1) | (6-0) | |
| Pope John | (12-2) | (4-2) | |
| Mendham | (10-3) | (4-2) | |
| West Morris | (9-5) | (3-3) | |
| Montville | (11-4) | (2-4) | |
| Roxbury | (9-7) | (2-4) | |
| Sparta | (5-15) | (0-6) | |
| Colonial Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| x-Lenape Valley | (7-11) | (4-0) | |
| North Warren | (9-9) | (3-1) | |
| Hopatcong | (2-13) | (2-2) | |
| Wallkill Valley | (4-12) | (1-3) | |
| Vernon | (2-13) | (0-4) | |
| x-division champion | |||
| y-county champion | |||
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex standings
(Through Thursday's matches)
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Wrestling: 'Liners put bite on Rovers in rivalry tilt
Phillipsburg's wrestling team picked the most enjoyable way to snap a losing streak.
Freshman Joey Innamorato's unexpected pin at 120 pounds was the spark that sent the Stateliners to an impressive 40-22 victory over archrival Easton (Pa.) on Wednesday night in an independent match at Phillipsburg High School.
P'burg (12-2) racked up four pins, a technical fall and two major decisions as coach Dave Post's team won eight bouts and the bonus points battle, 16-4. The 'Liners also avoided the program's first three-match skid since 2005, which included losses to Southern, Easton (Pa.) and Kittatinny.
"We try to put ourselves through a meat grinder of a schedule," Post told Mike Moore of Stateliner Sports, as P'burg was coming off losses to Hunterdon Central (29-27 on Thursday) and Southern (32-16 on Saturday), the Nos. 4 and 8 teams in the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20 poll. "It's tough. It's not easy to weigh-in three times a week and get performances like this. I'm very proud of our guys."
No. 9 Phillipsburg has now won four of the last six meetings against Easton, which owns a 68-14 edge in a series dating to 1947. The 'Liners, who are enjoying their most successful stretch in the series since winning nine in a row from 1963-71, also matched their highest point total against the Red Rovers -- posting a 40-27 win in the first meeting here in 2017.
"We told the guys that if we wrestle like we can, we can put up the most points ever against Easton," said Post, now 4-5 overall as a head coach in the rivalry. "Kudos to them for believing it. The guys are in the right frame of mind where they believe they are going to win."
Easton (9-4), which has dropped the last three meetings in the series on the road, including a 30-23 loss at The Pit in 2015, jumped out to a 10-0 lead. At 106, freshman Braxton Appello posted a 6-5 win in the rubber match against James Day, who scored a 4-3 win in their previous matchup for fifth place at the Bethlehem Holiday Classic on Dec. 29. Appello had handed Day an 8-6 loss in the first round of that tournament.
From there it was all Phillipsburg as sophomore Logan Maczko got the Stateliners on the board and sparked a seven-bout run with a pin of Alex Cameron at 113. Maczko (20-8), who scored a technical fall win over Cameron at Bethlehem Holiday, earned the Easton Lions Club Award as the most aggressive wrestler.
Innamorato (8-14), who has endured his share of struggles this season, turned the match as he locked up a cradle at the edge of the mat and stuck Anthony Daiello in 3:16. That matchup was considered a tossup and the pin came with the score deadlocked at 2. For his efforts, Innamorato received the Brad Weaver Memorial Award -- the first P'burg freshman to do so since Tim Flynn in 1992 -- as the meet's Outstanding Wrestler.
"Joey has the pedigree [one of three current P'burg wrestlers to win a New Jersey Grade School League championship] and we told him to go out and show why he's in our lineup," Post said.
Seniors Bryce Parenti (126), Travis Jones (132), Kyle Tino (138), Luke Hardin (145) and Cody Harrison (152) followed with victories to give P'burg a 34-10 lead through 10 bouts. Senior Austin Roth (195) capped the night by decking Matthew Cruise with a cradle in 5:29.
PHILLIPSBURG 40, EASTON (Pa.) 22
220 -- Sr. Andrew Balukas (18-9), E, md. So. Gage Horvath (12-14), 15-7.
285 -- Sr. Tyler Pellechia (13-7), E, d. Jr. Cody Cruts (8-15), 3-0.
106 -- Fr. Braxton Appello (15-7), E, d. Fr. James Day (19-9), 6-5.
113 -- So. Logan Maczko (20-8), P, p. So. Alex Cameron (6-12), 1:05.
120 -- Fr. Joey Innamorato (8-14), P, p. Jr. Anthony Daiello (8-8), 3:16.
126 -- Sr. Bryce Parenti (19-10), P, d. Jr. Brett Scalzo (12-11), 3-1.
132 -- Sr. Travis Jones (23-3), P, tf. So. Kyron Bryson (12-11), 21-5, 5:30.
138 -- Sr. Kyle Tino (20-9), P, p. Jr. Colby Duffy (7-14), 2:32.
145 -- Sr. Luke Hardin (8-14), P, md. So. Dominick Apgar (1-1), 15-6.
152 -- Sr. Cody Harrison (22-2), P, md. Sr. Jake Koerwitz (14-9), 15-5.
160 -- Sr. Gaven Krazer (15-8), E, md. Sr. TJ Abode (15-11), 10-2.
170 -- So. Isaiah Reinert (17-9), E, tf. Fr. David Pierson (11-13), 15-0, 4:21.
182 -- So. Dominic Falcone (16-7), E, d. Jr. Jacob Wicks (16-10), 5-2.
195 -- Sr. Austin Roth (20-5), P, p. Fr. Matthew Cruise (13-12), 5:29.
Records -- Easton 9-4; Phillipsburg 12-2.
Easton Lions Club Award (Most Aggressive Wrestler) -- Logan Maczko.
Brad Weaver Memorial Award (Outstanding Wrestler) -- Joey Innamorato.
Officials -- Chip Castner and Frank Leitner.
Freshman Joey Innamorato's unexpected pin at 120 pounds was the spark that sent the Stateliners to an impressive 40-22 victory over archrival Easton (Pa.) on Wednesday night in an independent match at Phillipsburg High School.
 |
| P'burg is now 2-0 against Easton (Pa.) in the new gym. |
"We try to put ourselves through a meat grinder of a schedule," Post told Mike Moore of Stateliner Sports, as P'burg was coming off losses to Hunterdon Central (29-27 on Thursday) and Southern (32-16 on Saturday), the Nos. 4 and 8 teams in the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20 poll. "It's tough. It's not easy to weigh-in three times a week and get performances like this. I'm very proud of our guys."
No. 9 Phillipsburg has now won four of the last six meetings against Easton, which owns a 68-14 edge in a series dating to 1947. The 'Liners, who are enjoying their most successful stretch in the series since winning nine in a row from 1963-71, also matched their highest point total against the Red Rovers -- posting a 40-27 win in the first meeting here in 2017.
"We told the guys that if we wrestle like we can, we can put up the most points ever against Easton," said Post, now 4-5 overall as a head coach in the rivalry. "Kudos to them for believing it. The guys are in the right frame of mind where they believe they are going to win."
Easton (9-4), which has dropped the last three meetings in the series on the road, including a 30-23 loss at The Pit in 2015, jumped out to a 10-0 lead. At 106, freshman Braxton Appello posted a 6-5 win in the rubber match against James Day, who scored a 4-3 win in their previous matchup for fifth place at the Bethlehem Holiday Classic on Dec. 29. Appello had handed Day an 8-6 loss in the first round of that tournament.
From there it was all Phillipsburg as sophomore Logan Maczko got the Stateliners on the board and sparked a seven-bout run with a pin of Alex Cameron at 113. Maczko (20-8), who scored a technical fall win over Cameron at Bethlehem Holiday, earned the Easton Lions Club Award as the most aggressive wrestler.
Innamorato (8-14), who has endured his share of struggles this season, turned the match as he locked up a cradle at the edge of the mat and stuck Anthony Daiello in 3:16. That matchup was considered a tossup and the pin came with the score deadlocked at 2. For his efforts, Innamorato received the Brad Weaver Memorial Award -- the first P'burg freshman to do so since Tim Flynn in 1992 -- as the meet's Outstanding Wrestler.
"Joey has the pedigree [one of three current P'burg wrestlers to win a New Jersey Grade School League championship] and we told him to go out and show why he's in our lineup," Post said.
Seniors Bryce Parenti (126), Travis Jones (132), Kyle Tino (138), Luke Hardin (145) and Cody Harrison (152) followed with victories to give P'burg a 34-10 lead through 10 bouts. Senior Austin Roth (195) capped the night by decking Matthew Cruise with a cradle in 5:29.
PHILLIPSBURG 40, EASTON (Pa.) 22
220 -- Sr. Andrew Balukas (18-9), E, md. So. Gage Horvath (12-14), 15-7.
285 -- Sr. Tyler Pellechia (13-7), E, d. Jr. Cody Cruts (8-15), 3-0.
106 -- Fr. Braxton Appello (15-7), E, d. Fr. James Day (19-9), 6-5.
113 -- So. Logan Maczko (20-8), P, p. So. Alex Cameron (6-12), 1:05.
120 -- Fr. Joey Innamorato (8-14), P, p. Jr. Anthony Daiello (8-8), 3:16.
126 -- Sr. Bryce Parenti (19-10), P, d. Jr. Brett Scalzo (12-11), 3-1.
132 -- Sr. Travis Jones (23-3), P, tf. So. Kyron Bryson (12-11), 21-5, 5:30.
138 -- Sr. Kyle Tino (20-9), P, p. Jr. Colby Duffy (7-14), 2:32.
145 -- Sr. Luke Hardin (8-14), P, md. So. Dominick Apgar (1-1), 15-6.
152 -- Sr. Cody Harrison (22-2), P, md. Sr. Jake Koerwitz (14-9), 15-5.
160 -- Sr. Gaven Krazer (15-8), E, md. Sr. TJ Abode (15-11), 10-2.
170 -- So. Isaiah Reinert (17-9), E, tf. Fr. David Pierson (11-13), 15-0, 4:21.
182 -- So. Dominic Falcone (16-7), E, d. Jr. Jacob Wicks (16-10), 5-2.
195 -- Sr. Austin Roth (20-5), P, p. Fr. Matthew Cruise (13-12), 5:29.
Records -- Easton 9-4; Phillipsburg 12-2.
Easton Lions Club Award (Most Aggressive Wrestler) -- Logan Maczko.
Brad Weaver Memorial Award (Outstanding Wrestler) -- Joey Innamorato.
Officials -- Chip Castner and Frank Leitner.
Monday, January 28, 2019
Wrestling: New Jersey Writers Association Top 20
Hunterdon Central continues to hold steady in the No. 4 spot as the highest ranked team among the five Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area representatives in the fifth New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20 poll.
