Wrestling: Soldano makes title statement in AC

ATLANTIC CITY -- As far as impressive first state finals appearances go, High Point sophomore Brian Soldano has to rank right up there with some of the best.

Soldano left no doubt as to who was the best at 160 pounds and took what many felt was his rightful place atop the podium with a blistering 9-0 major of Delbarton senior Dante Stefanelli in their title bout in the 87th New Jersey State Championships on Saturday afternoon at Boardwalk Arena.

Brian Soldano is the second HP sophomore to win a title. 

"I've trained all year for this," said Soldano, who is the 11th state champion in High Point history and first since Nick Francavilla, Drew Wagenhoffer, Ethan Orr and current assistant coach Billy Smith all won titles here in 2011. "The last few weeks, I wrote in my headgear [on pieces of tape] where I'm going to be. I'm going to be a state champ. Every single day, I saw that and I always repeated it to myself. This year was my year. That's what I came here for."

In what was a tough tournament as far as medals go for the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area, Sussex led the way with seven of the 10 placewinners -- including 'Cats junior Josh Gervey (sixth at 132) and senior Billy Talmadge (eighth at 138), who earned his second medal. Pope John junior Shane Percelay (120) and senior Kaya Sement were the next highest finishers after Soldano with third-place medals.

"Brian has so much potential and he works really hard to get better at what he does," said coach John Gardner, who has coached all nine of the 'Cats state champs since becoming the second in program history with his title run at 189 pounds in 1990. "He makes a lot of it look easy, but he's got a lot of ability. When you have kids with a lot of ability who work as hard as he does usually good things are going to happen. I think tonight is just the beginning of that. He has a unique style, no question, but he's confident in his abilities and he's not afraid to let things fly."

Smith, who sat in the corner with Gardner, was happy to see Soldano end the 'Cats title drought.

"I think I was more nervous for this one," said Smith, who led off that incredible championship run by he and his teammates that had this arena buzzing nine years ago. "I can control it when I'm on the mat. He's always confident, always poised and calm. He was ready for this match."

Seizing control

Soldano (38-1), a two-time district and region champion who finished one win shy of a medal here as a freshman, took it right to Stefanelli, fourth at this weight last season, from the opening whistle. He kept pressing the action and converted the first of three takedowns with 46 seconds left in the first period. In the second period, Soldano escaped and got another takedown where he went to work on top -- turning Stefanelli for two back points and a commanding 7-0 lead by using a move that has a rather unusual name.

Brian Soldano (back 2nd from left) with all the champs. 

"We call it "scissors me timbers," Soldano said of his move on top where he pulls the opponent back into him to get a turn and near-fall points. "Once you get him to his back, you kind of squeeze into their hips."

Stefanelli (36-9) took neutral -- his only option at that point in the bout -- to start the third period and even that didn't go well as Soldano got his third takedown off a deep double-leg attack just 10 seconds into the period to get back on top. He rode out Stefanelli the rest of the way.

"My goal was to get a takedown and be able to ride him for the whole match," said Soldano, who got in real deep on the takedown attempts and one other that he didn't convert early on. "I think I was able to do that.

"He was reaching real heavy and I was watching him warm up, too, he was real heavy on his feet so every time he'd reach, I'd see an opening and I just went for it."

Eyes on the prize

Soldano watched the clock tick off the final seconds, and when it was over, he raised his arms briefly to acknowledge the many High Point fans in attendance. That's about as big as it gets as far as showing any kind of emotion for the mild-mannered and classy young man.

"My dad always told me to act like you've been there. It's a business trip," Soldano said. "Don't be a showboater. Don't get cocky over anything. Anybody can win any given day."

Soldano, who will enter his junior season with a career mark of 79-5, said his freestyle training in the offseason -- he was a placewinner at the Cadet National Championships in Fargo, N.D. -- made him a more complete wrestler. Soldano went 11-0 this postseason with seven pins, one technical fall and one major decision, as well as a victory by injury default, while going all six minutes just twice, including a 4-1 win over Manalapan senior Matt Bendetti in the state semifinals.

"Last year, I would have never imagined to [take shots] in the finals," he said. "Now, I'm shooting left and right so it's helped me a lot in my neutral [position]. It's made me tougher."

The goal for Soldano now is to join Francavilla, the school's all-time wins leader with 156, as the program's only three-time champions. Gardner, who has reached legendary status for the 'Cats as a wrestler and an accomplished coach, said this could be just a taste of what is to come.

"He had a great performance out there," Gardner said. "First time [in the finals] was very special -- something he will remember. He's got a lot of potential. For as good as he is, he can still be better. We're kind of scratching the surface."

CHAMPIONSHIPS 

182: John Poznanski (Colonia) p.  Luke Rada (Colts Neck), 3:31.

195: Martin Cosgrove (Camden Catholic) d. David Szuba (Brick Memorial), 9-7.

220: P.J. Casale (Delbarton) d. Kyle Jacob (Paramus), 4-2.

285: Jim Mullen (St. Joe Montvale) d. JT Cornelius (Southern Regional), 7-3.

106: Evan Mougalian (Kinnelon) d. Anthony Santaniello (Brick Memorial), 3-1.

113: Tyler Klinsky (Middletown North) d. Kelly Dunnigan (Don Bosco), 6-3.

120: Dean Peterson (St. John Vianney) d.   Vincent Santaniello (Brick Memorial), 1-0.

126: Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic) d. McKenzie Bell (Kingsway), 12-7.

132: Joey Olivieri (Hanover Park) d. Dylan Cedeno (Bergen Catholic), 1-0.

138: Anthony Clark (Delbarton) d. William Grater (Bergen Catholic), 4-0.

145: Andrew Clark (Collingswood) d. Andrew Troczynski (Delbarton), 8-5. 

152: Nick Boggiano (Toms River North) d.  Aaron Ayzerov (Paramus), 7-3.

160: Brian Soldano (High Point) md. Dante Stefanelli (Delbarton), 9-0.

170: Connor O`Neill (DePaul) d. Shane Reitsma (Howell), 3-1.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- John Poznanski, Colonia.

THIRD-PLACE MATCHES

106: Tyler Vazquez (Delbarton) d. Evan Tallmadge (Brick Twp.), 5-2.

113: Joseph Cangro (Bergen Catholic) d. Ty Whalen (Clearview), 3-2.

120: Shane Percelay (Pope John XXIII) d. Ethan Fernandez (Westwood), 5-4.

126: Nicholas Nardone (Delbarton) md. Alex Almeyda (St. Joe Montvale), 14-3.

132: Simon Ruiz (Delbarton) d. Anthony White (South Plainfield), 2-1, UTB.

138: Eddie Hummel (Southern Regional) d. Ryan Zimmerman (Long Branch), 4-2.

145: Kaya Sement (Pope John XXIII) d. Michael Dellagatta (St. Joe Montvale), 4-1.

152: Brandon Mooney (Camden Catholic) p. Dylan Weaver (Lyndhurst/North Arlington), 0:34.

160: Robert Woodcock (Southern Regional) d. Matt Benedetti (Manalapan), 6-4.

170: Jacob Vega (Carteret) d. Noah Fox (Montville), 6-2.

182: Blake Clayton (St. John Vianney) d. Joe Colon (Brick Memorial), 5-1.

195: Mike Misita (St. Augustine Prep) d. Luke Chakonis (Delbarton), 4-0.

220: Zane Coles (Pitman) d. Robert Damerjian (Moorestown), 1-0.

285: Marcus Estevez (Franklin) p. Bardhyl Gashi (West Essex), 3:43.

FIFTH-PLACE MATCHES

106: Jack Zaleski (Middletown South) md. Luke Stanich (Roxbury), 10-2.

113: Cooper Stewart (Sparta) d. Ryan Rosenthal (Toms River North), 5-2.

120: Nick Kayal (Bergen Catholic) by forfeit over Nick Babin (Emerson/Park Ridge).

126: Eddie Ventresca (Pope John XXIII) md. Nico Messina (Freehold Boro), 15-2.

132: Justin Bierdumpfel (St. Joe Montvale) d. Josh Gervey (High Point), 6-3.

138: Jacob Perez-Eli (Paulsboro) d. Michael Cetta (St. Joe Montvale), 3-1, SV.

145: Gabe Onorato (Paulsboro) p. Colton Washleski (Hunterdon Central), 5:03.

152: Colin Calvetti (Delbarton) by forfeit over Alex Strashinsky (Bergen Catholic).

160: Shay Addison (Rumson-Fair Haven) p. Blake Bahna (Watchung Hills), 5:13.

170: Jack Kelly (Rumson-Fair Haven) p. Luke Benedict (Haddonfield), 1:34.

182: Benjamin Liss (Fair Lawn) by forfeit over Jacob Whitworth (Wall).

195: Kyle Epperly (Jackson Memorial) d. Michael Massa (Seton Hall), 7-0.

220: Gage Armijo (West Morris Mendham) d. Michael Toranzo (St. Joe Montvale), 12-11.

285: Hector Lebron (Dwight Morrow) d. Justin Wright (Howell), 6-5.

SEVENTH-PLACE MATCHES

106: Aiden Wallace (Bergen Catholic) d. Jared Brunner (Eastern), 8-2.

113: Garrett Totten (Northern Burlington) d. Brady Conlin (Williamstown), 7-6.

120: Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) d. Fred Luchs (Middletown North), 3-1.

126: Luke Hoerle (Westfield) d. Andre Ruiz (Bogota/Ridgefield Park), 6-4.

