Wrestling: Kittatinny at High Point preview, lineups

What: Kittatinny Cougars at High Point Wildcats.

Where: High Point Regional High School, Wantage Twp.

When: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Records: Kittatinny 1-0; High Point 0-0.

Conference: Northwest Jersey Athletic Freedom Division.

State rankings (New Jersey Wrestling Writers): High Point No. 8.

Coaches: John Gill (582-188-5, 40th season (13-24-1 vs. HP); John Gardner (362-103-2, 22nd season (10-10 vs. Kitt).

Series history: High Point owns a 28-14-1 edge dating to 1976, including a 49-20 win at home last season. Kittatinny, which has won two of the previous three in this series, posted a 36-25 win at home two seasons ago, as the teams did not meet during the 2017-18 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 victory 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 -- So. Shane Nelson (6-0) vs. Fr. Ryan Mangano (0-2).

113 -- Fr. Anthony Ferrari (2-5) vs. So. Clayton Utter (3-1) or Fr. Roman Citro (1-3).

120 -- Fr. Dalton Mailloux (0-2) Fr. Chris Casale (1-1) vs. So. Charles Antcliff (5-2) or So. Andrew Brevot (0-4) or Utter.

126 -- Fr. Andrew Knutelsky (3-4) vs. Sr. Devon Liebl (4-0).

132 -- Jr. Patrick Franco (2-1) or So. Andrew Sylvester (0-2) vs. Jr. Josh Gervey (5-2).

138 -- Jr. Scott Wallgren (4-4) vs. Sr. Billy Talmadge (7-0) or Fr. Shane Woolf (5-4).

145 -- So. Steven Dalling (4-4) vs. Woolf or Talmadge.

152 -- Jr. Craig Molfetto (3-4) vs. So. Noah Ripley (3-4).

160 -- Sr. Gian Knippenberg (3-4) vs. So. Brian Soldano (7-0).

170 -- So. Evan Raposo (1-5) vs. So. Troy Tiger (1-4) or So. Alex Buchwald (0-0).

182 -- So. Brycen Mafaro (5-2) vs. Sr. PJ Soldano (4-2).

195 -- Sr. Robert Bruce (4-3) vs. Jr. Sean Van Wingerden (3-3).

220 -- Jr. Jackson Crawn (5-1) vs. Jr. Justin Klass (4-3).

285 -- Sr. Jacob Mafaro (0-0) or So. Ty Eldred (5-2) vs. Jr. Robert Juliano (1-1) or Jr. Chris Hendershot (0-0).

High Point eyes another North 1, Group 2 title in 2019-20.

Breakdown: As was the case last season, this one doesn't figure to be a nail-biter, but it will likely decide the NJAC Freedom Division title. Cougars, who opened their dual meet season with a 33-30 win over River Dell on Dec. 23, are very young, perhaps the least experienced team in Gill's long tenure, while senior Jacob Mafaro (285), a returning district champion, has not stepped on the mat thus far. The 'Cats, who rate as the Group 2 title favorites, have yet to get their lineup settled, but they appear to have the edge at least eight weights, maybe nine, depending on matchups. Kittatinny should have 106 and 220 in the bank, but will really have to earn its points elsewhere despite having the advantage in the upper weights at 182 and 195, as those bouts could be very competitive. High Point gets the nod at 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 160 and 170 (if Buchwald makes his season debut). The tossups seem to be at 152 and 285. Look for the Cougars to bump away from Brian Soldano at 160. 'Cats are always tough in their gym so that should swing a bout or two in their favor, and they'll win the bonus points battle.

Prediction: High Point, 43-16.