The Red Devils (18-0) held strong after a 29-27 win over No. 9 Phillipsburg on Jan. 24, as sophomore Colton Washleski sparked the victory with a pin in the next-to-last bout at 120 pounds. Coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm's team, which will be the top seed in the upcoming Central Jersey, Group 5 sectional tournament, will visit No. 2 Paulsboro on Thursday.
P'burg (11-2), which will be the top seed in North 2, Group 4, drops two spots following losses to Hunterdon Central and Southern (36-12 on Saturday), which jumps 10 spots to No. 8. Coach Dave Post's team will try to avoid the program's first three-match skid since 2005, when it hosts archrival Easton (Pa.) on Wednesday.
Pope John (12-2) moves back into the top 10 following a 30-27 win over No. 11 High Point on Thursday and a 52-15 rout of No. 18 Seton Hall Prep on Monday. Coach Mark Piotrowsky's Lions will be the top seed as it seeks back-to-back Non-Public North B titles.
High Point (11-2), the NJAC Freedom Division champion, bounced back from the loss to Pope John by sweeping a quad on Saturday. Coach John Gardner's Wildcats will be the top seed in North 1, Group 2 as the program seeks its Sussex County-best 27th sectional title and back-to-back Group 2 championships.
North Hunterdon (15-2), which will be the No. 2 seed in North 2, Group 4, stayed hot with five wins last week, including a 39-27 victory over unranked Newton on Saturday. Coach Chris Hrunka's team, which sits in the No. 12 spot, also beat his alma mater as the Lions rolled to a 40-18 victory over Warren Hills on Friday.
Bergen Catholic (8-2), the seven-time defending Non-Public A champion, is the consensus No 1 for a fifth straight week. The Crusaders dropped a 45-20 decision to Blair Academy on Saturday.
Note: Records are through Monday's matches.
Also receiving votes: Mendham (10-2); West Morris (8-5); DePaul (8-3); Don Bosco Prep (7-3)
NJWWA voting members listed in alphabetical order: Donald J. Brower (gardenstatehswrestling.com); Frank D’Esposito (theshoreconference.com; Steven Falk (Asbury Park Press and APP.com); Sean Farrell (The Record of Hackensack and NorthJersey.com); Jane Havsy (Daily Record and DailyRecord.com); “Screwy” Louie Lazzari (New Jersey wrestling historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times and phillyburbs.com); Ron Mazzola (NJWWA president and Region V ranking chairman); Tom McGurk (Courier Post of Cherry Hill); Andy Mendlowitz (Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com); Michael Weilamann (Open Mike).
The Red Devils (18-0) held strong after a 29-27 win over No. 9 Phillipsburg on Jan. 24, as sophomore Colton Washleski sparked the victory with a pin in the next-to-last bout at 120 pounds. Coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm's team, which will be the top seed in the upcoming Central Jersey, Group 5 sectional tournament, will visit No. 2 Paulsboro on Thursday.
P'burg (11-2), which will be the top seed in North 2, Group 4, drops two spots following losses to Hunterdon Central and Southern (36-12 on Saturday), which jumps 10 spots to No. 8. Coach Dave Post's team will try to avoid the program's first three-match skid since 2005, when it hosts archrival Easton (Pa.) on Wednesday.Pope John (12-2) moves back into the top 10 following a 30-27 win over No. 11 High Point on Thursday and a 52-15 rout of No. 18 Seton Hall Prep on Monday. Coach Mark Piotrowsky's Lions will be the top seed as it seeks back-to-back Non-Public North B titles.
High Point (11-2), the NJAC Freedom Division champion, bounced back from the loss to Pope John by sweeping a quad on Saturday. Coach John Gardner's Wildcats will be the top seed in North 1, Group 2 as the program seeks its Sussex County-best 27th sectional title and back-to-back Group 2 championships.
North Hunterdon (15-2), which will be the No. 2 seed in North 2, Group 4, stayed hot with five wins last week, including a 39-27 victory over unranked Newton on Saturday. Coach Chris Hrunka's team, which sits in the No. 12 spot, also beat his alma mater as the Lions rolled to a 40-18 victory over Warren Hills on Friday.
Note: Records are through Monday's matches.
NJWWA voting members listed in alphabetical order: Donald J. Brower (gardenstatehswrestling.com); Frank D’Esposito (theshoreconference.com; Steven Falk (Asbury Park Press and APP.com); Sean Farrell (The Record of Hackensack and NorthJersey.com); Jane Havsy (Daily Record and DailyRecord.com); “Screwy” Louie Lazzari (New Jersey wrestling historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times and phillyburbs.com); Ron Mazzola (NJWWA president and Region V ranking chairman); Tom McGurk (Courier Post of Cherry Hill); Andy Mendlowitz (Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com); Michael Weilamann (Open Mike).
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Wrestling: HC, Fernandes stay on top (HWS ranks)
Hunterdon Central figured to be one of the most balanced teams in the state coming into this season. But injuries, along with a key wrestler leaving the team, have tested the Red Devils' mettle.
But a thrilling 29-27 win over Phillipsburg on Thursday night showed that Hunterdon Central (18-0), ranked No. 4 in the New Jersey Writers Association Top 20, still has some major firepower as it gears up for a postseason run, starting with the Central Jersey, Group 5 sectional tournament next Monday.
"They are solid, more balanced than last year," P'burg coach Dave Post said following his team's first loss in 26 matches at the school's new gym, which opened in 2016-17.
Sophomore Colton Washleski was among the heroes for Central, as his pin at 120 pounds put the Red Devils in position to win with one bout to go. Sophomore Brett Ungar had set the stage with a technical fall two bouts earlier at 106, while senior Dan Furmato (170), who has been battling a right shoulder injury all season, logged a critical major decision with a takedown (Central won the takedown battle, 22-8) and three back points in the final 18 seconds of his bout.
"We talked about getting bonus points [eight overall] in certain areas, and I think we did that," said Washleski, who sunk in an arm bar with a tilt for the surprising pin after trailing P'burg freshman Joey Innamorato, 2-1, through one period.
Making the win even more impressive was the absence of sophomore Norman Cella (160), who sustained a right knee injury the previous night against Hanover Park. Cella (19-3) was sporting a brace and he participated in warmups, but decided he couldn't go shortly before taking the mat. He didn't compete in Saturday's quad at home.
"I told they guys how proud I am to coach this group, and to be at Hunterdon Central," said Red Devils coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm, whose team will face a monumental challenge against No. 2 Paulsboro on Thursday. "We didn't know [Cella was definitely out] until [warmups]. He was trying everything he could to go."
Now the big question is can Hunterdon Central, which has won one state title in its history (Group 4 in 1989), achieve its ultimate goal of winning Group 5? No. 3 Howell, which has won the previous two titles, beating Central in the 2017 championship match and in last year's section final, is a heavy favorite. But Cantagallo-Rohm still feels his team has a chance against the Rebels, who will have to get past a solid Southern team, which won nine bouts against Phillipsburg on Saturday, in the South Jersey, Group 5 sectional final.
Sectional pairings and seeds will be me made official on Tuesday.
"We have a scrappy group of kids who are hard workers," said Cantagallo-Rohm, who picked up his 100th career win on Saturday.
Voorhees senior Lewis Fernandes (285) and Belvidere senior Quinn Melofchik (113) are nearing history as the returning state medal winners are just a few wins shy of becoming the all-time leaders at their schools.
Fernandes (28-0), a returning state champion at heavyweight, enters the week 134-22 overall, and he needs two wins to pass former three-time placewinner Jadaen Bernstein (135-19 from 2009-13) atop the Vikes' list.
Melofchik (18-1), who finished seventh in the state at 106 last season, is 126-17 overall and is six victories shy of surpassing Dylan Thorsen (131-15 from 2008-12) atop the County Seaters' list.
Now, onto this week's rankings:
1. Hunterdon Central (18-0) -- Red Devils knocked off state-ranked Hanover Park (41-22 on Wednesday) and Phillipsburg (29-27 on Thursday) before sweeping a quad at home on Saturday against Kingsway (46-21), Rancocas Valley (51-18) and Bound Brook (45-25). The latter victory clinched the Skyland Conference Delaware Division title. Senior Vincent Romaniello (22-4 at 152) moved into the top 10 on the school's all-time wins list at 109-31.
Up next: Voorhees at home on Wednesday; at Paulsboro on Thursday.
2. Phillipsburg (11-2) -- Stateliners clinched the Skyland Conference Raritan Division title with a 51-18 win at Ridge before dropping their first two duals of the season -- 29-27 to Hunterdon Central on Thursday and 32-16 to Southern, which owns a 7-5 edge in the series, in an independent clash on Saturday. Senior Cody Harrison (21-2), a Rutgers recruit, took his first loss in New Jersey this season -- 11-3 to Southern state medalist Nick O'Connell at 152.
Up next: Easton (Pa.) at home on Wednesday; at Delaware Valley on Friday; at Ocean Township on Saturday.
3. Pope John (11-2) -- Lions opened last week with a 37-20 win over Montville on Tuesday in an NJAC American Division clash and closed it out with back-to-back wins over state-ranked St. Peter's Prep (37-28 on Wednesday) and High Point (30-27 on Thursday). Junior Eddie Ventresca (25-1 at 120), a Virginia Tech recruit, hit the century mark at 102-12 overall.
Up next: at Seton Hall Prep on Monday; at North Warren on Wednesday.
4. High Point (11-2) -- 'Cats secured the NJAC Freedom Division title with a 39-27 win over Newton on Tuesday, while coach John Gardner's team bounced back from a tough 30-27 loss to Pope John on Thursday by sweeping a quad on Saturday with victories over Cranford (43-24) and Lenape Valley (64-7) and Cedar Grove (59-15). Seniors Devin Flannery and Brandon LaRue hit 90 career wins.
Up next: West Morris at home on Friday.
5. North Hunterdon (15-2) -- Lions kept rolling with wins over Montgomery (75-6 on Wednesday) and Warren Hills (40-18 on Friday) before sweeping a quad on Saturday, including a hard-fought 39-27 over Newton. Coach Chris Hrunka's team also cruised past Westfield (46-18) and North Warren (72-0). Senior Michael Wilson (24-2 at 160) earned his 70th career win on Saturday.
Up next: Brearley-Dayton at home on Tuesday; Hillsborough at home on Wednesday; Bernards and Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Saturday.
6. Newton (11-6) -- Braves bounced back from a 39-27 loss at High Point on Tuesday with a 49-9 thumping of Lenape Valley on Wednesday. Seniors Matthew Rosa (132) and Michael Freda (138) posted quality victories in a 39-27 loss to North Hunterdon, while Luke Fischer (26-0 at 220) aided wins over Westfield (35-31) and North Warren (58-12).