132: Jack Nies (Ocean Twp.) d. Austin Jack (Jefferson Twp.), 3-0.

138: Al De Santis (Shore Regional) d. Billy Talmadge (High Point), 3-2.

145: Dakota Morris (Kingsway) d. Max Brignola (Rumson-Fair Haven), 7-4.

152: Stefano Sgambellone (St. Joe Montvale) p. Jared Schoppe (Delsea), 4:31.

160: Nate Camiscioli (Bergen Catholic) d. Norman Cella (Hunterdon Central), 3-0.

170: Marcus Petite (Piscataway) d. Colin Loughney (West Morris Central), 4-2.

182: Jason Sherlock (Point Pleasant Beach) p. Kevin Pandorf (Kingsway), 2:20.

195: Thomas Renna (South Plainfield) p. Patrick O`Dwyer (Long Branch), 2:44.

220: Joshua Darisme (Rahway) d. Cody Thurston (West Deptford), 3-2.

285: Liam Akers (North Hunterdon) d. Griffin Jackstadt (Barnegat), 2-0.

Wrestling: Andrade, Gonzalez go back-to-back in AC

ATLANTIC CITY -- The only thing better than one state championship for a pair of girls wrestling trailblazers is winning a second.

Hunterdon Central senior Stephanie Andrade and Phillipsburg senior Jewel Gonzalez added to their legacies by becoming the first Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area females to go back-to-back in the second New Jersey Girls State Championships on Saturday afternoon at Boardwalk Hall.

Stephanie Andrade (far left] among the girls champions.

Andrade, who won her first title at 127 pounds last season, captured her second at 128 pounds with style by hitting a throw to deck Jackson Memorial's Avery Meyers in 1:06. Gonzalez, a repeat winner at 161 pounds, became the state's first two-time winner and Outstanding Wrestler by pinning North Bergen's Amanda Pace with a half and a bar in 4:21 to open the championship round.

"It feels amazing ... surreal honestly," Andrade said of repeating as a state champion. "I was very excited about the first one, but then to get two, it's even more exciting."

Andrade, who has not made her college decision and may have the opportunity to join the women's team at East Stroudsburg University, wasted no time in the finals as she countered Meyers' takedown attempt early in the match.

"That's kind of one of the moves that I know -- if a girl tries to go [for a takedown] and sometimes she shoots too far out," said Andrade, who recorded a technical fall victory over Morris Hills' Kyara Montoya in Friday's semifinals. "I usually pay attention and [underhook] before they can get my leg. I usually catch them most of the time."

The winning move, according to Andrade, was learned under the tutelage of longtime assistant coach Leigh Hall, a former district champion for Delaware Valley in 1985.

"Coach Hall is a great coach, and coach [Mark] Wroblewski taught us a bunch of new moves [in practices]," Andrade said. "Coach [Jon] Cantagallo-Rohm is also a big supporter, too."

Crowning Jewel

Gonzalez recorded two falls in the tournament, including her semifinal win over Kittatinny sophomore Kierra Hubmaster, who finished third after reaching the finals at 235 in 2019, while beating Pace for the third time this season, including a 21-8 major the North Region finals.

Gonzalez with the OW Award.

"Great opponent, [Pace] has some big wins -- same with Kierra. They're great people. Right now, I'm just filled with excitement," said Gonzalez, who is the first two-time champ at P'burg for boys and girls since Pete Poretta won consecutive titles in 1993 and '94.

"It means a lot to me, but I hope it means more to those little girls to look and say, 'That can be me.' And it absolutely can be if they put the time in."

Gonzalez was humbled to take her place among the 33 male state champions in such a historic program.

"There's so many great wrestlers to come out of [Phillipsburg High School]," she said. "It's just an honor to even be compared to them.

"When Brandon Hull won his state title [the last for the Stateliners on the boys side at 220 pounds in 2012], he made it a tradition to dip into the [Atlantic Ocean]. I'm ready to dip in that ocean."

Such a dominant force, Gonzalez said her training exclusively with the boys on the P'burg team and against other male opponents on the junior varsity, helped her excel on the female side.

"I've been wrestling [against] guys my whole life," she said. "So wrestling with girls has almost been ... I don't want to say easy, but it's really, really prepared me well in the sense to go out and compete against females who haven't gotten the opportunity to train with the people I have."

True to form, P'burg coach Dave Post said Gonzalez was looking to cap her career with another dominating performance after working for six takedowns against Pace, a dangerous mat wrestler, before cranking her over in the finals.

"She wanted to go out with a fall," Post said. "She's been that dominant."

Even more important is that Gonzalez is a special person to Phillipsburg off the mat.

"What gets overlooked is how much she's done, not just for girls wrestling, but how much she means to kids in our town," Post said. "She volunteers, every single day she goes down the to youth center in town and she gives back because she realizes the position she's in. She grew up in town and all those kids look up to her. She's a really positive influence to not just wrestlers, but to kids in general.

"She was just [recognized] in our town as the youth volunteer of the year. She's just a really cool kid. We're going to really miss her."

Kling makes history

Warren Hills sophomore Katrina Kling, the only other area finalist, made some history in becoming the first to reach the girls finals for the Blue Streaks. Kling, who lost a tough 6-4 decision in sudden-victory overtime to Bloomfield freshman Kira Pipkins at 114 pounds, is also the wrestling program's first finalist since Justin Colaluce won his second straight title and the school's last in 1998.

"It was really cool," said Kling, who also lost a 5-2 decision to Pipkins when they met at the Raritan Tournament the week before regions last Sunday.

Kling appeared to be on her way to the state title when she converted a go-ahead takedown with 33 seconds left in the third period. But Pipkins, after getting a brief reprieve when the two went out of bounds with about 12 seconds to go, escaped to tie it at 4 with just two ticks left on the clock. In OT, Kling got in on Pipkin's legs twice, but she couldn't finish.

"They weren't the greatest shots that I know I could have taken," Kling said. "They were decent, but they weren't good enough. We have to make sure that I every shot I take is perfect. I didn't set up as confidently as I should have.

"In overtime, I was like, 'It's go time.' I really, really wanted it. I was proud of that [takedown in the third period]. In a match it was probably one of my best."

Kling vowed to get that elusive title for the Streaks in 2021.

"I was hoping to do it this year," she said. "It's coming ... next year."

CHAMPIONSHIPS

161: Jewel Gonzalez (Phillipsburg) p. Amanda Pace (North Bergen), 4:21.

180: Kerly Borbor (New Brunswick) d. Amirah Giorgianni (Mainland Regional), 9-5, ultimate tiebreaker.

215: Sandra Guerrero (West Orange) d. Joelle Klein (Lower Cape May), 7-0.

100: Sydney Petzinger (Parsippany) p. Ava Rose (Princeton), 5:01.

107:  Chloë Ayres (Princeton) d. Johnae Drumright (Trenton Central), 4-3.    

114: Kira Pipkins (Bloomfield) d. Katrina Kling (Warren Hills), 6-4, SV.

121: Noran Elmahroukey (New Providence) p. Kalli Roskos (Delran), 1:33.

128: Stephanie Andrade (Hunterdon Central) p. Avery Meyers (Jackson Memorial), 1:06.

135: Emma Matera (Delran) d. Gabby Miller (Monroe Township), 5-4.  

143: Alexis Rosano (Overbrook) d. Jordyn Katz (Jackson Memorial), 9-4.

151: Jesse Johnson (Manalapan) d. Precious Opara (West Orange), 7-2.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Jewel Gonzalez, Phillipsburg

THIRD-PLACE CONSOLATIONS

100: Alisa Safforld (Belleville) d. Jasmine Aizley (Allentown), 5-1.

107: Izabella Frezzo (Henry P. Becton Regional) md. Randi Miley (High Point), 11-2.

114: Samantha Larsen (Wallkill Valley) p. Estefani Cortez (Lakewood), 1:28.

121: Emily Klein (Paramus) d. Courtney Hoff (Warren Hills), 7-2.

128: Karielys Reyes (Trenton Central) injury, Kyara Montoya (Morris Hills), 4:16.

135: Skyelar Smith (Jackson Memorial) p. Natalie Vega (Elmwood Park), 1:07.

143: Jayla Hahn (Central Regional) p. Angela Valle (Lodi), 0:55.

151: Sophia Lombardo (High Point) p. Goodness Okoro (Newark Collegiate Charter), 5:29.

161: Kierra Hubmaster (Kittatinny) p. Ana Gonzalez (Lakewood), 1:16.

180: Maria Taseva (Elmwood Park) p. Haylee Adorno (Delran), 0:46.

215: Valery Alcantara (Perth Amboy) forfeit over Kaila Mungo (Rancocas Valley).

FIFTH-PLACE CONSOLATIONS

100: Isabella Santos (Elizabeth) p. Mandy Gavares (Old Bridge), 6:19.

107: Ahsia Torres (Perth Amboy) d. Julia Manolas (Manalapan), 9-4.

114: Tatiana Walker (Pennsauken) d. Danica Haines (Palmyra), 10-7.

121: Angelina Romero (Notre Dame) forfeit over Jessica Rivera (Lakewood).

128: Jade Gasper (Lenape) by forfeit over Amanda Connors (Northern Highlands).

135: Carley Anderson (Mount Olive) p. Brooke Tulloch (Saddle Brook), 2:50.

143: Qua-Niesha Young-Cruse (Elizabeth) p. Lilly Ahrendt (High Point), 4:51.

