Wrestling: Newton at High Point preview, info

What: Newton Braves at High Point Wildcats.

Where: High Point Regional High School, Wantage Township.

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Conference: Northwest Jersey Athletic Freedom Division.

Records: Newton 8-4 overall, 3-0 division; High Point 7-1, 3-0.

Coaches: Eric Bollette (232-184-1, 18th season, 1-16 vs. HP); John Gardner (353-101-2, 21st season, 19-1 vs. Newton).

State rankings: (New Jersey Writers Association): High Point, No. 9.

Series history: High Point has won 15 straight, including a 34-23 win at Newton in the last meeting on Jan. 10, 2018, and owns a 38-7 edge overall dating to 1970. Braves' last win was 31-27 in 2003, which snapped the 'Cats' 17-match streak. Newton won five of the first six meetings from 1970-79, and earned a 31-21 win in '85.

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

106 -- So. Nathan Fitt (17-2) vs. Fr. Clayton Utter (18-4).

113 -- So. Danny Cleary (10-11) vs. Jr. Devon Liebl (15-7).

120 -- So. Nick Costa (4-8) vs. Sr. Devin Flannery (17-5).

126 -- So. JoJo Lotruglio (16-6) vs. Sr. Brandon LaRue (12-1).

132 -- Sr. Matthew Rosa (13-5) vs. So. Josh Gervey (14-4).

138 -- Sr. Michael Freda (13-8) vs. Jr. Billy Talmadge (20-3).

145 -- Jr. Julian Sibblies (5-9) vs. Sr. Nick Auer (2-12).

152 -- Sr. Wyatt McCarthy (19-2) vs. So. Alex Buchwald (10-10).

160 -- Jr. Trevor Aughenbaugh (7-13) vs. Fr. Brian Soldano (21-2).

170 -- Sr. Nick Brigante (16-5) or Sr. Matt Somers (7-13) vs. Sr. P.J. Soldano (10-10).

182 -- Somers or Brigante vs. Jr. Sean Van Wingerden (2-9).

195 -- Sr. Ryan Kaiser (10-12) vs. Sr. Jonathan Morris (10-9).

220 -- Sr. Luke Fischer (21-0) vs. So. Justin Klass (4-4).

285 -- Jr. Isaiah Wilkins (2-0) vs. Sr. Andrew Lewis (8-10).

High Point and Newton may meet again for the N1, G2 title.

Breakdown: This 46th meeting, which is for the division title, has the potential to be very interesting as Newton, like Phillipsburg, matches up well given it can break through down low against High Point's powerful light weights and up top. Straight up, the Braves are favored at only five weights (132, 145, 152, 170 and 220) while the 'Cats get the nod at 113, 120, 126, 138, 160 and 285. The tossups are 106 (huge bout), 182 (Somers vs. Van Wingerden) and 195. Gardner has a few options to move his lineup, starting at 152, where he may bump Buchwald away from McCarthy for a more favorable matchup at 160, while also running both Soldanos up a weight. That would make High Point the favorite in four of five from 170-285, provided Brian Soldano matches up with Brigante at 170. The Braves, who don't have that kind of flexibility, have the potential to win seven bouts (they likely win six), but even so, the bonus points will be too much to overcome.

Prediction: High Point, 36-24.