Up next: New Brunswick at home on Wednesday; Roxbury at home on Friday.
7. Warren Hills (13-3) -- Blue Streaks suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season -- 35-31 at Mount Olive in an independent match on Tuesday and 40-18 to North Hunterdon on Friday in a Skyland Conference cross-divisional clash. Senior Nick Galka (22-3 at 220) is six wins shy of 100 for his career. Streaks aiming to snap a two-match skid in the series with Del Val.
Up next: at Delaware Valley on Wednesday; Hackettstown at home on Friday.
8. Kittatinny (12-7) -- Cougars scored a 36-31 win over Jefferson on Tuesday in an NJAC Freedom Division clash and capped the week with a 34-33 victory over Sparta on Friday. Sophomore Jackson Crawn (24-4) had a key win at 195 against the Falcons, while coach John Gill's team avoided bonus points in the final bout against the Spartans.
Up next: Hanover Park at home on Tuesday.
9. Voorhees (18-4) -- Vikings capped a 5-0 week by sweeping a quad with wins over Fort Lee (56-18), Livingston (37-21) and host Belvidere (56-10) on Saturday. Fernandes sat due to match limits after he posted an impressive 15-0 technical fall win over Jervey Sistrunk, who placed third in the state last season, on Friday.
Up next: at Hunterdon Central on Wednesday; Manville at home on Friday.
Up next: Warren Hills at home on Wednesday; Phillipsburg at home on Friday.
But a thrilling 29-27 win over Phillipsburg on Thursday night showed that Hunterdon Central (18-0), ranked No. 4 in the New Jersey Writers Association Top 20, still has some major firepower as it gears up for a postseason run, starting with the Central Jersey, Group 5 sectional tournament next Monday.
"They are solid, more balanced than last year," P'burg coach Dave Post said following his team's first loss in 26 matches at the school's new gym, which opened in 2016-17.
Sophomore Colton Washleski was among the heroes for Central, as his pin at 120 pounds put the Red Devils in position to win with one bout to go. Sophomore Brett Ungar had set the stage with a technical fall two bouts earlier at 106, while senior Dan Furmato (170), who has been battling a right shoulder injury all season, logged a critical major decision with a takedown (Central won the takedown battle, 22-8) and three back points in the final 18 seconds of his bout.
"We talked about getting bonus points [eight overall] in certain areas, and I think we did that," said Washleski, who sunk in an arm bar with a tilt for the surprising pin after trailing P'burg freshman Joey Innamorato, 2-1, through one period.
Making the win even more impressive was the absence of sophomore Norman Cella (160), who sustained a right knee injury the previous night against Hanover Park. Cella (19-3) was sporting a brace and he participated in warmups, but decided he couldn't go shortly before taking the mat. He didn't compete in Saturday's quad at home.
"I told they guys how proud I am to coach this group, and to be at Hunterdon Central," said Red Devils coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm, whose team will face a monumental challenge against No. 2 Paulsboro on Thursday. "We didn't know [Cella was definitely out] until [warmups]. He was trying everything he could to go."
Now the big question is can Hunterdon Central, which has won one state title in its history (Group 4 in 1989), achieve its ultimate goal of winning Group 5? No. 3 Howell, which has won the previous two titles, beating Central in the 2017 championship match and in last year's section final, is a heavy favorite. But Cantagallo-Rohm still feels his team has a chance against the Rebels, who will have to get past a solid Southern team, which won nine bouts against Phillipsburg on Saturday, in the South Jersey, Group 5 sectional final.
Sectional pairings and seeds will be me made official on Tuesday.
"We have a scrappy group of kids who are hard workers," said Cantagallo-Rohm, who picked up his 100th career win on Saturday.
Record pace
 |
| Lewis Fernandes is riding a 71-match win streak. |
Fernandes (28-0), a returning state champion at heavyweight, enters the week 134-22 overall, and he needs two wins to pass former three-time placewinner Jadaen Bernstein (135-19 from 2009-13) atop the Vikes' list.
Melofchik (18-1), who finished seventh in the state at 106 last season, is 126-17 overall and is six victories shy of surpassing Dylan Thorsen (131-15 from 2008-12) atop the County Seaters' list.
Now, onto this week's rankings:
1. Hunterdon Central (18-0) -- Red Devils knocked off state-ranked Hanover Park (41-22 on Wednesday) and Phillipsburg (29-27 on Thursday) before sweeping a quad at home on Saturday against Kingsway (46-21), Rancocas Valley (51-18) and Bound Brook (45-25). The latter victory clinched the Skyland Conference Delaware Division title. Senior Vincent Romaniello (22-4 at 152) moved into the top 10 on the school's all-time wins list at 109-31.
Up next: Voorhees at home on Wednesday; at Paulsboro on Thursday.
2. Phillipsburg (11-2) -- Stateliners clinched the Skyland Conference Raritan Division title with a 51-18 win at Ridge before dropping their first two duals of the season -- 29-27 to Hunterdon Central on Thursday and 32-16 to Southern, which owns a 7-5 edge in the series, in an independent clash on Saturday. Senior Cody Harrison (21-2), a Rutgers recruit, took his first loss in New Jersey this season -- 11-3 to Southern state medalist Nick O'Connell at 152.
Up next: Easton (Pa.) at home on Wednesday; at Delaware Valley on Friday; at Ocean Township on Saturday.
3. Pope John (11-2) -- Lions opened last week with a 37-20 win over Montville on Tuesday in an NJAC American Division clash and closed it out with back-to-back wins over state-ranked St. Peter's Prep (37-28 on Wednesday) and High Point (30-27 on Thursday). Junior Eddie Ventresca (25-1 at 120), a Virginia Tech recruit, hit the century mark at 102-12 overall.
Up next: at Seton Hall Prep on Monday; at North Warren on Wednesday.
4. High Point (11-2) -- 'Cats secured the NJAC Freedom Division title with a 39-27 win over Newton on Tuesday, while coach John Gardner's team bounced back from a tough 30-27 loss to Pope John on Thursday by sweeping a quad on Saturday with victories over Cranford (43-24) and Lenape Valley (64-7) and Cedar Grove (59-15). Seniors Devin Flannery and Brandon LaRue hit 90 career wins.
Up next: West Morris at home on Friday.
5. North Hunterdon (15-2) -- Lions kept rolling with wins over Montgomery (75-6 on Wednesday) and Warren Hills (40-18 on Friday) before sweeping a quad on Saturday, including a hard-fought 39-27 over Newton. Coach Chris Hrunka's team also cruised past Westfield (46-18) and North Warren (72-0). Senior Michael Wilson (24-2 at 160) earned his 70th career win on Saturday.
Up next: Brearley-Dayton at home on Tuesday; Hillsborough at home on Wednesday; Bernards and Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Saturday.
6. Newton (11-6) -- Braves bounced back from a 39-27 loss at High Point on Tuesday with a 49-9 thumping of Lenape Valley on Wednesday. Seniors Matthew Rosa (132) and Michael Freda (138) posted quality victories in a 39-27 loss to North Hunterdon, while Luke Fischer (26-0 at 220) aided wins over Westfield (35-31) and North Warren (58-12).
Up next: New Brunswick at home on Wednesday; Roxbury at home on Friday.
7. Warren Hills (13-3) -- Blue Streaks suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season -- 35-31 at Mount Olive in an independent match on Tuesday and 40-18 to North Hunterdon on Friday in a Skyland Conference cross-divisional clash. Senior Nick Galka (22-3 at 220) is six wins shy of 100 for his career. Streaks aiming to snap a two-match skid in the series with Del Val.
Up next: at Delaware Valley on Wednesday; Hackettstown at home on Friday.
8. Kittatinny (12-7) -- Cougars scored a 36-31 win over Jefferson on Tuesday in an NJAC Freedom Division clash and capped the week with a 34-33 victory over Sparta on Friday. Sophomore Jackson Crawn (24-4) had a key win at 195 against the Falcons, while coach John Gill's team avoided bonus points in the final bout against the Spartans.
Up next: Hanover Park at home on Tuesday.
9. Voorhees (18-4) -- Vikings capped a 5-0 week by sweeping a quad with wins over Fort Lee (56-18), Livingston (37-21) and host Belvidere (56-10) on Saturday. Fernandes sat due to match limits after he posted an impressive 15-0 technical fall win over Jervey Sistrunk, who placed third in the state last season, on Friday.
Up next: at Hunterdon Central on Wednesday; Manville at home on Friday.
10. Delaware Valley (9-5) -- Terriers also went 5-0 last week, sweeping a quad on Saturday with lopsided wins over Bridgewater-Raritan (61-15), Montgomery (66-9) and West Orange (46-15). Coach Andy Fitz's team, which figures to contend for the North 2, Group 1 sectional title, looks to make it three straight vs. Warren Hills, which has lost 16 of the previous 18 meetings since 1999.Big week for DV Wrestling. At home vs Warren Hills on Wednesday and home again on Friday vs PBurg. Both matches start at 7PM. pic.twitter.com/vmfLPVhvPU— Del Val Wrestling (@DVRWrestling) January 29, 2019
Up next: Warren Hills at home on Wednesday; Phillipsburg at home on Friday.
Wrestling: Pairings, seeds for sectional tournaments
High Point, Phillipsburg and Hunterdon Central earned No. 1 seeds in their respective sections in the unofficial final set of weekly power points. The top eight schools in each section qualify for the tournaments that begin on Monday, Feb. 4.
The semifinals will be contested on Wednesday, Feb. 6, and the sectional finals on Friday, Feb. 8. The four public school champions advance to the Group championships on Sunday, Feb. 10 at Toms River North High School.
High Point (11-2), the defending Group 2 champion which is looking to add to its Sussex County-best 26 sectional titles, is the favorite in North 1, Group 2, while Newton (11-6), which is seeking its third sectional title and first since winning back-to-back championships in North 1, Group 1 in 2009-10, is the No. 2 seed and owns a 44-16 win over No. 3 Jefferson.
Phillipsburg (11-2) is the top seed in North 2, Group 4 with North Hunterdon (15-2), which dropped a a 30-24 decision to the Stateliners on Jan. 16, as the No. 2 seed. P'burg seeks the program's 38th sectional title and a sixth consecutive Group 4 championship.
Hunterdon Central (18-0), which has won 21 sectional titles, is the top seed in Central Jersey, Group 5, while Pope John, which won its first sectional title since 1994 last season, is the No. 1 seed in Non-Public North B.
In North 2, Group 3, Warren Hills and Voorhees will meet in the opening round as the Nos. 4 and 5 seeds in that section. The Blue Streaks (13-3) handed the Vikes a 37-19 loss on Dec. 19.