151: Rachel Forsman (Eastern) d. Abigail Stanberry (Jackson Memorial), 6-0.

161: Olivia Heyer (Kingsway) d. Madison Pesavage (Jackson Memorial), 4-3.

180: Lacey Hums (High Point) by forfeit over Gina Novello (Jackson Memorial).

215: Naliya Rivera (Kingsway) by forfeit over Donna Walker (New Brunswick).  

Wrestling: Soldano 'ready to compete' for state title

ATLANTIC CITY -- Brian Soldano calls it the "High Point way." But the sophomore's aggressive style is certainly his own, and it has put him on the brink of a state title.

Soldano, who scored a workmanlike 4-1 win over Manalapan senior Matt Benedetti at 160 pounds, was the lone winner among four Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area wrestlers in the semifinal round on Friday night at Boardwalk Arena.

Brian Soldano is High Point's 13th state finalist.

In doing so, Soldano (37-1), who will face Delbarton senior Dante Stefanelli (fourth at 160 in 2019) in the championship round slated for 3 p.m. on Saturday, became High Point's first state finalist since Nick Francavilla, Drew Wagenhoffer, Ethan Orr and current assistant coach Billy Smith all won titles here in 2011.

"I'm ready to compete for the title," said Soldano, now 78-5 overall, and looking to become the Sussex County school's 11th state champion. "I can't wait for tomorrow. I want to be with coach Smith, [head coach John] Gardner, be with all of them."

Pope John senior Eddie Ventresca (126) was denied in his quest for a second straight title after winning at 120 in 2019, while Sparta senior Cooper Stewart (113) and Hunterdon Central junior Colton Washleski (145) made their first semifinals appearances.

Soldano, one of the most likable and polite young men you'd ever meet, has made this postseason run look awfully easy as he's gone 10-0 -- winning his second district and region titles -- with seven pins and one technical fall, as well as a victory by injury default.

"He has a lot of fun doing it. He really does," said Gardner, who won the Wildcats' second state title as a senior in 1990 at 189 pounds. "He works extremely hard, but he enjoys the sport and he enjoys competing. I'm looking forward to the final."

In going the full six minutes for the first time, Soldano converted a low-single shot for a takedown in the first and applied constant pressure on top -- working a half and a bar while riding with the legs in. A second-period reversal made it 4-1 and Benedetti, who chose bottom to start the third period, never came close to getting out. True to form, Soldano showed little emotion after recording his biggest win to date.

"Biggest thing I learned from last year to this year is I was able to work my offense on my feet," Soldano said. "That's why I'm able to keep these close matches where they are."

Soldano also used last year's disappointment of finishing a round shy of a medal as a motivating factor in his run this season.

"I came down here thinking this is my year," he said. "I'm coming to take anybody who is in my spot."

Ventresca, who was looking to become just the second Pope John wrestler to win multiple titles and the first since all-time great Mike Frick won three (1969, '71 and '72), surrendered an escape, after he could not get out in the first 30-second rideout, with two seconds left to Kingsway senior McKenzie Bell in a 5-4 loss. Ventresca led, 3-2, after two periods, but he gave up a second reversal in the third period and needed an escape with 52 seconds left to force overtime.

Under this year's format, the semifinal losers had to wrestle in the consolation semifinals in the next round, and Ventresca, who previously beaten St. Joseph-Montvale's Alex Almeyda twice this season, dropped a 5-2 decision in their third matchup to fall into the fifth-place match, along with Stewart and Washleski, at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Stewart -- bidding to become Sparta's first state finalist since Jeff Predmore (188 pounds in 1984) -- dropped a 7-3 decision to Don Bosco Prep's Kelly Dunnigan, who avenged a 3-2 loss when they met in the District 4 finals with a 5-0 win in last weekend's Region 1 title bout.

Washleski, who enjoyed a fine run to the semifinals, gave up a pair of takedowns in a 6-3 loss to Delbarton's Andrew Troczynski.

Girl power

Andrade and Gonzalez in 2019.

Hunterdon Central senior Stephanie Andrade (128) and Phillipsburg senior Jewel Gonzalez (161), both returning champions, advanced to the girls state finals along with Warren Hills sophomore Katrina Kling (114), a first-time finalist. The championships for all 11 weight classes will be contested at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Andrade, who made history here last season by becoming the first champion for Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex, scored a 19-4 technical fall over Morris Hills' Kyara Montoya in the semifinals, while Gonzalez, the first champion for Warren County, used an arm bar to deck Kittatinny sophomore Kierra Hubmaster in 2:49.

Kling, who rallied from an early two-point deficit, pinned Pennsauken's Tatiana Walker in 5:19.

Also falling in the semifinals were Wallkill Valley's Samantha Larsen (114), Warren Hills' Courtney Hoff (121) and High Point's Randi Miley (107), Lilly Ahrendt (143), Sophia Lombardo (151) and Lacey Hums (180).

Medal count

Regions 1, 2 and 7 led the way with 18 placewinners, followed by Region 5 with 15. Region 3 is next with 13, followed by Regions 6 and 8 with 12. Region 4 was last with six.

Pope John junior Shane Percelay (120) and senior Kaya Sement (145) and High Point senior Billy Talmadge (138) are two-time placewinners, while High Point junior Josh Gervey (132), Hunterdon Central junior Norman Cella (160) and North Hunterdon sophomore Liam Akers (285) all earned their first medals. Percelay and Sement will wrestle in third-place bouts and finish higher than they did last season, while Gervey goes for fifth. Talmadge, who finished with a fifth-place medal at 138 as a junior, Cella and Akers will all be involved in seventh-place matches.

Amazingly, Warren County did not have a placewinner for the first time since 1961, when you had to make the semifinals to finish top four. Three sophomores -- Phillipsburg's James Day (113) and Nate Zastowny (160), along with Warren Hills' Tyler McCatharn (285) may have laid the groundwork for next season as all three lost in the third round of wrestlebacks. The Stateliners did not have a quarterfinalist or a medal winner for the first time since 2010.

Falling just short in the Blood Round were 11 others from the HWS area -- High Point sophomore Clayton Utter (113) and senior Devon Liebl (126), Newton junior Nathan Fitt (120), Sparta junior Spencer Stewart (132) and senior Garrett Stewart (138), Hunterdon Central sophomore Tanner Peake (138) and senior Anthony Romaniello (152), along with Pope John senior Matthew Garcia (152) and sophomore Jack Stoll (182), North Hunterdon junior James Holder (170) and Kittatinny junior Jackson Crawn (220).

Spencer Stewart (42-3), an eighth-place finisher as a sophomore, gave up a reversal with 15 seconds left in the bout in a 3-2 loss to Jefferson's Austin Jack. Garrett Stewart (42-4), who is the Spartans' all-time wins leader at 147-27, dropped a 7-3 decision to Talmadge for his third loss in as many meetings this season. Talmadge scored a 7-2 win in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finals on Jan. 11 and the in the Region 1 semifinals last Saturday.

Boys semifinals

106: Evan Mougalian (Kinnelon) md. Luke Stanich (Roxbury), 8-0; Anthony Santaniello (Brick Memorial) d. Evan Tallmadge (Brick Twp.), 5-1.  

113: Kelly Dunnigan (Don Bosco) d. Cooper Stewart (Sparta), 7-3; Tyler Klinsky (Middletown North) d. Joseph Cangro (Bergen Catholic), 7-2  

120: Dean Peterson (St. John Vianney) d. Nick Kayal (Bergen Catholic), 3-0; Vincent Santaniello (Brick Memorial) d. Nick Babin (Emerson/Park Ridge), 4-3, tiebreaker.

126: McKenzie Bell (Kingsway) d. Eddie Ventresca (Pope John XXIII), 5-4, tiebreaker; Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic) d. Nicholas Nardone (Delbarton), 5-3. 

132: Joey Olivieri (Hanover Park) d. Justin Bierdumpfel (St. Joe Regional-Montvale), 3-1, tiebreaker; Dylan Cedeno (Bergen Catholic) d. Anthony White (South Plainfield), 7-3.  

138: William Grater (Bergen Catholic) d. Jacob Perez-Eli (Paulsboro), 2-1, tiebreaker; Anthony Clark (Delbarton) d. Michael Cetta (St. Joe Regional-Montvale), 3-2.

145: Andrew Clark (Collingswood) d.  Gabe Onorato (Paulsboro), 3-1, sudden victory; Andrew Troczynski (Delbarton) d. Colton Washleski (Hunterdon Central), 6-3.

152: Nick Boggiano (Toms River North) p. Dylan Weaver (Lyndhurst/North Arlington), 2:48; Aaron Ayzerov (Paramus) d. Brandon Mooney (Camden Catholic), 2-1, ultimate tiebreaker.

160: Dante Stefanelli (Delbarton) d. Robert Woodcock (Southern Regional), 5-4; Brian Soldano (High Point) d. Matt Benedetti (Manalapan), 4-1.

170: Shane Reitsma (Howell) d. Jack Kelly (Rumson-Fair Haven), 6-4; Connor O`Neill (DePaul) d. Noah Fox (Montville), 9-4.  

182: John Poznanski (Colonia) p. Joe Colon (Brick Memorial), 2:58; Luke Rada (Colts Neck) d. Jacob Whitworth (Wall), 5-3, tiebreaker.

195: David Szuba (Brick Memorial) d. Luke Chakonis (Delbarton), 10-5; Martin Cosgrove (Camden Catholic) d. Mike Misita (St. Augustine Prep), 6-5.