Delaware Valley is the top seed in North 2, Group 1, as the Terriers dropped from Group 2 for the first time in program history this season. Belvidere is the No. 7 seed in that section. Kittatinny is the No. 2 seed in North 1, Group 1.
In all, 15 of the 18 teams from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area are among the top eight in their respective sections.
HWS schools in bold (Records through Sunday):
NORTH 1
Group 5
8-Morristown (7-8, 25.90) at 1-Passaic Tech (13-2, 29.30)
5-West Orange (10-4, 26.50) at 4-North Bergen (10-8, 27.40)
6-Livingston (8-8, 26.20) at 3-Bloomfield (15-5, 26.60)
7-Montclair (12-5, 26.00) at 2-Clifton (11-6, 28.00)
Group 4
8-Morris Knolls (10-5, 27.20) at 1-Roxbury (9-6, 35.30)
5-Fair Lawn (10-6, 28.40) at 4-Kearny (12-4, 28.70)
6-Wayne Hills (10-5, 27.70) at 3-Mount Olive (11-2, 29.90)
7-Morris Hills (8-7, 27.40) at 2-Wayne Valley (14-4, 31.10)
Group 3
8-Teaneck (7-9, 24.80) at 1-Montville (10-4, 31.20)
5-River Dell (14-5, 27.30) at 4-Pascack Valley (11-6, 27.60)
6-Paramus (9-6, 26.00) at 3-West Milford (11-7, 28.30)
7-Sparta (5-14, 25.90) at 2-Old Tappan (16-6, 28.40)
Group 2
8-Ramsey (9-7, 26.00) at 1-High Point (11-2, 36.80)
5-Pequannock (9-7, 27.00) at 4-Westwood (12-8, 29.50)
6-Glen Rock (10-5, 26.40) at 3-Jefferson (14-5, 30.90)
7-Pascack Hills (12-5, 26.30) at 2-Newton (11-6, 31.50)
Group 1
8-Boonton (7-7, 24.80) at 1-Emerson-Park Ridge (13-4, 31.40)
5-Kinnelon (7-8, 26.70) at 4-Butler (14-2, 28.50)
6-North Warren (9-9, 26.40) at 3-Pompton Lakes (12-3, 27.50)
7-Cresskill (14-3, 26.20) at 2-Kittatinny (12-7, 31.10)
NORTH 2
Group 5
8-Bridgewater-Raritan (7-9, 25.40) at 1-Watchung Hills (10-1, 29.80)
5-Plainfield (13-5, 26.90) at 4-Ridge (10-6, 26.90)
6-Bayonne (11-9, 26.00) at 3-Piscataway (8-6, 27.50)
7-Elizabeth (8-11, 25.70) at 2-Westfield (9-2, 28.10)
Group 4
8-Linden (10-7, 25.90) at 1-Phillipsburg (11-2, 36.80)
5-Woodbridge (10-4, 26.90) at 4-Cranford (11-4, 28.90)
6-Scotch Plains-Fanwood (10-11, 26.70) at 3-Middletown North (9-7, 32.40)
7-Middletown South (7-11, 26.30) at 2-North Hunterdon (15-2, 36.60)
Group 3
8-Lyndhurst-North Arlington (10-6, 25.50) at 1-Mendham (10-2, 32.60)
5-Voorhees (18-4, 28.90) at 4-Warren Hills (13-3, 29.20)
6-Nutley (13-5, 26.60) at 3-West Essex (13-4, 29.90)
7-Bogota-Ridgefield Park (8-9, 25.70) at 2-West Morris (8-5, 34.40)
Group 2
8-Madison (7-6, 25.30) at 1-Hanover Park (8-5, 35.40)
5-Elmwood Park (13-6, 26.40) at 4-Verona (11-5, 26.40)
6-Lenape Valley (7-11, 26.20) at 3-Lodi (10-4, 26.50)
7-Hackettstown (7-9, 25.30) at 2-Bernards (11-7, 27.40)
Group 1
8-Secaucus (4-15, 21.10) at 1-Delaware Valley (9-5, 28.50)
5-Weehawken (7-7, 25.00) at 4-Bound Brook (4-11, 26.40)
6-Cedar Grove (3-14, 23.40) at 3-Roselle Park (11-4, 26.70)
7-Belvidere (5-5, 23.10) at 2-Whippany Park (11-6, 28.30)
CENTRAL
Group 5
8-New Brunswick (11-8, 26.30) at 1-Hunterdon Central (18-0, 38.60)
5-Edison (8-6, 26.60) at 4-Sayreville (19-0, 29.00)
6-Marlboro (12-6, 27.40) at 3-Monroe Township (12-2, 29.70)
7-Freehold Township (8-9, 26.60) at 2-Manalapan (16-4, 33.00)
Group 4
8-Princeton (3-11, 23.10) at 1-Jackson Memorial (11-4, 33.70)
5-Northern Burlington (16-4, 29.80) at 4-Long Branch (15-2, 30.70)
6-Hightstown (15-5, 27.90) at 3-Brick Memorial (12-5, 31.40)
7-Freehold Boro (6-8, 26.20) at 2-Colts Neck (12-3, 31.50)
Group 3
8-Nottingham (7-13, 25.80) at 1-Ocean Township (12-6, 32.40)
5-Wall Township (8-3, 26.80) at 4-Allentown (14-8, 27.10)
6-Lawrence (15-6, 26.50) at 3-Rahway (10-2, 27.30)
7-Red Bank Regional (11-7, 26.50) at 2-Hopewell Valley (14-5, 30.10)
Group 2
8-Metuchen (11-2, 26.30) at 1-South Plainfield (17-2, 35.10)
5-Delran (19-6, 29.10) at 4-Point Pleasant Boro (9-3, 30.10)
6-Holmdel (18-8, 28.60) at 3-Rumson-Fair Haven (11-5, 31.30)
7-Robbinsville (10-9, 27.10) at 2-Raritan (11-4, 34.20)
Group 1
8-Highland Park (4-15, 20.70) at 1-Shore Regional (17-1, 30.70)
5-New Egypt (9-9, 25.90) at 4-Spotswood (9-6, 26.10)
6-Keansburg (6-9, 23.80) at 3-Manville (15-3, 26.50)
7-Burlington City (6-9, 21.20) at 2-Point Pleasant Beach (17-4, 28.40)
SOUTH
Group 5
8-Washington Township (8-7, 27.50) at 1-Southern (11-4, 38.60)
5-Williamstown (15-6, 29.70) at 4-Cherokee (14-6, 29.70)
6-Eastern (14-2, 29.60) at 3-Toms River North (13-2, 35.80)
7-Rancocas Valley (15-5, 28.70) at 2-Howell (19-0, 36.10)
Group 4
8-Pennsauken (7-14, 26.00) at 1-Kingsway (11-7, 33.70)
5-Central Regional (10-10, 27.00) at 4-Cherry Hill West (17-3, 30.00)
6-Hammonton (12-6, 26.80) at 3-Highland (9-7, 30.50)
7-Moorestown (5-10, 26.00) at 2-Clearview (17-1, 32.60)
Group 3
8-Burlington Township (9-9, 25.40) at 1-Lacey Township (14-2, 31.80)
5-Timber Creek (9-16, 26.70) at 4-Lakewood (13-8, 26.70)
6-Seneca (12-7, 26.30) at 3-Gateway-Woodbury (16-4, 28.40)
7-Absegami (7-10, 25.80) at 2-Delsea (9-10, 30.30)
Group 2
8-Sterling (9-6, 26.40) at 1-West Deptford (19-4, 31.10)
5-Barnegat (12-6, 26.90) at 4-Clayton-Glassboro (12-5, 27.20)
6-Collingswood (12-5, 26.20) at 3-Oakcrest (8-5, 27.50)
7-Haddon Heights (11-5, 26.10) at 2-Haddonfield (17-3, 27.90)
Group 1
8-Pitman (12-7, 24.90) at 1-Paulsboro (14-0, 34.40)
5-Haddon Township (12-4, 27.60) at 4-Pennsville (12-4, 27.70)
6-Gloucester City (9-6, 25.50) at 3-Buena (11-6, 29.60)
7-Audubon (7-7, 25.10) at 2-Woodstown (8-5, 29.70)
NON-PUBLIC
North A
5-Seton Hall Prep (10-2, 30.10) at 4-St. Peter's Prep (13-3, 30.13) winner at 1-Delbarton (12-1, 36.10)
6-Don Bosco Prep (7-3, 27.70) at 3-St. Joseph-Montvale (10-3, 31.60)
7-Paramus Catholic (13-5, 27.90) at 2-Bergen Catholic (8-2, 34.00)
North B
4-Pingry (3-10, 21.90) at 1-Pope John (11-2, 35.70)
3-Bishop Ahr (11-4, 26.70) at 2-DePaul (8-3, 29.60)
South A
5-Christian Brothers Academy (2-12, 23.20) at 4-Notre Dame (8-8, 24.80) winner at 1-St. Augustine (11-4), 31.00
6-Paul VI-Haddonfield (3-13, 22.10) at 3-Red Bank Catholic (6-10, 25.10) winner at 2-St. John Vianney (7-3, 27.30)
South B
5-St. Rose (0-20, 17.90) at 4-St. Joseph-Hammonton (3-16, 21.50) winner at 1-Camden Catholic (15-2, 31.40)
6-Holy Cross (0-14, 15.90) at 3-Donovan Catholic (5-14, 23.60) winner at 2-Holy Spirit (8-13, 25.80)
The semifinals will be contested on Wednesday, Feb. 6, and the sectional finals on Friday, Feb. 8. The four public school champions advance to the Group championships on Sunday, Feb. 10 at Toms River North High School.
High Point (11-2), the defending Group 2 champion which is looking to add to its Sussex County-best 26 sectional titles, is the favorite in North 1, Group 2, while Newton (11-6), which is seeking its third sectional title and first since winning back-to-back championships in North 1, Group 1 in 2009-10, is the No. 2 seed and owns a 44-16 win over No. 3 Jefferson.Phillipsburg (11-2) is the top seed in North 2, Group 4 with North Hunterdon (15-2), which dropped a a 30-24 decision to the Stateliners on Jan. 16, as the No. 2 seed. P'burg seeks the program's 38th sectional title and a sixth consecutive Group 4 championship.
Hunterdon Central (18-0), which has won 21 sectional titles, is the top seed in Central Jersey, Group 5, while Pope John, which won its first sectional title since 1994 last season, is the No. 1 seed in Non-Public North B.
In North 2, Group 3, Warren Hills and Voorhees will meet in the opening round as the Nos. 4 and 5 seeds in that section. The Blue Streaks (13-3) handed the Vikes a 37-19 loss on Dec. 19.
Delaware Valley is the top seed in North 2, Group 1, as the Terriers dropped from Group 2 for the first time in program history this season. Belvidere is the No. 7 seed in that section. Kittatinny is the No. 2 seed in North 1, Group 1.
In all, 15 of the 18 teams from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area are among the top eight in their respective sections.
HWS schools in bold (Records through Sunday):
NORTH 1
Group 5
8-Morristown (7-8, 25.90) at 1-Passaic Tech (13-2, 29.30)
5-West Orange (10-4, 26.50) at 4-North Bergen (10-8, 27.40)
6-Livingston (8-8, 26.20) at 3-Bloomfield (15-5, 26.60)
7-Montclair (12-5, 26.00) at 2-Clifton (11-6, 28.00)
Group 4
8-Morris Knolls (10-5, 27.20) at 1-Roxbury (9-6, 35.30)
5-Fair Lawn (10-6, 28.40) at 4-Kearny (12-4, 28.70)
6-Wayne Hills (10-5, 27.70) at 3-Mount Olive (11-2, 29.90)
7-Morris Hills (8-7, 27.40) at 2-Wayne Valley (14-4, 31.10)
Group 3
8-Teaneck (7-9, 24.80) at 1-Montville (10-4, 31.20)
5-River Dell (14-5, 27.30) at 4-Pascack Valley (11-6, 27.60)
6-Paramus (9-6, 26.00) at 3-West Milford (11-7, 28.30)
7-Sparta (5-14, 25.90) at 2-Old Tappan (16-6, 28.40)
Group 2
8-Ramsey (9-7, 26.00) at 1-High Point (11-2, 36.80)
5-Pequannock (9-7, 27.00) at 4-Westwood (12-8, 29.50)
6-Glen Rock (10-5, 26.40) at 3-Jefferson (14-5, 30.90)
7-Pascack Hills (12-5, 26.30) at 2-Newton (11-6, 31.50)
Group 1
8-Boonton (7-7, 24.80) at 1-Emerson-Park Ridge (13-4, 31.40)
5-Kinnelon (7-8, 26.70) at 4-Butler (14-2, 28.50)
6-North Warren (9-9, 26.40) at 3-Pompton Lakes (12-3, 27.50)
7-Cresskill (14-3, 26.20) at 2-Kittatinny (12-7, 31.10)
NORTH 2
Group 5
8-Bridgewater-Raritan (7-9, 25.40) at 1-Watchung Hills (10-1, 29.80)
5-Plainfield (13-5, 26.90) at 4-Ridge (10-6, 26.90)
6-Bayonne (11-9, 26.00) at 3-Piscataway (8-6, 27.50)
7-Elizabeth (8-11, 25.70) at 2-Westfield (9-2, 28.10)
Group 4
8-Linden (10-7, 25.90) at 1-Phillipsburg (11-2, 36.80)
5-Woodbridge (10-4, 26.90) at 4-Cranford (11-4, 28.90)
6-Scotch Plains-Fanwood (10-11, 26.70) at 3-Middletown North (9-7, 32.40)
7-Middletown South (7-11, 26.30) at 2-North Hunterdon (15-2, 36.60)
Group 3
8-Lyndhurst-North Arlington (10-6, 25.50) at 1-Mendham (10-2, 32.60)
5-Voorhees (18-4, 28.90) at 4-Warren Hills (13-3, 29.20)
6-Nutley (13-5, 26.60) at 3-West Essex (13-4, 29.90)
7-Bogota-Ridgefield Park (8-9, 25.70) at 2-West Morris (8-5, 34.40)
Group 2
8-Madison (7-6, 25.30) at 1-Hanover Park (8-5, 35.40)
5-Elmwood Park (13-6, 26.40) at 4-Verona (11-5, 26.40)
6-Lenape Valley (7-11, 26.20) at 3-Lodi (10-4, 26.50)
7-Hackettstown (7-9, 25.30) at 2-Bernards (11-7, 27.40)
Group 1
8-Secaucus (4-15, 21.10) at 1-Delaware Valley (9-5, 28.50)
5-Weehawken (7-7, 25.00) at 4-Bound Brook (4-11, 26.40)
6-Cedar Grove (3-14, 23.40) at 3-Roselle Park (11-4, 26.70)
7-Belvidere (5-5, 23.10) at 2-Whippany Park (11-6, 28.30)
CENTRAL
Group 5
8-New Brunswick (11-8, 26.30) at 1-Hunterdon Central (18-0, 38.60)
5-Edison (8-6, 26.60) at 4-Sayreville (19-0, 29.00)
6-Marlboro (12-6, 27.40) at 3-Monroe Township (12-2, 29.70)
7-Freehold Township (8-9, 26.60) at 2-Manalapan (16-4, 33.00)
Group 4
8-Princeton (3-11, 23.10) at 1-Jackson Memorial (11-4, 33.70)
5-Northern Burlington (16-4, 29.80) at 4-Long Branch (15-2, 30.70)
6-Hightstown (15-5, 27.90) at 3-Brick Memorial (12-5, 31.40)
7-Freehold Boro (6-8, 26.20) at 2-Colts Neck (12-3, 31.50)
Group 3
8-Nottingham (7-13, 25.80) at 1-Ocean Township (12-6, 32.40)
5-Wall Township (8-3, 26.80) at 4-Allentown (14-8, 27.10)
6-Lawrence (15-6, 26.50) at 3-Rahway (10-2, 27.30)
7-Red Bank Regional (11-7, 26.50) at 2-Hopewell Valley (14-5, 30.10)
Group 2
8-Metuchen (11-2, 26.30) at 1-South Plainfield (17-2, 35.10)
5-Delran (19-6, 29.10) at 4-Point Pleasant Boro (9-3, 30.10)
6-Holmdel (18-8, 28.60) at 3-Rumson-Fair Haven (11-5, 31.30)
7-Robbinsville (10-9, 27.10) at 2-Raritan (11-4, 34.20)
Group 1
8-Highland Park (4-15, 20.70) at 1-Shore Regional (17-1, 30.70)
5-New Egypt (9-9, 25.90) at 4-Spotswood (9-6, 26.10)
6-Keansburg (6-9, 23.80) at 3-Manville (15-3, 26.50)
7-Burlington City (6-9, 21.20) at 2-Point Pleasant Beach (17-4, 28.40)
SOUTH
Group 5
8-Washington Township (8-7, 27.50) at 1-Southern (11-4, 38.60)
5-Williamstown (15-6, 29.70) at 4-Cherokee (14-6, 29.70)
6-Eastern (14-2, 29.60) at 3-Toms River North (13-2, 35.80)
7-Rancocas Valley (15-5, 28.70) at 2-Howell (19-0, 36.10)
Group 4
8-Pennsauken (7-14, 26.00) at 1-Kingsway (11-7, 33.70)
5-Central Regional (10-10, 27.00) at 4-Cherry Hill West (17-3, 30.00)
6-Hammonton (12-6, 26.80) at 3-Highland (9-7, 30.50)
7-Moorestown (5-10, 26.00) at 2-Clearview (17-1, 32.60)
Group 3
8-Burlington Township (9-9, 25.40) at 1-Lacey Township (14-2, 31.80)
5-Timber Creek (9-16, 26.70) at 4-Lakewood (13-8, 26.70)
6-Seneca (12-7, 26.30) at 3-Gateway-Woodbury (16-4, 28.40)
7-Absegami (7-10, 25.80) at 2-Delsea (9-10, 30.30)
Group 2
8-Sterling (9-6, 26.40) at 1-West Deptford (19-4, 31.10)
5-Barnegat (12-6, 26.90) at 4-Clayton-Glassboro (12-5, 27.20)
6-Collingswood (12-5, 26.20) at 3-Oakcrest (8-5, 27.50)
7-Haddon Heights (11-5, 26.10) at 2-Haddonfield (17-3, 27.90)
Group 1
8-Pitman (12-7, 24.90) at 1-Paulsboro (14-0, 34.40)
5-Haddon Township (12-4, 27.60) at 4-Pennsville (12-4, 27.70)
6-Gloucester City (9-6, 25.50) at 3-Buena (11-6, 29.60)
7-Audubon (7-7, 25.10) at 2-Woodstown (8-5, 29.70)
NON-PUBLIC
North A
5-Seton Hall Prep (10-2, 30.10) at 4-St. Peter's Prep (13-3, 30.13) winner at 1-Delbarton (12-1, 36.10)
6-Don Bosco Prep (7-3, 27.70) at 3-St. Joseph-Montvale (10-3, 31.60)
7-Paramus Catholic (13-5, 27.90) at 2-Bergen Catholic (8-2, 34.00)
North B
4-Pingry (3-10, 21.90) at 1-Pope John (11-2, 35.70)
3-Bishop Ahr (11-4, 26.70) at 2-DePaul (8-3, 29.60)
South A
5-Christian Brothers Academy (2-12, 23.20) at 4-Notre Dame (8-8, 24.80) winner at 1-St. Augustine (11-4), 31.00
6-Paul VI-Haddonfield (3-13, 22.10) at 3-Red Bank Catholic (6-10, 25.10) winner at 2-St. John Vianney (7-3, 27.30)
South B
5-St. Rose (0-20, 17.90) at 4-St. Joseph-Hammonton (3-16, 21.50) winner at 1-Camden Catholic (15-2, 31.40)
6-Holy Cross (0-14, 15.90) at 3-Donovan Catholic (5-14, 23.60) winner at 2-Holy Spirit (8-13, 25.80)
Wrestling: HWS schedule for Jan. 28-Feb. 2
Monday, Jan. 28
(All matches 6 p.m., unless noted)
Independent
Pope John at Seton Hall Prep, 7 p.m.
Vernon at Weehawken
Hanover Park at Belvidere
Wallkill Valley at New Brunswick
Vernon at Weehawken
Hanover Park at Belvidere
Wallkill Valley at New Brunswick
Wednesday, Jan. 30
(All matches 7 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
West Morris at Sparta
Hanover Park at Kittatinny
Skyland Conference
Warren Hills at Delaware Valley
Voorhees at Hunterdon Central, 6:30 p.m.
Hillsborough at North Hunterdon
Independent
Easton (Pa.) at Phillipsburg
Hanover Park at Kittatinny
Skyland Conference
Warren Hills at Delaware Valley
Voorhees at Hunterdon Central, 6:30 p.m.
Hillsborough at North Hunterdon
Independent
Easton (Pa.) at Phillipsburg
Thursday, Jan. 31
(Both matches 6 p.m.)