220: Kyle Jacob (Paramus) md. Zane Coles (Pitman), 9-0; P.J. Casale (Delbarton) d. Michael Toranzo (St. Joe Regional-Montvale), 9-2.

285: Jim Mullen (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) p. Justin Wright (Howell), 0:43; JT Cornelius (Southern Regional) d. Hector Lebron (Dwight Morrow), 3-1, sudden victory.

Girls semifinals

100: Sydney Petzinger (Parsippany) d. Alisa Safforld (Belleville), 3-1; Ava Rose (Princeton) p. Isabella Santos (Elizabeth), 1:18.

107: Johnae Drumright (Trenton Central) d. Randi Miley (High Point Regional), 5-4; Chloe Ayres (Princeton) d. Izabella Frezzo (Henry P. Becton Regional), 4-2.

114: Kira Pipkins (Bloomfield) p. Samantha Larsen (Wallkill Valley Regional), 4:42; Katrina Kling (Warren Hills Regional) p. Tatiana Walker (Pennsauken), 5:19.

121: Noran Elmahroukey (New Providence) p. Courtney Hoff (Warren Hills Regional), 2:24; Kalli Roskos (Delran) d. Emily Klein (Paramus), 4-0.

128: Stephanie Andrade (Hunterdon Central) tf. Kyara Montoya (Morris Hills), 5:41, 19-4; Avery Meyers (Jackson Memorial) d. Amanda Connors (Northern Highlands), 10-4.

135: Gabby Miller (Monroe Township) p. Carley Anderson (Mount Olive), 5:22; Emma Matera (Delran) p. Skyelar Smith (Jackson Memorial), 5:36.

143: Jordyn Katz (Jackson Memorial) p. Lilly Ahrendt (High Point), 1:53; Alexis Rosano (Overbrook) p. Jayla Hahn (Central Regional), 5:44.

151: Precious Opara (West Orange) p. Goodness Okoro (Newark Collegiate Charter), 1:03;  Jesse Johnson (Manalapan) p. Sophia Lombardo (High Point), 2:49.

161: Jewel Gonzalez (Phillipsburg) p. Kierra Hubmaster (Kittatinny Regional), 2:49; Amanda Pace (North Bergen) md. Olivia Heyer (Kingsway Regional), 12-2.

180: Kerly Borbor (New Brunswick) p. Lacey Hums (High Point), 1:20; Amirah Giorgianni (Mainland Regional) won by disqualification over Haylee Adorno (Delran).

215: Sandra Guerrero (West Orange) p. Valery Alcantara (Perth Amboy), 3:15; Joelle Klein (Lower Cape May Regional) d. Donna Walker (New Brunswick), 3-0.

Boys quarterfinals

106: Luke Stanich (Roxbury) d. Nico Calello (Watchung Hills Regional), 5-2; Evan Mougalian (Kinnelon) md. John Hildebrandt (Williamstown), 10-2; Evan Tallmadge (Brick Twp.) d. Conor Collins (Southern Regional), 7-3; Anthony Santaniello (Brick Memorial) md. Brett Redner (Butler), 10-0.

113: Kelly Dunnigan (Don Bosco) p. Samuel Kotch (Cinnaminson), 0:50; Cooper Stewart (Sparta) d. Ryan Rosenthal (Toms River North), 4-3; Joseph Cangro (Bergen Catholic) d. Ty Whalen (Clearview), 6-0; Tyler Klinsky (Middletown North) tf. Garrett Totten (Northern Burlington), 4:46, 21-6.

120: Dean Peterson (St. John Vianney) d. Georgio Mazzeo (Paulsboro), 7-0; Nick Kayal (Bergen Catholic) md. Nathan Fitt (Newton), 12-2; Vincent Santaniello (Brick Memorial) d. Matt DeStefanis (Randolph), 4-2, tiebreaker; Nick Babin (Emerson/Park Ridge) md. Fred Luchs (Middletown North), 10-0.

126: Eddie Ventresca (Pope John XXIII) md. Luke Hoerle (Westfield), 13-0; McKenzie Bell (Kingsway) md. Sean Rendeiro (St. Peter`s Prep), 9-1; Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic) d. Alex Almeyda (St. Joe Regional-Montvale), 7-1; Nicholas Nardone (Delbarton) p. Andre Ruiz (Bogota/Ridgefield Park), 3:27.

132: Joey Olivieri (Hanover Park) d. Michael Conklin (Toms River East), 9-5; Justin Bierdumpfel (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) d. Spencer Stewart (Sparta), 4-1; Anthony White (South Plainfield) d. Simon Ruiz (Delbarton), 5-3, sudden victory; Dylan Cedeno (Bergen Catholic) d. Jack Nies (Ocean Twp.), 7-1.

138: Jacob Perez-Eli (Paulsboro) d. Ryan Zimmerman (Long Branch), 4-2; William Grater (Bergen Catholic) d. Billy Talmadge (High Point), 8-2; Anthony Clark (Delbarton) d. Hunter Gandy (Woodstown), 3-2; Michael Cetta (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) d. Al De Santis (Shore Regional), 5-1.

145: Andrew Clark (Collingswood) d. Max Brignola (Rumson-Fair Haven), 4-3; Gabe Onorato (Paulsboro) d. Tim Spatola (Delsea), 5-2; Andrew Troczynski (Delbarton) d. Kaya Sement (Pope John XXIII), 4-1; Colton Washleski (Hunterdon Central) d. Dakota Morris (Kingsway), 8-3.

152: Dylan Weaver (Lyndhurst/North Arlington) d. Michael McGhee (Shore Regional), 9-4; Nick Boggiano (Toms River North) d. Stefano Sgambellone (St. Joe Regional-Montvale), 5-0; Aaron Ayzerov (Paramus) p. Alex Strashinsky (Bergen Catholic), 4:19; Brandon Mooney (Camden Catholic) d. Mathew Garcia (Pope John XXIII), 3-2.

160: Dante Stefanelli (Delbarton) d. Blake Bahna (Watchung Hills Regional), 5-2; Robert Woodcock (Southern Regional) d. Harrison Hinojosa (Camden Catholic), 3-0; Brian Soldano (High Point) p. Shay Addison (Rumson-Fair Haven), 3:08; Matt Benedetti (Manalapan) d. Nate Camiscioli (Bergen Catholic), 3-2.

170: Shane Reitsma (Howell) d. Luke Benedict (Haddonfield), 1-0; Jack Kelly (Rumson-Fair Haven) p. Marcus Petite (Piscataway), 1:05; Noah Fox (Montville) d. Kieran Calvetti (Delbarton), 8-5; Connor O`Neill (DePaul) md. Colin Loughney (West Morris Central), 10-0.

182: John Poznanski (Colonia) p. Blake Clayton (St. John Vianney), 2:14; Joe Colon (Brick Memorial) d. Jason Sherlock (Point Pleasant Beach), 8-3; Jacob Whitworth (Wall) d. Isaac Dean (Shawnee), 7-3; Luke Rada (Colts Neck) d. Benjamin Liss (Fair Lawn), 6-4.

195: Luke Chakonis (Delbarton) d. Thomas Renna (South Plainfield), 5-2; David Szuba (Brick Memorial) d. Kyle Epperly (Jackson Memorial), 11-8; Martin Cosgrove (Camden Catholic) d. Michael Massa (Seton Hall), 3-1; Mike Misita (St. Augustine Prep) d. Tommy Goodwin (Pequannock), 6-0.

220: Kyle Jacob (Paramus) d. Robert Damerjian (Moorestown), 5-0; Zane Coles (Pitman) md. Joshua Darisme (Rahway), 11-1; Michael Toranzo (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) d. Gage Armijo (West Morris Mendham), 8-5; P.J. Casale (Delbarton) tf. Jackson Crawn (Kittatinny), 4:26, 15-0.

285: Justin Wright (Howell) d. Bardhyl Gashi (West Essex), 3-2, tiebreaker; Jim Mullen (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) md. Moses Olowoopejo (Elizabeth), 8-0; Hector Lebron (Dwight Morrow) d. Griffin Jackstadt (Barnegat), 3-2, ultimate tiebreaker; JT Cornelius (Southern Regional) d. Marcus Estevez (Franklin), 8-2.

Wrestling: Stewarts part of Sussex's big night in AC

ATLANTIC CITY -- Finishing a round shy of your goals in the biggest tournament of the season can be a great motivator. Just ask Sparta senior Cooper Stewart.

"Coming up short in the Blood Round [last season at 113 pounds] really motivated me to push those extra seconds, especially late in the third period, and never stop" said Stewart, who scored a 5-1 win over Montville sophomore Aaron Kurzer to advance in the pre-quarterfinal round of the 87th State Championships at Boardwalk Hall on Thursday night. "That's what's been keeping me going."

Joining Stewart in the Round of 8, which gets underway at 11 a.m. on Friday, is his younger brother, Spencer Stewart, a junior and returning eighth-place finisher, who scored a 6-1 decision over Ridge senior Devon Capato at 132 pounds. In all, 10 wrestlers from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex moved on to the quarterfinals, while 27 fell into the wrestlebacks. The area got off to a great start by going a combined 24-13 in the preliminary round.

Cooper Stewart (38-3), a District 4 champion and Region 1 runner-up who will next face Toms River North's Ryan Rosenthal (38-1) in the quarters, is one win away from earning a potential rubber match against Don Bosco Prep junior Kelly Dunnigan, the No. 1 seed at 113 and a returning placewinner. Stewart scored a 3-2 victory in the district finals against Dunnigan, who avenged that loss, 5-0, in their region title bout last weekend.

"I think the difference was my mentality," Stewart said of the lopsided second meeting. "I was the underdog going into the first match. Second match, he kind of had the underdog advantage. I'm looking to hopefully take him out in the semis."

Stewart took a 3-0 lead into the third period against Kurzer, a Region 2 runner-up, on the strength of a first-period takedown. Stewart iced it with his second takedown right before the third-period buzzer after having gotten in deep on a double earlier in the period.

"I knew I was going to win, even though it was 3-1 in the third period," said Stewart, who's now 122-20 overall. "I knew he wasn't taking me down so I just kept moving and kept my mind focused to come out on top."

Spencer Stewart (42-1), a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament champion, fell in the preliminary round last season before fighting his way through the wrestlebacks for a medal. He will oppose St. Joseph-Montvale senior Justin Bierdumpfel, a Region 1 champion and two-time state medal winner, in the quarters. Garrett Stewart (40-3), the Spartans' all-time wins leader and Cooper's twin, dropped into the wrestlebacks after losing a 15-8 decision to St. Joseph-Montvale junior and No. 2 seed Michael Cetta at 138.

Sussex steps up

It was a rough first two rounds for the Hunterdon-Warren schools, but Sussex County, which entered the tournament with 19 wrestlers, carried the area flag on Thursday.

Pope John, which had an area-best seven qualifiers, sent seniors Eddie Ventresca (126), Kaya Sement (145) and Matthew Garcia (152) into the quarterfinals, while High Point senior Billy Talmadge (138) and sophomore Brian Soldano (160) also advanced, along with Newton junior Nathan Fitt (120) and Kittatinny junior Jackson Crawn (220). The only other area wrestler in the quarters is Hunterdon Central junior Colton Washleski (145).

Nathan Fitt

Making his first appearance in AC, Fitt rallied from a two-point deficit in the second period against Don Bosco Prep junior Mike Tandurella for an eventual 15-5 major in advancing to the quarterfinals at 120.

Fitt (35-6), who pinned Tandurella in the Region 1 semifinals en route to a runner-up finish, got a reversal and two turns for five points in the second period to erase a 5-3 deficit and seize control of the rematch. Fitt, a tough mat wrestler, added another reversal and three backs in the final period.

"I knew I was better than him on my feet. He looks for big moves," said Fitt, who said he wrestled a little "sloppy" in a 6-4 win in sudden-victory overtime against Southern senior Jayson Scerbo in the preliminary round. "I just have to stay out of that stuff.

"Just keep controlling the next point, keep the match where I wanted it -- on my feet -- and score points. Just keep working."

Fitt, who will square off with Bergen Catholic senior Nick Kayal, a three-time state placewinner, in the quarters, has his goals set high for this season and 2020-21. With a state record 82 champions, Newton has not won a gold medal since Andy Iliff won back-to-back titles in 1986-87. The Braves' last finalist was current assistant coach Ted Sibblies, a runner-up in '89.

"We have 82 right now, and I'm looking to be the 83rd," Fitt said. "It's a very tough weight class.-- deep."

Lessons learned

Talmadge, who lost in quarterfinals as a junior, needed a late escape and a takedown in sudden-victory overtime to pull out an 8-6 victory over Perth Amboy senior James Rodriguez. Talmadge (41-2), was seemingly in control with a 4-2 lead in the third period, but he gave up a pair of takedowns and trailed, 6-5, before escaping at the buzzer as the officials conferred before awarding the point. Talmadge, a No. 3 seed who finished fifth at this weight last season, knows he will need to be on his game in the quarters against Bergen Catholic senior William Grater, a two-time eighth-place finisher.

Billy Talmadge (far right)

"Just need to get my offense [going] and get my head right," Talmadge said. "Stop looking at the clock and focus. Stay strong. [Against Rodriguez it was a] lack of concentration, looking at the clock when I shouldn't be. Making dumb faces at the coaches. Can't be doing those things.

"I need to stay on the attack and finish," Talmadge said. "I was in on a few shots [against Rodriguez] and didn't finish. Semifinals are a battle getting in. [Quarterfinals] are the first step."

Washleski also needed to rally late as he decked Bound Brook senior Maximus Parra at the third-period buzzer. Washleski (41-4), a Region 5 champion, trailed, 7-3, before taking down Parra to his back and getting the fall at 6:00. Parra, who had stormed out to a 5-1 lead earlier in the bout, dropped a 7-3 decision when they previously met on Jan. 29.

"I gave up a stupid two in the beginning, well four because they gave him backs," Washleski said. "Then, I have to fight back the whole time. I knew he was getting tired, and I was just thinking about my goals and why I was here. My last takedown to his back was all heart."

Back points

For the first time this season, one round of wrestlebacks involving the preliminary round losers was completed on Thursday night. Winners in that round were Belvidere's Hunter Lensi (106), Lenape Valley's Daniel Haws (120), Hunterdon Central's Nick Canonica (126), North Hunterdon's James Holder (170), Kittatinny's Brycen Mafaro (182), Pope John's Cole Zydel (220), Phillipsburg's Gage Horvath (220) and Cody Cruts (285) and Warren Hills' Tyler McCatharn (285). The HWS are went 9-4 in that round as North Hunterdon's Frank DiEsso, Warren Hills' Stephen Malia (152), Pope John's Peter Delaportas (195) and Phillipsburg's Jacob Wicks (195) were eliminated with consolation losses.

Also in the second round of wrestlebacks, which get underway at 9 a.m. on Friday, following losses in the pre-quarterfinals are Phillipsburg's James Day (113) and Nate Zastowny (160), High Point's Clayton Utter (113), Devon Liebl (126) and Josh Gervey (132), North Hunterdon's Connor Quinn (132), Nate Fossett (182) and Liam Akers (285), Hunterdon Central's Tanner Peake (138), Anthony Romaniello (152) and Norman Cella (160) and Pope John's Shane Percelay (120) and Jack Stoll (182).

The girls tournament also got underway with the quarterfinals and the HWS went 4-0, including wins by High Point's Sophia Lombardo (151) and Lacey Hums (180). Also advancing to the semifinals were Warren Hills' Katrina Kling (114) and Kittatinny's Kierra Hubmaster (161).

Phillipsburg's Jewel Gonzalez, a returning state champion and the Outstanding Wrestler in 2019, will face Hubmaster in the semifinals, which begin at 2 p.m. on Friday. All region champions received byes on Thursday, including Hunterdon Central's Stephanie Andrade (128), who became the first HWS girls state champion in 2019. High Point's Randi Miley (107) and Lilly Ahrendt (143), Wallkill Valley's Samantha Larsen (114) and Warren Hills' Courtney Hoff (121) will also compete in the semifinals.

Pre-quarterfinals

106: Nico Calello (Watchung Hills Regional) d. Amajuwan Murray (Rahway), 4-0; Luke Stanich (Roxbury) d. Aiden Wallace (Bergen Catholic), 6-1; John Hildebrandt (Williamstown) d. Tyler Vazquez (Delbarton), 5-2; Evan Mougalian (Kinnelon) d. D`Amani Almodovar (St. Augustine Prep), 3-0; Evan Tallmadge (Brick Twp.) md. Joseph Giordano (St. John Vianney), 12-3; Conor Collins (Southern Regional) d. Taisei Kurachi (River Dell), 6-2; Brett Redner (Butler) p. Dominic Tafuri (Cedar Grove), 2:59; Anthony Santaniello (Brick Memorial) p. Jack Zaleski (Middletown South), 1:47.

113: Kelly Dunnigan (Don Bosco) md. Demetri Poniros (Ocean Twp.), 12-3; Samuel Kotch (Cinnaminson) d. Clayton Utter (High Point), 4-1; Ryan Rosenthal (Toms River North) d. Donovan Chavis (St. Peter`s Prep), 2-0; Cooper Stewart (Sparta) d. Aaron Kurzer (Montville), 5-1; Joseph Cangro (Bergen Catholic) p. David Rubin (Matawan), 1:50; Ty Whalen (Clearview) d. Cross Wasilewski (Delbarton), 3-2; Garrett Totten (Northern Burlington) d. James Day (Phillipsburg), 8-2; Tyler Klinsky (Middletown North) tf. Aiden Shaughnessy (Rumson-Fair Haven), 4:46, 18-3.

120: Dean Peterson (St. John Vianney) md. Patrick Phillips (Brearley/Dayton), 8-0; Georgio Mazzeo (Paulsboro) d. Shane Percelay (Pope John XXIII), 6-5, ultimate tiebreaker; Nick Kayal (Bergen Catholic) md. David Ryerson (Mount Olive), 13-3; Nathan Fitt (Newton) md. Mike Tandurella (Don Bosco), 15-5; Matt DeStefanis (Randolph) d. Jack Bertha (West Morris Mendham), 5-0; Vincent Santaniello (Brick Memorial) d. Joey Lamparelli (Allentown), 2-1; Fred Luchs (Middletown North) d. Jack Maida (Shore Regional), 8-6, tiebreaker; Nick Babin (Emerson/Park Ridge) d. Ethan Fernandez (Westwood), 6-0;

126: Eddie Ventresca (Pope John XXIII) tf. Nieko Malone (Howell), 2:29, 17-1; Luke Hoerle (Westfield) 36-1 by injury default over Logan Mazzeo (Emerson/Park Ridge), time of injury 0:45; Sean Rendeiro (St. Peter`s Prep) d. Kamrin O`Neill (Matawan), 10-3; McKenzie Bell (Kingsway) tf. Devon Liebl (High Point), 3:30, 15-0; Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic) md. Michael Richardson (Brick Memorial), 11-2; Alex Almeyda (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) d. Thomas O`Keefe (Middletown North), 7-0; Andre Ruiz (Bogota/Ridgefield Park) d. Nico Messina (Freehold Boro), 7-6; Nicholas Nardone (Delbarton) d. Brandon Bowles (Scotch Plains-Fanwood), 12-6.