Independent
Hackettstown at Bloomfield
Hunterdon Central at Paulsboro
Hunterdon Central at Paulsboro
Friday, Feb. 1
(All matches 7 p.m.)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Roxbury at Newton
West Morris at High Point
Skyland Conference
Roxbury at Newton
West Morris at High Point
Skyland Conference
Phillipsburg at Delaware Valley
Manville at Voorhees
Pingry at Belvidere
Independent
Hackettstown at Warren Hills
Manville at Voorhees
Pingry at Belvidere
Independent
Hackettstown at Warren Hills
Saturday, Feb. 2
(All matches 9 a.m., unless noted)
Independent
Phillipsburg at Ocean Township, 6:30 p.m.
Tri-meets and quads
Phillipsburg at Ocean Township, 6:30 p.m.
Tri-meets and quads
Sparta, Kinnelon, Somerville at Randolph
Bernards, Bridgewater-Raritan at North Hunterdon, 9:30 a.m.
Belvidere, Butler, Mount Olive at Lenape Valley, 9:30 a.m.
North Warren, Passaic Tech, Hasbrouck Heights at West Milford
Hopatcong, Cedar Grove, Dover at Parsippany Hills, 10 a.m.
Clifton, Cresskill, Dwight Morrow, Orange, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes, West Orange at Wallkill Valley Duals
Bernards, Bridgewater-Raritan at North Hunterdon, 9:30 a.m.
Belvidere, Butler, Mount Olive at Lenape Valley, 9:30 a.m.
North Warren, Passaic Tech, Hasbrouck Heights at West Milford
Hopatcong, Cedar Grove, Dover at Parsippany Hills, 10 a.m.
Clifton, Cresskill, Dwight Morrow, Orange, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes, West Orange at Wallkill Valley Duals
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Wrestling: Central thwarts Phillipsburg with late pin
LOPATCONG TWP. -- One good turn was what it took for Hunterdon Central's wrestling team to pull off what seemed to be an improbable win.
Sophomore Colton Washleski used a bar-arm tilt for a stunning pin at 120 pounds to send the Red Devils to a 29-27 victory over Phillipsburg in a battle between two of New Jersey's top 10 teams on Thursday night.
Hunterdon Central (15-0), ranked No. 4 in the New Jersey Writers Association Top 20, trailed by a point with two bouts remaining. Washleski, who needed at least a technical fall against freshman Joey Innamorato to give his team a chance with P'burg senior Travis Jones in the hole at 126, put the Red Devils in the driver's seat with a pin in 3:26.
"I was just trying tilt him, and it just kind of happened," said Washleski (19-4), a returning state qualifier who surrendered the opening takedown and trailed by a point after one period before getting on top with a reversal in the second period. "I slip the bar in at practice all the time. Once I got it in, I was pretty confident I had back points. I wasn't expecting the pin."
The fall gave Central a 29-24 lead with one to go, as Jones, who needed a technical fall with P'burg holding criteria (most six-point wins), cruised to a 4-0 decision and his third career win over Jack Bauer in the finale. Central came into this one down another starter as sophomore Norman Cella (160) sustained a right knee injury in the team's 41-22 win over Hanover Park on Wednesday night.
"We have a scrappy group of kids who are hard workers," said coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm, now 2-3 all-time against the Stateliners and whose Red Devils posted back-to-back wins in the series for the first time since 2013. "To not be at 100 percent and beat a quality team like P'burg says a lot."
No. 7 Phillipsburg (11-1) seemingly had things in control following key wins by junior Jacob Wicks (182) and sophomore Gage Horvath (220). Wicks scored a 7-0 decision over Kyle Barrett, who lost by fall when they met in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament on Jan. 12, while Horvath got a reversal in the second tiebreaker period in overtime for a 3-2 win over Brandon Donoghue to give the 'Liners a 21-14 lead through nine bouts.
"We felt great with those efforts," said P'burg coach Dave Post, whose team was coming off three consecutive wins over ranked teams, including a 30-27 win over High Point last Friday. "We had some great efforts across the board. It wasn't a loss because of a lack of effort."
P'burg made good move on the scale to help get at least seven wins, which it did as senior Kyle Tino, appearing at 138 for the first time this season, racked up three takedowns in a 7-3 win over Anthony Romaniello in a battle of Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finalists in the second bout.
Central won four of the first six, including a 13-4 major at 170, where Dan Furmato got a takedown and three back points in the final 18 seconds for the bonus. Senior Ryan Joyce also came through with a 16-4 major at 285, while sophomore stud Brett Ungar, a sixth-place finisher in last season's state tournament, added a technical fall at 106 to give the Red Devils a 23-21 lead.
"It started with Joyce," Washleski said when asked what got his team going in the lower weights. "He hyped up us little guys. We knew we could win if we wrestled as a team."
HUNTERDON CENTRAL 29, PHILLIPSBURG 27
132 -- Fr. Tanner Peake (20-4), HC, d. Sr. Bryce Parenti (17-10), 6-1.
138 -- Sr. Kyle Tino (19-8), P, d. Jr. Anthony Romaniello (14-8), 7-3.
145 -- Sr. Pasquale Vizzoni (13-1), HC, md. Sr. Luke Hardin (7-13), 11-3.
152 -- Sr. Cody Harrison (21-1), P, forfeit.
160 -- Sr. Vincent Romaniello (19-4), HC, d. Sr. TJ Abode (14-10), 7-3.
170 -- Sr. Dan Furmato (8-9), HC, md. Fr. David Pierson (11-11), 13-4.
182 -- Jr. Jacob Wicks (16-8), P, d. Sr. Kyle Barrett (15-6), 7-0.
195 -- Sr. Austin Roth (18-5), P, forfeit.
220 -- So. Gage Horvath (12-12), P, d. Jr. Brandon Donoghue (7-6), 3-2 TB2.
285 -- Sr. Ryan Joyce (17-4), HC, md. Jr. Cody Cruts (8-13), 16-4.
106 -- So. Brett Ungar (21-0), HC, tf. Fr. James Day (18-8), 16-1, 4:00.
113 -- So. Logan Maczko (19-7), P, d. Fr. Nick Canonica (14-7), 4-1.
120 -- So. Colton Washleski (19-4), HC, p. Fr. Joey Innamorato (7-13), 3:26.
126 -- Sr. Travis Jones (21-3), P, d. Sr. Jack Bauer (17-5), 4-0.
Records -- Hunterdon Central 15-0; Phillipsburg 11-1.
Officials -- Frank Leitner and Russ Scorese.
Sophomore Colton Washleski used a bar-arm tilt for a stunning pin at 120 pounds to send the Red Devils to a 29-27 victory over Phillipsburg in a battle between two of New Jersey's top 10 teams on Thursday night.
|
| P'burg is now 39-9-1 all-time vs. HC dating to 1962. |
"I was just trying tilt him, and it just kind of happened," said Washleski (19-4), a returning state qualifier who surrendered the opening takedown and trailed by a point after one period before getting on top with a reversal in the second period. "I slip the bar in at practice all the time. Once I got it in, I was pretty confident I had back points. I wasn't expecting the pin."
The fall gave Central a 29-24 lead with one to go, as Jones, who needed a technical fall with P'burg holding criteria (most six-point wins), cruised to a 4-0 decision and his third career win over Jack Bauer in the finale. Central came into this one down another starter as sophomore Norman Cella (160) sustained a right knee injury in the team's 41-22 win over Hanover Park on Wednesday night.
"We have a scrappy group of kids who are hard workers," said coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm, now 2-3 all-time against the Stateliners and whose Red Devils posted back-to-back wins in the series for the first time since 2013. "To not be at 100 percent and beat a quality team like P'burg says a lot."
No. 7 Phillipsburg (11-1) seemingly had things in control following key wins by junior Jacob Wicks (182) and sophomore Gage Horvath (220). Wicks scored a 7-0 decision over Kyle Barrett, who lost by fall when they met in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament on Jan. 12, while Horvath got a reversal in the second tiebreaker period in overtime for a 3-2 win over Brandon Donoghue to give the 'Liners a 21-14 lead through nine bouts.
"We felt great with those efforts," said P'burg coach Dave Post, whose team was coming off three consecutive wins over ranked teams, including a 30-27 win over High Point last Friday. "We had some great efforts across the board. It wasn't a loss because of a lack of effort."
P'burg made good move on the scale to help get at least seven wins, which it did as senior Kyle Tino, appearing at 138 for the first time this season, racked up three takedowns in a 7-3 win over Anthony Romaniello in a battle of Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finalists in the second bout.
Central won four of the first six, including a 13-4 major at 170, where Dan Furmato got a takedown and three back points in the final 18 seconds for the bonus. Senior Ryan Joyce also came through with a 16-4 major at 285, while sophomore stud Brett Ungar, a sixth-place finisher in last season's state tournament, added a technical fall at 106 to give the Red Devils a 23-21 lead.
"It started with Joyce," Washleski said when asked what got his team going in the lower weights. "He hyped up us little guys. We knew we could win if we wrestled as a team."
HUNTERDON CENTRAL 29, PHILLIPSBURG 27
132 -- Fr. Tanner Peake (20-4), HC, d. Sr. Bryce Parenti (17-10), 6-1.
138 -- Sr. Kyle Tino (19-8), P, d. Jr. Anthony Romaniello (14-8), 7-3.
145 -- Sr. Pasquale Vizzoni (13-1), HC, md. Sr. Luke Hardin (7-13), 11-3.
152 -- Sr. Cody Harrison (21-1), P, forfeit.
160 -- Sr. Vincent Romaniello (19-4), HC, d. Sr. TJ Abode (14-10), 7-3.
170 -- Sr. Dan Furmato (8-9), HC, md. Fr. David Pierson (11-11), 13-4.
182 -- Jr. Jacob Wicks (16-8), P, d. Sr. Kyle Barrett (15-6), 7-0.
195 -- Sr. Austin Roth (18-5), P, forfeit.
220 -- So. Gage Horvath (12-12), P, d. Jr. Brandon Donoghue (7-6), 3-2 TB2.
285 -- Sr. Ryan Joyce (17-4), HC, md. Jr. Cody Cruts (8-13), 16-4.
106 -- So. Brett Ungar (21-0), HC, tf. Fr. James Day (18-8), 16-1, 4:00.
113 -- So. Logan Maczko (19-7), P, d. Fr. Nick Canonica (14-7), 4-1.
120 -- So. Colton Washleski (19-4), HC, p. Fr. Joey Innamorato (7-13), 3:26.
126 -- Sr. Travis Jones (21-3), P, d. Sr. Jack Bauer (17-5), 4-0.
Records -- Hunterdon Central 15-0; Phillipsburg 11-1.
Officials -- Frank Leitner and Russ Scorese.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Wrestling: Hunterdon Central at Phillipsburg preview
What: Hunterdon Central Red Devils at Phillipsburg Stateliners.
Where: Phillipsburg High School, Lopatcong Township.
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Skyland cross-divisional.