132: Joey Olivieri (Hanover Park) md. Tyler Pepe (Central Regional), 16-5; Michael Conklin (Toms River East) d. Xavier Pena (Bound Brook), 6-0; Spencer Stewart (Sparta) d. Devon Capato (Ridge), 6-1; Justin Bierdumpfel (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) md. Jake Gentile (Kingsway), 9-1; Simon Ruiz (Delbarton) d. Brock Zurawski (St. Augustine Prep), 3-0; Anthony White (South Plainfield) d. Josh Gervey (High Point), 10-5; Jack Nies (Ocean Twp.) d. Austin Jack (Jefferson Twp.), 7-1; Dylan Cedeno (Bergen Catholic) tf. Connor Quinn (North Hunterdon), 4:43, 24-7.

138: Jacob Perez-Eli (Paulsboro) d. Ken Sherman (Holy Spirit), 7-2; Ryan Zimmerman (Long Branch) d. Logan Waller (Colts Neck), 7-0; William Grater (Bergen Catholic) d. Cooper Pontelandolfo (Cherokee), 4-2; Billy Talmadge (High Point) d. James Rodriguez (Perth Amboy), 8-6, sudden victory; Anthony Clark (Delbarton) d. Tanner Peake (Hunterdon Central), 3-0; Hunter Gandy (Woodstown) d. Alex Poniros (Ocean Twp.), 8-2; Al DeSantis (Shore Regional) d. Darren Jones (West Essex), 6-3; Michael Cetta (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) d. Garrett Stewart (Sparta), 15-8.

145: Andrew Clark (Collingswood) d. Tyler Barrett (CBA), 3-0; Max Brignola (Rumson-Fair Haven) d. Eli Shepard (West Morris Central), 10-4; Gabe Onorato (Paulsboro) d. Jason Smith (Boonton), 3-1; Tim Spatola (Delsea) d. Nicholas Franco (Paramus Catholic), 3-2, ultimate tiebreaker; Kaya Sement (Pope John XXIII) d. Connor Doherty (St. Thomas Aquinas), 10-5; Andrew Troczynski (Delbarton) p. Dante Monaco (Camden Catholic), 5:09; Colton Washleski (Hunterdon Central) p. Maximus Parra (Bound Brook), 6:00; Dakota Morris (Kingsway) d. Michael Dellagatta (St. Joe Regional-Montvale), 5-1.

152: Dylan Weaver (Lyndhurst/North Arlington) p. David DiPietro (Kingsway), 0:29; Michael McGhee (Shore Regional) d. Brandon Teresa (Montville), 3-2, ultimate tiebreaker; Stefano Sgambellone (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) d. Jurius Clark (Highland Regional), 4-3; Nick Boggiano (Toms River North) d. Jared Schoppe (Delsea), 6-0; Alex Strashinsky (Bergen Catholic) p. Colin Calvetti (Delbarton), 5:36; Aaron Ayzerov (Paramus) p. Ian McCabe (Monroe), 1:45; Matthew Garcia (Pope John XXIII) md. Nicholas Vargas (Wall), 13-4; Brandon Mooney (Camden Catholic) md. Anthony Romaniello (Hunterdon Central), 10-0.

160: Dante Stefanelli (Delbarton) d. Nate Zastowny (Phillipsburg), 15-10; Blake Bahna (Watchung Hills Regional) md. Costantinos Pavlides (Eastern), 16-7; Robert Woodcock (Southern Regional) md. Elijah Lugo (Wayne Valley), 15-4; Harrison Hinojosa (Camden Catholic) d. Jack Wilt (Seton Hall), 6-4, sudden victory; Brian Soldano (High Point) tf. Alex Marshall (St. Augustine Prep), 2:20, 16-0; Shay Addison (Rumson-Fair Haven) d. Anthony Spera (Mount Olive), 3-0; Nate Camiscioli (Bergen Catholic) d. Norman Cella (Hunterdon Central), 5-4; Matt Benedetti (Manalapan) md. Nicholas Golden (Allentown), 12-2.

170: Shane Reitsma (Howell) d. George Rhodes (Absegami), 8-1; Luke Benedict (Haddonfield) d. Jacob Vega (Carteret), 8-5; Jack Kelly (Rumson-Fair Haven) md. Jack Bernik (Northern Valley-Old Tappan), 13-4; Marcus Petite (Piscataway) p. Nicholas Russo (Parsippany Hills), 4:56; Kieran Calvetti (Delbarton) d. Ki`zuran Casey (Plainfield), 11-4; Noah Fox (Montville) p. Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West), 3:39; Colin Loughney (West Morris Central) d. Hunter Smith (Jackson Memorial), 6-3; Connor O`Neill (DePaul) md. Max Nock (Cranford), 12-1.

182: John Poznanski (Colonia) tf. Cassey Allen (Emerson/Park Ridge), 4:23, 22-7; Blake Clayton (St. John Vianney) p. Brett MacMath (Bridgewater/Raritan), 1:43; Jason Sherlock (Point Pleasant Beach) d. Jack Stoll (Pope John XXIII), 7-4; Joe Colon (Brick Memorial) tf. Zachary Andruchowitz (Bloomfield), 5:12, 20-4; Isaac Dean (Shawnee) d. Nicholas Lodato (Piscataway), 8-6; Jacob Whitworth (Wall) d. Nate Fossett (North Hunterdon), 3-1; Benjamin Liss (Fair Lawn) d. Michael Conrad (Montville), 6-1; Luke Rada (Colts Neck) d. Noah Putney (Clayton/Glassboro), 5-2.

195: Luke Chakonis (Delbarton) p. John Fiore (Bergen Catholic), 1:52; Thomas Renna (South Plainfield) p. Gunnar Nystedt (River Dell), 0:47; Kyle Epperly (Jackson Memorial) tf. Gavin Camoia (Mount Olive), 2:44, 16-0; David Szuba (Brick Memorial) p. John Dusza (Watchung Hills Regional), 0:29; Martin Cosgrove (Camden Catholic) md. Alex Kostantas (Pascack Hills), 9-1; Michael Massa (Seton Hall) d. Mikal Taylor (Absegami), 1-0; Tommy Goodwin (Pequannock) p. Gavin Claro (Manalapan), 3:36; Mike Misita (St. Augustine Prep) d. Kenneth Koenig (Colts Neck), 8-1.

220: Kyle Jacob (Paramus) p. Michael Pavlinetz (Holmdel), 2:16; Robert Damerjian (Moorestown) d. Tom Goetz (Gateway/Woodbury), 5-0; Joshua Darisme (Rahway) d. Cody Thurston (West Deptford), 7-4; Zane Coles (Pitman) d. Michael Nakano (Toms River North), 7-2; Gage Armijo (West Morris Mendham) p. Ameir Pittman (Burlington City), 0:13; Michael Toranzo (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) d. Max Acciardi (Paramus Catholic), 3-1; Jackson Crawn (Kittatinny) p. Remy Brancato (Bergen Catholic), 2:30; P.J. Casale (Delbarton) tf. Tracey Taylor (Long Branch), 4:20, 16-1.

285: Bardhyl Gashi (West Essex) md. Jakob Shapiro (Fair Lawn), 12-3; Justin Wright (Howell) d. John O`Donnell (Toms River North), 3-2; Moses Olowoopejo (Elizabeth) p. Jack Dunn (Washington Twp.), 1:46; Jim Mullen (St. Joe Regional-Montvale) d. Keshon Davila (New Brunswick), 6-0; Hector Lebron (Dwight Morrow) d. Joseph Teresi (Ocean Twp.), 4-2, sudden victory; Griffin Jackstadt (Barnegat) d. Thomas Lidondici (Colts Neck), 4-2; JT Cornelius (Southern Regional) p. Liam Buday (Point Pleasant Beach), 5:31; Marcus Estevez (Franklin) p. Liam Akers (North Hunterdon), 2:56.

Girls quarterfinals

100: Alisa Safforld (Belleville) d. Jasmine Aizley (Allentown), 4-1; Isabella Santos (Elizabeth) p. Mandy Gavares (Old Bridge), 1:18.

107: Johnae Drumright (Trenton Central) d. Ahsia Torres (Perth Amboy), 8-2; Izabella Frezzo (Henry P. Becton Regional) p. Julia Manolas (Manalapan), 4:36.

114: Kira Pipkins (Bloomfield) p. Estefani Cortez (Lakewood), 3:13; Katrina Kling (Warren Hills Regional) d. Danica Haines (Palmyra), 12-7.

121: Noran Elmahroukey (New Providence) p. Jessica Rivera (Lakewood), 1:06; Emily Klein (Paramus) p. Angelina Romero (Notre Dame), 5:55.

128: Kyara Montoya (Morris Hills) p. Karielys Reyes (Trenton Central), 3:08; Amanda Connors (Northern Highlands Regional) p. Jade Gasper (Lenape), 3:27.

135: Gabby Miller (Monroe Township) md. Brooke Tulloch (Saddle Brook), 16-7; Skyelar Smith (Jackson Memorial) p. Natalie Vega (Elmwood Park Memorial), 4:15.

143: Jordyn Katz (Jackson Memorial) p. Qua-Niesha Young-Cruse (Elizabeth), 4:29; Alexis Rosano (Overbrook) md. Angela Valle (Lodi), 16-4.

151: Goodness Okoro (Newark Collegiate Charter) p. Rachel Forsman (Eastern), 5:42; Sophia Lombardo (High Point Regional) d. Abigail Stanberry (Jackson Memorial), 12-7.

161: Kierra Hubmaster (Kittatinny Regional) p. Ana Gonzalez (Lakewood), 3:30; Amanda Pace (North Bergen) p. Madison Pesavage (Jackson Memorial), 5:29.

180: Lacey Hums (High Point Regional) p. Gina Novello (Jackson Memorial), 0:31; Haylee Adorno (Delran) p. Maria Taseva (Elmwood Park Memorial), 1:44.

215: Valery Alcantara (Perth Amboy) p. Kaila Mungo (Rancocas Valley Regional), 2:46; Donna Walker (New Brunswick) p. Naliya Rivera (Kingsway Regional), 3:33.

Wrestling: Ten best medal shots (HWS), title picks

Pope John senior Eddie Ventresca is one of five returning state champions with targets on their backs this weekend at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. But the Virginia Tech recruit dismisses the notion that he's one of the favorites at a stacked 126-pound class.

Eddie Ventresca on top of the podium at AC in 2019.

"I don't look at it as that. I'm looking at it as I'm another opponent, and I'm looking to wrestle tough," said Ventresca, a three-time placewinner who won the title at 120 pounds in 2019. "In AC, someone could get hot and run through the whole [bracket]. It could be a no-name, so you always have to be on your toes."

Ventresca (35-3), who just became the third Pope John wrestler to win at least three region titles on Saturday, is among 37 qualifiers (down 13 from last year) among Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex schools, along with High Point sophomore Brian Soldano, one of the top contenders at 160 pounds.

Soldano is eyeing his first state medal after finishing a round shy as a freshman. He admits the scene was a bit overwhelming a year ago.

"Right now, I have confidence," said Soldano, a two-time Region 1 champ who is looking to become his school's first state gold medal winner since the 'Cats had AC buzzing by crowning four champs in 2011 -- Nick Francavilla, Drew Wagenhoffer, Ethan Orr and current assistant coach Billy Smith. "Last year, walking out under the lights [at Boardwalk Hall] it was a shocker, stage fright and all. But this year, I'm feeling very confident to do what I can do and try to win it."

Here is a look at the 10 male wrestlers from the Open Mike area with the best chances at capturing a medal this weekend in the 87th New Jersey State Wrestling Championships.

Eddie Ventresca (35-3), Pope John -- Looking to join New Jersey legend Mike Frick (1969, '71 and '72) as the only Pope John wrestlers to win multiple state titles, Ventresca enters the state tournament riding a 10-bout win streak, including a 3-2 victory over St. Joseph-Montvale's Alex Almeyda, a returning state medalist who also lost a 1-0 decision when they met in a dual meet, in the Region 1 finals on Saturday. Ventresca, the No. 1 seed who has six pins and technical falls, along withs five major decision wins this season, has not lost to an in-state opponent. He has a double-loss to Notre Dame's Ryan Crookham, a PIAA Class AA state champ, 5-4 and 1-0, and dropped a 10-2 decision to Wyoming Seminary stud Nic Bouzakis on Feb. 1. Ventresca also owns a 6-4 win in sudden-victory overtime against two-time state placewinner Nicholas Nardone of Delbarton on Jan. 7.

Career mark: 152-15.

Previous appearances: 3-1, sixth place at 113 pounds in 2017; 6-1, third place at 113 in '18; 5-0, first place at 120 in '19.

First-round opponent: Hunterdon Central sophomore Nick Canonica (25-13, R5-4).

Brian Soldano (33-1), High Point -- Despite having never placed in AC, Soldano is regarded as one of the state's best having placed in the prestigious Super 32 and Cadet National Freestyle tournaments this past offseason. He's also one of the most dangerous mat wrestlers -- having pinned his way to the last two Region 1 titles while logging 27 falls -- five in six postseason bouts this season -- and 55 for his career (24 are less than one minute). Though he has put himself in peril in the past while trying to turn oppoents, Soldano, the No. 3 seed,  knows he will have to careful in AC. "I'm used to getting in bad spots. It's old bad habits to break, but eventually I will get better." His only loss is an 11-8 decision to Virginia Tech recruit Clayton Ulrey, ranked nationally and a PIAA Class AAA state runner-up for Lower Dauphin in 2019, in the Sam Cali Tournament finals.

Career mark: 74-5.

Previous appearances: 3-2, fourth wrestlebacks at 160 pounds in 2019.

First-round opponent: Marlboro senior Edward Jang (31-11, R5-4).

Kaya Sement (31-4), Pope John -- The senior enjoyed a fine run at Boardwalk Hall last season in capturing his first state medal at a deep 132-pound weight class. Sement, a three-time district and two-time region champion, has one in-state loss this season -- getting pinned in 57 seconds by Kingsway sophomore Dakota Morris in the third-place bout at the Escape the Rock Tournament. Winning that second Region 1 title also proved to be difficult as Sement needed a takedown in sudden-victory overtime for a 6-4 victory over St. Joseph-Montvale freshman Michael Dellagatta. Sement, the No. 3 seed here, also scored a 6-1 victory over Hunterdon Central junior Colton Washleski, a Region 5 champion, to win his second Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament title.

Career mark: 102-20 (three seasons at PJ).

Previous appearances: 2-2, third wrestlebacks at 120 pounds in 2018; 6-2, fifth place at 132 pounds in '19.

First-round opponent: Highland senior Brett Buckingham (22-10, R8-4).

Shane Percelay (34-5), Pope John -- The No. 9 seed won't have an easy path to the quarters as he would likely face Paulsboro senior Georgio Mazzeo (35-4),  a Region 7 runner-up who is set to face Lenape Valley sophomore Daniel Haws in the prelims, in the second round. The winner would then most certainly go up against two-time finalist and 2019 state champion Dean Peterson of St. John Vianney in the Round of 8. But Percelay's experience here as a sophomore and having to grind back through the wrestlebacks should serve him well. He's also 6-0 career against Newton junior Nathan Fitt, the No. 20 seed at this weight class.

Career mark: 88-20.

Previous appearances: 4-2, seventh place at 106 pounds in 2019.

First-round opponent: Christian Brothers Academy junior Sebastiano Nini (17-4, R6-3).

Cooper Stewart (36-3), Sparta -- Making his second appearance at this weight class will certainly help Stewart, who does own a win over Don Bosco Prep junior Kelly Dunigan, the top seed and a returning medalist, 3-2, in the District 4 finals. Dunnigan turned the tables with a convincing 5-0 decision in the Region 1 finals on Saturday. Stewart, a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament champion who finished a round shy of a state medal in 2019, is sitting at the No. 4 spot and will open against Orange's Merlin Senat, who is his school's first state qualifier in 17 years. Stewart, whose twin brother, Garrett, is competing at 138, has the talent to make a run to the semifinals and earn a rubber match against Dunnigan in the semis.

Career mark: 120-20.

Previous appearances: 3-2, fourth wrestlebacks at 113 pounds in 2019.

First-round opponent: Orange junior Merlin Senat (36-8, R3-4).

Spencer Stewart (40-1), Sparta -- The youngest among the trio of Stewart brothers is the only one who has earned a state medal -- finishing eighth at 120 pounds as a sophomore in 2019. Spencer has enjoyed a tremendous season, winning Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament and District 4 titles before suffering his first loss in the Region 1 semifinals -- 5-1 to High Point junior Josh Gervey. Stewart, the No. 5 seed, has a path to the quarters in AC and would likely meet up with Region 1 champion and No. 4 seed Justin Bierdumpfel of St. Joseph-Montvale, a two-time medal winner, in the quarters.

Career mark: 113-17.

Previous appearances: 4-3, eighth place at 120 pounds in 2019.

First-round opponent: Mountain Lakes junior Charlie Sabino (29-6, R2-4).

Billy Talmadge (39-2), High Point -- The senior seeks his second state medal after facing who many feel is the man to beat at this weight the two previous Saturdays -- falling to St. Joseph-Montvale junior Michael Cetta in the District 1 and Region 1 finals. The latter was a 13-4 major decision that earned Cetta the Outstanding Wrestler Award. Talmadge, who is slick and has a non-stop motor, had been pretty much humming along until those losses, with wins over Ocean Township senior Alex Poniros (5-2 in the Mustang Classic semis) and Shore Regional's Al DeSantis (6-2 in the Sam Cali Tournament finals), as well as double-wins against Hunterdon Central sophomore Tanner Peake and Sparta senior Garrett Stewart, including decisions in winning a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament title. Talmadge, the No. 4 seed, needs five wins to surpass Jason Gaccione (143-23 from 2011-15) for second place on the school's all-time list.

Career mark: 139-28.

Previous appearances: 0-2 at 132 pounds in 2018; 5-2, fifth place at 138 pounds in '19.

First-round opponent: St. Thomas Aquinas sophomore Owen Disbrow (36-6, R5-4).