Records: Hunterdon Central 14-0; Phillipsburg 11-0.
Coaches: Jon Cantagallo-Rohm (96-16, fifth season, 1-3 vs. P'burg); Dave Post (140-20, ninth season, 8-3 vs. HC).
State rankings (New Jersey Writers): Hunterdon Central No. 4; Phillipsburg No. 7.
Live feed: Stateliner Sports (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/stateliner-sports)
Series history: Phillipsburg owns a 39-8-1 overall edge dating to 1962, including seven postseason meetings, and saw its five-match win streak in the series end with a 38-21 road loss on Jan. 10, 2018. The 'Liners posted a 34-24 victory in the first matchup at the new gym on Jan. 11, 2017. Six of the Red Devils' wins have come since 2003, including their last road victory in 2013. P'burg is 19-4 all-time as the visitor and 19-3-1 in meetings at The Pit and the new gym. Two matches were at neutral sites -- P'burg's 25-23 victory in 1981 at Princeton's Jadwin Gym and Hunterdon Central's 39-11 win in the 2010 Group 4 semifinals at Toms River North.
Probable lineups: Hunterdon Central wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- So. Brett Ungar (20-0) vs. Fr. James Day (18-7).
113 -- Fr. Nick Canonica (14-6) vs. So. Logan Maczko (18-7).
120 -- So. Colton Washleski (18-4) vs. Fr. Joey Innamorato (7-12).
126 -- Sr. Jack Bauer (17-4) vs. Sr. Travis Jones (20-3) or Sr. Bryce Parenti (17-9).
132 -- Fr. Tanner Peake (19-4) vs. Parenti or Jones.
138 -- Jr. Anthony Romaniello (14-7) vs. Sr. Luke Hardin (7-12).
145 -- Sr. Pasquale Vizzoni (12-1) vs. Sr. Kyle Tino (18-8).
152 -- Sr. Vincent Romaniello (18-4) or Jr. John Rieche (5-4) vs. Sr. Cody Harrison (20-1) or Sr. TJ Abode (14-9).
160 -- So. Norman Cella (19-3) vs. Abode or Harrison.
170 -- Sr. Dan Furmato (7-9) vs. Fr. David Pierson (11-10).
182 -- Sr. Kyle Barrett (15-5) vs. Sr. Austin Roth (17-5) or Jr. Jacob Wicks (15-8).
195 -- Jr. Brandon Donoghue (7-5) vs. Wicks or Roth.
220 -- So. Salvatore Brito (1-3) vs. So. Gage Horvath (11-12).
285 -- Sr. Ryan Joyce (16-4) vs. Jr. Cody Cruts (8-12).
Breakdown: Good to see this one still on the schedule after the Skyland Conference realigned and dismantled the super Raritan Division configuration. On paper, Hunterdon Central rated a bigger favorite earlier in the season, but the loss of junior Lukas Bakerian (220), who left the team, swings a few points toward the P'burg side. Straight up, Central is favored at 106, 120, 126 or 132 (wherever Jones isn't), 138, 145, 152 or 160 (wherever Harrison isn't), 170 and 285. P'burg has the edge at 113, 126 or 132 (with Jones, who is 2-0 all-time vs. Bauer), 152 or 160 (with Harrison), 182, 195 and 220. The teams' regulars went head-to-head just twice in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament -- Maczko d. Canonica, 6-0; Wicks p. Barrett, 4:24 (tight bout at the time). Central has more flexibility and expect Cantagallo-Rohm, if he gets the flip, to avoid Harrison by bumping from 152 through 195, for a strong chance to win at least three and possibly four from 160 to 195, otherwise the visitors likely lose at least two of those straight up. Furmato beat Roth, 5-3, in last season's dual, but I'd favor Roth in the rematch. I think Central gets six wins (four with bonus) regardless of the matchups, while P'burg is going to be hard pressed to win seven bouts without winning the flip or stealing a bout as the underdog (145 is a key bout between state qualifiers). If the 'Liners can get at least three from 170-285, and hold serve where favored while saving a few points down low, they can win. It certainly looked like a very slim proposition several weeks ago, but Central hasn't really been at full strength all season and P'burg has been finding ways to win big matches.
Prediction: Hunterdon Central, 28-24.
Where: Phillipsburg High School, Lopatcong Township.
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Skyland cross-divisional.
Records: Hunterdon Central 14-0; Phillipsburg 11-0.
Coaches: Jon Cantagallo-Rohm (96-16, fifth season, 1-3 vs. P'burg); Dave Post (140-20, ninth season, 8-3 vs. HC).
State rankings (New Jersey Writers): Hunterdon Central No. 4; Phillipsburg No. 7.
Live feed: Stateliner Sports (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/stateliner-sports)
Series history: Phillipsburg owns a 39-8-1 overall edge dating to 1962, including seven postseason meetings, and saw its five-match win streak in the series end with a 38-21 road loss on Jan. 10, 2018. The 'Liners posted a 34-24 victory in the first matchup at the new gym on Jan. 11, 2017. Six of the Red Devils' wins have come since 2003, including their last road victory in 2013. P'burg is 19-4 all-time as the visitor and 19-3-1 in meetings at The Pit and the new gym. Two matches were at neutral sites -- P'burg's 25-23 victory in 1981 at Princeton's Jadwin Gym and Hunterdon Central's 39-11 win in the 2010 Group 4 semifinals at Toms River North.
Probable lineups: Hunterdon Central wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- So. Brett Ungar (20-0) vs. Fr. James Day (18-7).
113 -- Fr. Nick Canonica (14-6) vs. So. Logan Maczko (18-7).
120 -- So. Colton Washleski (18-4) vs. Fr. Joey Innamorato (7-12).
126 -- Sr. Jack Bauer (17-4) vs. Sr. Travis Jones (20-3) or Sr. Bryce Parenti (17-9).
132 -- Fr. Tanner Peake (19-4) vs. Parenti or Jones.
138 -- Jr. Anthony Romaniello (14-7) vs. Sr. Luke Hardin (7-12).
145 -- Sr. Pasquale Vizzoni (12-1) vs. Sr. Kyle Tino (18-8).
152 -- Sr. Vincent Romaniello (18-4) or Jr. John Rieche (5-4) vs. Sr. Cody Harrison (20-1) or Sr. TJ Abode (14-9).
160 -- So. Norman Cella (19-3) vs. Abode or Harrison.
170 -- Sr. Dan Furmato (7-9) vs. Fr. David Pierson (11-10).
182 -- Sr. Kyle Barrett (15-5) vs. Sr. Austin Roth (17-5) or Jr. Jacob Wicks (15-8).
195 -- Jr. Brandon Donoghue (7-5) vs. Wicks or Roth.
220 -- So. Salvatore Brito (1-3) vs. So. Gage Horvath (11-12).
285 -- Sr. Ryan Joyce (16-4) vs. Jr. Cody Cruts (8-12).
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| P'burg looks to go 2-0 against Central in the new gym. |
Prediction: Hunterdon Central, 28-24.
Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex standings
(Through Tuesday's matches)
| Skyland Conference | |||
| Delaware Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Hunterdon Central | (13-0) | (3-0) | |
| Bound Brook | (3-5) | (2-0) | |
| Watchung Hills | (4-1) | (1-1) | |
| Bridgewater-Raritan | (5-7) | (0-2) | |
| Franklin | (5-7) | (0-3) | |
| Raritan Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Phillipsburg | (10-0) | (3-0) | |
| North Hunterdon | (10-2) | (1-1) | |
| Ridge | (7-5) | (1-1) | |
| Hillsborough | (3-7) | (1-2) | |
| Montgomery | (0-8) | (0-2) | |
| Valley Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Warren Hills | (13-2) | (3-0) | |
| Voorhees | (13-4) | (2-1) | |
| Delaware Valley | (4-5) | (1-1) | |
| Bernards | (6-5) | (0-2) | |
| Somerville | (6-7) | (0-2) | |
| Mountain Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Manville | (12-1) | (3-0) | |
| Belvidere | (3-2) | (2-0) | |
| North Plainfield | (7-8) | (1-2) | |
| Pingry | (1-9) | (0-2) | |
| Rutgers Prep | (0-6) | (0-2) | |
| Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference | |||
| Freedom Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| x-High Point | (8-1) | (4-0) | |
| Newton | (8-5) | (3-1) | |
| Kittatinny | (11-7) | (2-2) | |
| Jefferson | (14-5) | (1-3) | |
| Hackettstown | (4-9) | (0-4) | |
| American Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Delbarton | (12-1) | (5-0) | |
| Mendham | (10-2) | (4-1) | |
| Pope John | (9-2) | (4-2) | |
| Roxbury | (9-6) | (2-3) | |
| West Morris | (8-5) | (2-3) | |
| Montville | (10-4) | (1-4) | |
| Sparta | (2-13) | (0-5) | |
| Colonial Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Lenape Valley | (6-7) | (3-0) | |
| North Warren | (8-6) | (2-1) | |
| Hopatcong | (2-8) | (2-1) | |
| Wallkill Valley | (4-8) | (1-2) | |
| Vernon | (1-11) | (0-4) | |
| x-division champion | |||
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Wrestling: 'Cats roll Braves to earn division title
High Point's wrestling team checked off one of its championship goals with a workmanlike 39-27 win over Newton to secure the NJAC Freedom Division title on Tuesday night in Wantage.
The Wildcats (8-1 overall, 4-0 division), ranked No. 8 in the New Jersey Writers Association Top 20 Poll, won eight bouts, including four pins, as senior Jonathan Morris scored a somewhat surprising fall in the opening bout at 195 pounds. Morris (11-9), who rated as a slight favorite, countered a headlock attempt and threw senior Ryan Kaiser to his back for the pin in 3:17.
Newton (8-5, 3-1) evened things with an 18-second pin by senior Luke Fischer (22-0) before senior Andrew Lewis gave High Point the lead for good with a pin at 285.
The Braves won the marquee matchup at 106, as sophomore Nathan Fitt recorded a pair of reversals, including one with 23 seconds left in the third period, to earn a 6-4 decision over freshman Clayton Utter.
Fitt (18-2), who placed third in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament, led, 2-1, with a first period takedown, but Utter took the lead on a reversal with just over a minute left in the second period. With 15 seconds left, Fitt scored a reversal to take a 4-3 lead into the third.
High Point, which has now won 16 in a row in the series and holds a 39-7 edge overall, broke it open with a five-match run that began when junior Devon Liebl decked Danny Cleary at 113. Liebl trailed, 4-2, in the second period before hitting a dump for the fall in 2:25.
Senior Devin Flannery (120) followed with technical-fall win and sophomore Josh Gervey scored a 7-4 victory over Region 1 qualifier JoJo Lotruglio at 126 to give the 'Cats a 26-9 lead through seven bouts. Senior Brandon LaRue recorded his 90th career win with a 10-4 decision over Matthew Rosa at 132 and junior Billy Talmadge capped the run with a 12-1 major of Michael Freda at 138.
Newton won four of the final five bouts, including a first-period pin by senior state placewinner Wyatt McCarthy at 152.
HIGH POINT 39, NEWTON 27
195 -- Sr. Jonathan Morris (11-9), HP, p. Sr. Ryan Kaiser (10-13), 3:17.
220 -- Sr. Luke Fischer (22-0), N, p. So. Robert Juliano (1-1), :18.
285 -- Sr. Andrew Lewis (9-10), HP, p. Jr. Isaiah Wilkins (2-1), :59.
106 -- So. Nathan Fitt (18-2), N, d. Fr. Clayton Utter (18-5), 6-4.
113 -- Jr. Devon Liebl (16-7), HP, p. So. Danny Cleary (10-12), 2:25.
120 -- Sr. Devin Flannery (18-5), HP, tf. So. Nick Costa (4-9), 19-4, 4:22.
126 -- So. Josh Gervey (15-4), HP, d. So. JoJo Lotruglio (16-7), 7-4.
132 -- Sr. Brandon LaRue (13-1), HP, d. Sr. Matthew Rosa (13-6), 10-4.
138 -- Jr. Billy Talmadge (21-3), HP, md. Sr. Michael Freda (13-9), 12-1.
145 -- Jr. Julian Sibblies (6-9), N, p. Sr. Nick Auer (2-13), 3:25.
152 -- Sr. Wyatt McCarthy (20-2), N, p. Sr. Jacob Carter (0-4), 1:29.
160 -- Jr. Trevor Aughenbaugh (8-13), N, d. So. Alex Buchwald (10-11), 2-0.
170 -- Fr. Brian Soldano (22-2), HP, p. Sr. Alejandro Villegas-Rodriguez (0-2), :45.
182 -- Sr. Nick Brigante (17-5), N, d. Sr. P.J. Soldano (10-11), 3-2 OT2 tiebreaker.
Records -- Newton 8-5, 3-1; High Point 8-1, 4-0.
The Wildcats (8-1 overall, 4-0 division), ranked No. 8 in the New Jersey Writers Association Top 20 Poll, won eight bouts, including four pins, as senior Jonathan Morris scored a somewhat surprising fall in the opening bout at 195 pounds. Morris (11-9), who rated as a slight favorite, countered a headlock attempt and threw senior Ryan Kaiser to his back for the pin in 3:17.
 |
| High Point is now 39-7 all-time against Newton. |
Newton (8-5, 3-1) evened things with an 18-second pin by senior Luke Fischer (22-0) before senior Andrew Lewis gave High Point the lead for good with a pin at 285.
The Braves won the marquee matchup at 106, as sophomore Nathan Fitt recorded a pair of reversals, including one with 23 seconds left in the third period, to earn a 6-4 decision over freshman Clayton Utter.
Fitt (18-2), who placed third in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament, led, 2-1, with a first period takedown, but Utter took the lead on a reversal with just over a minute left in the second period. With 15 seconds left, Fitt scored a reversal to take a 4-3 lead into the third.
High Point, which has now won 16 in a row in the series and holds a 39-7 edge overall, broke it open with a five-match run that began when junior Devon Liebl decked Danny Cleary at 113. Liebl trailed, 4-2, in the second period before hitting a dump for the fall in 2:25.
Senior Devin Flannery (120) followed with technical-fall win and sophomore Josh Gervey scored a 7-4 victory over Region 1 qualifier JoJo Lotruglio at 126 to give the 'Cats a 26-9 lead through seven bouts. Senior Brandon LaRue recorded his 90th career win with a 10-4 decision over Matthew Rosa at 132 and junior Billy Talmadge capped the run with a 12-1 major of Michael Freda at 138.
Newton won four of the final five bouts, including a first-period pin by senior state placewinner Wyatt McCarthy at 152.
HIGH POINT 39, NEWTON 27
195 -- Sr. Jonathan Morris (11-9), HP, p. Sr. Ryan Kaiser (10-13), 3:17.
220 -- Sr. Luke Fischer (22-0), N, p. So. Robert Juliano (1-1), :18.
285 -- Sr. Andrew Lewis (9-10), HP, p. Jr. Isaiah Wilkins (2-1), :59.
106 -- So. Nathan Fitt (18-2), N, d. Fr. Clayton Utter (18-5), 6-4.
113 -- Jr. Devon Liebl (16-7), HP, p. So. Danny Cleary (10-12), 2:25.
120 -- Sr. Devin Flannery (18-5), HP, tf. So. Nick Costa (4-9), 19-4, 4:22.
126 -- So. Josh Gervey (15-4), HP, d. So. JoJo Lotruglio (16-7), 7-4.
132 -- Sr. Brandon LaRue (13-1), HP, d. Sr. Matthew Rosa (13-6), 10-4.
138 -- Jr. Billy Talmadge (21-3), HP, md. Sr. Michael Freda (13-9), 12-1.
145 -- Jr. Julian Sibblies (6-9), N, p. Sr. Nick Auer (2-13), 3:25.
152 -- Sr. Wyatt McCarthy (20-2), N, p. Sr. Jacob Carter (0-4), 1:29.
160 -- Jr. Trevor Aughenbaugh (8-13), N, d. So. Alex Buchwald (10-11), 2-0.
170 -- Fr. Brian Soldano (22-2), HP, p. Sr. Alejandro Villegas-Rodriguez (0-2), :45.
182 -- Sr. Nick Brigante (17-5), N, d. Sr. P.J. Soldano (10-11), 3-2 OT2 tiebreaker.
Records -- Newton 8-5, 3-1; High Point 8-1, 4-0.
Official -- Dave Marotta.
JV score -- High Point, 34-18.
JV score -- High Point, 34-18.
Wrestling: New Jersey Writers Association Top 20
North Hunterdon for the second straight week is the biggest mover among five Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area teams in the third New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20 poll.
The Lions (10-2), in their only action last week, jumped up three spots to No. 10 following a 30-24 loss to No. 7 Phillipsburg on Wednesday in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division match that came down to the final bout. Coach Chris Hrunka's team also has wins over No. 19 West Morris (39-24 on Dec. 29) and No. 15 Hanover Park (36-29 on Jan. 10).
Hunterdon Central (13-0), remains the highest ranked team from the Open Mike area at No. 4. The Red Devils will travel to Phillipsburg on Thursday for one of the season's most anticipated duals.
P'burg (10-0), which is seeking a sixth straight Group 4 state title, moves up a spot after knocking off three ranked teams last week, including a 30-27 win over No. 8 High Point on Friday. The Stateliners also defeated Hanover Park (37-31) in addition to the win over North Hunterdon.
High Point (7-1) jumped up one spot as coach John Gardner's team rebounded with a 39-33 win over No. 16 Toms River North on Saturday. The 'Cats clinched the NJAC Freedom Division title with a 39-27 win over county-rival Newton on Tuesday night.
Pope John (8-2) drops six spots to No. 13 following a 45-20 loss to West Morris on Wednesday. Coach Mark Piotrowsky's Lions, who had resided in the top 10 since last season, bounced back with a 52-12 win over Don Bosco Prep on Saturday, as senior Robbie Garcia, who placed fourth in the state tournament in 2017, returned to the lineup at 152 pounds.
Bergen Catholic (7-1), the seven-time defending Non-Public A champion, is the consensus No 1 for a third straight week, followed by No. 2 Paulsboro (13-0) and No. 3 Howell (18-0) and No. 5 South Plainfield (15-2) rounding out the top five.
Note: Records are through Monday's matches.
Also receiving votes: DePaul (7-3); Don Bosco Prep (6-2); St. Joseph-Montvale (6-2).
NJWWA voting members listed in alphabetical order: Donald J. Brower (gardenstatehswrestling.com); Frank D’Esposito (theshoreconference.com; Steven Falk (Asbury Park Press and APP.com); Sean Farrell (The Record of Hackensack and NorthJersey.com); Jane Havsy (Daily Record and DailyRecord.com); “Screwy” Louie Lazzari (New Jersey wrestling historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times and phillyburbs.com); Ron Mazzola (NJWWA president and Region V ranking chairman); Tom McGurk (Courier Post of Cherry Hill); Andy Mendlowitz (Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com); Michael Weilamann (Open Mike).
The Lions (10-2), in their only action last week, jumped up three spots to No. 10 following a 30-24 loss to No. 7 Phillipsburg on Wednesday in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division match that came down to the final bout. Coach Chris Hrunka's team also has wins over No. 19 West Morris (39-24 on Dec. 29) and No. 15 Hanover Park (36-29 on Jan. 10).Hunterdon Central (13-0), remains the highest ranked team from the Open Mike area at No. 4. The Red Devils will travel to Phillipsburg on Thursday for one of the season's most anticipated duals.
P'burg (10-0), which is seeking a sixth straight Group 4 state title, moves up a spot after knocking off three ranked teams last week, including a 30-27 win over No. 8 High Point on Friday. The Stateliners also defeated Hanover Park (37-31) in addition to the win over North Hunterdon.
High Point (7-1) jumped up one spot as coach John Gardner's team rebounded with a 39-33 win over No. 16 Toms River North on Saturday. The 'Cats clinched the NJAC Freedom Division title with a 39-27 win over county-rival Newton on Tuesday night.
Pope John (8-2) drops six spots to No. 13 following a 45-20 loss to West Morris on Wednesday. Coach Mark Piotrowsky's Lions, who had resided in the top 10 since last season, bounced back with a 52-12 win over Don Bosco Prep on Saturday, as senior Robbie Garcia, who placed fourth in the state tournament in 2017, returned to the lineup at 152 pounds.
Bergen Catholic (7-1), the seven-time defending Non-Public A champion, is the consensus No 1 for a third straight week, followed by No. 2 Paulsboro (13-0) and No. 3 Howell (18-0) and No. 5 South Plainfield (15-2) rounding out the top five.
Note: Records are through Monday's matches.
NJWWA voting members listed in alphabetical order: Donald J. Brower (gardenstatehswrestling.com); Frank D’Esposito (theshoreconference.com; Steven Falk (Asbury Park Press and APP.com); Sean Farrell (The Record of Hackensack and NorthJersey.com); Jane Havsy (Daily Record and DailyRecord.com); “Screwy” Louie Lazzari (New Jersey wrestling historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times and phillyburbs.com); Ron Mazzola (NJWWA president and Region V ranking chairman); Tom McGurk (Courier Post of Cherry Hill); Andy Mendlowitz (Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com); Michael Weilamann (Open Mike).
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