Colton Washleski (39-4), Hunterdon Central -- Making his third appearance in AC, Washleski, the No. 7 seed, rebounded from a 3-1 loss in sudden-victory overtime to Rumson-Fair Haven's Max Brignola in the District 18 finals with a 3-2 victory in their Region 5 final matchup on Saturday. Washleski, who went over the century mark for career wins in that tournament, could play spoiler in the bottom quarter of the draw and get a potential rematch with Bound Brook senior Maximus Parra, the No. 10 seed in the second round at Boardwalk Hall. The Red Devil scored a 7-3 win when they met on Jan. 29.

Career mark: 101-26.

Previous appearances: 0-2 at 113 pounds in 2018; 2-2, third wrestlebacks at 120 pounds in '19.

First-round opponent: Seton Hall Prep junior Cole Carroll (26-13, R4-4).

Nate Fossett (32-3), North Hunterdon -- The steady senior, who bounced between 182 and 195 pounds, played a major role in North's first unbeaten season and its run to the program's first state title in 18 years as the Lions won the Group 4 championship. Fossett, a Region 5 champion as a junior and a runner-up this season, is lurking in the bottom bracket as the No. 11 seed. But the fact that he's been here before and has wrestled in plenty of big matches this season may just give him the edge for that first state medal.

Career mark: 85-26.

Previous appearances: 1-2, second wrestlebacks at 170 pounds in 2019.

First-round opponent: Bound Brook junior Jahman McNeil (33-6, R4-3).

Jackson Crawn (33-2), Kittatinny -- Only a junior, Crawn, the No. 7 seed, looked for much of this season like a medal contender after a brief appearance in AC as a sophomore. But after reeling off 28 straight wins, he stumbled last weekend -- getting pinned by St. Joseph-Montvale junior Michael Toranzo in the Region 1 finals. Crawn's only other loss is to title contender and Mendham ace Gage Armijo, a 55-second pin in the Linn Crawn Memorial Classic finals in December. The only question with Crawn, a physical specimen, has been his conditioning at times this season, but he has the tools to be on the podium come Saturday.

Career mark: 86-28.

Previous appearances: 1-2, second wrestlebacks at 195 pounds in 2019.

First-round opponent: Franklin senior Nnamdi James (30-8, R5-4).

Other area qualifiers (27):

Belvidere -- Hunter Lensi (106)
High Point -- Clayton Utter (113), Devon Liebl (126), Josh Gervey (132)
Hunterdon Central -- Nick Canonica (120), Tanner Peake (138), Anthony Romaniello (152), Norman Cella (160)
Lenape Valley -- Daniel Haws (120)
Kittatinny -- Brycen Mafaro (182)
Newton -- Nathan Fitt (120)
North Hunterdon -- Frank DiEsso (120), Connor Quinn (132), James Holder (170), Liam Akers (285)
Phillipsburg -- James Day (113), Nate Zastowny (160), Jamie Wicks (195), Gage Horvath (220), Cody Cruts (285)
Pope John -- Matthew Garcia (152), Jack Stoll (182), Peter Delaportas (195), Cole Zydel (220)
Sparta -- Garrett Stewart (138)
Warren Hills -- Stephen Malia (152), Tyler McCatharn (285)

Open Mike state championship picks

106 -- Evan Mougalian, Kinnelon
113 -- Tyler Klinsky, Middletown North
120 -- Dean Peterson, St. John Vianney
126 -- Eddie Ventresca, Pope John
132 -- Joey Olivieri, Hanover Park
138 -- Michael Cetta, St. Joseph-Montvale
145 -- Andrew Clark, Collingswood
152 -- Dylan Weaver, Lyndhurst-North Arlington
160 -- Brian Soldano, High Point
170 -- Shane Reitsma, Howell
182 -- John Poznanski, Colonia
195 -- Luke Chakonis, Delbarton
220 -- Kyle Jacob, Paramus
285 -- Bardhyl Gashi, West Essex

Wrestling: State Tournament information, stats

There are 37 state qualifiers from the HWS area.

What: 87th New Jersey State Wrestling Championships.

Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Thursday's schedule: Preliminaries, noon.; pre-quarterfinals, 4 p.m.; wrestlebacks one, 6:15 p.m.; girls quarterfinals, 6:30 p.m.

Friday's schedule: Wrestlebacks two, 9 a.m.; boys quarterfinals, 11 a.m.; wrestlebacks three, 11 a.m.; wrestlebacks four, 1:30 p.m.; girls semifinals, 2 p.m; awards, 5:45 p.m.; boys semifinals and wrestlebacks five, 6.p.m.; girls consolation semifinals, 7 p.m.; boys consolation semifinals, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday's schedule: Boys consolation finals (third through eighth places) and girls consolation finals, 10 a.m.; girls championships, 1 p.m.; boys championships, 3 p.m.

Returning state champions (5, 2019 weights): Jr. Dean Peterson, St. John Vianney (second-2018, first-2019, 120); Sr. Robert Howard, Bergen Catholic (second-2017, first-2018, second-2019, 126); Sr. Eddie Ventresca, Pope John (sixth-2017, third-2018, first-2019, 126); Jr. Joey Olivieri, Hanover Park (first-2018, fourth-2019, 132); Sr. Anthony Clark, Delbarton (first-2017, first-2018, second-2019, 138).

Returning medal winners (41, previous finishes, 2019 weights): Sr. Tyler Klinsky, Middletown North (second-2019, 113); So. Joseph Cangro, Bergen Catholic (third-2019, 113); Jr. Kelly Dunnigan, Don Bosco Prep (fourth-2019, 113); Sr. Nick Babin, Emerson-Park Ridge (second-2019, 120); Jr. Vincent Santaniello, Brick Memorial (eighth-2018, third-2019, 120); Sr. Nick Kayal, Bergen Catholic (third-2017, fourth-2018, fourth-2019, 120); Jr. Jack Maida, Shore Regional (sixth-2019, 120); Jr. Shane Percelay, Pope John (seventh-2019, 120); Sr. McKenzie Bell, Kingsway (seventh-2018, fourth-2019, 126); Jr. Nicholas Nardone, Delbarton (third-2018, sixth-2019, 126); So. Alex Almeyda, St. Joseph-Montvale (seventh-2019, 126); Sr. Dylan Cedeno, Bergen Catholic (sixth-2019, 132); Sr. Justin Bierdumpfel, St. Joseph-Montvale (seventh-2017, fifth-2019, 132); Jr. Spencer Stewart, Sparta (eighth-2019, 132); Sr. Jacob Perez-Eli, Paulsboro (second-2019, 138); Sr. Billy Talmadge, High Point (fifth-2019, 138); Jr. Cooper Pontelandolfo, Cherokee (sixth-2019, 138); Jr. Eddie Hummel, Southern (sixth-2019, 138); Sr. Will Grater, Bergen Catholic (eighth-2018, eighth-2019, 138); Sr. Andrew Clark, Collingswood (eighth-2018, fourth-2019 145); Sr. Kaya Sement, Pope John (fifth-2019, 145); Sr. Tim Spatola, Delsea (eighth-2019, 145); Jr. Dylan Weaver, Lyndhurst-North Arlington (third-2019, 152); Sr. Brandon Mooney, Camden Catholic (fifth-2019, 152); Sr. Alex Strashinsky, Bergen Catholic (sixth-2019, 152); Sr. Nick Boggiano, Toms River North (eighth-2019, 152); Sr. Dante Stefanelli, Delbarton (fourth-2019, 160); Jr. Matt Benedetti, Manalapan (sixth-2019, 160); Sr. Connor O'Neill, DePaul (second-2019, 170); Sr. Shane Reitsma, Howell (sixth-2018, second-2019, 170); Sr. Kieran Calvetti, Delbarton (sixth-2019, 170); Sr. John Poznanski, Colonia (third-2018, second-2019, 182); So. Martin Cosgrove, Camden Catholic (third-2019, 195); Sr. Luke Chakonis, Delbarton (fourth-2019, 195); Sr. Kyle Epperly, Jackson Memorial (seventh-2019, 195); Jr. Mike Misita, St. Augustine (eighth-2019, 195); Sr. Kyle Jacob, Paramus (second-2019, 220); Sr. Gage Armijo, Mendham (third-2019, 220); So. P.J. Casale, Delbarton (fifth-2019, 220); Sr. Bardhyl Gashi, West Essex (second-2019, 285); Sr. Marcus Estevez, Franklin (sixth-2019, 285).

Previous placewinners (1, 2019 weight): Sr. Alex Poniros, Ocean Township (seventh-2018, 138).

Returning medal winners by region:

Region 1 (8, Dunnigan, Percelay, Ventresca, Almeyda, Bierdumpfel, S. Stewart, Talmadge, Sement)
Region 2 (10, Cangro, Babin, Kayal, Howard, Cedeno, Grater, Strashinsky, O'Neill, Jacob, Gashi)
Region 3 (9, Nardone, Olivieri, Anthony Clark, Weaver, Stefanelli, Calvetti, Chakonis, Armijo, Casale)
Region 4 (1, Poznanski)
Region 5 (4, Peterson, Maida, Benedetti, Estevez)
Region 6 (2, Klinsky, Poniros)
Region 7 (9, Santaniello, Perez-Eli, Pontelandolfo, Andrew Clark, Mooney, Boggiano, Reitsma, Cosgrove, Epperly)
Region 8 (4, Bell, Hummel, Spatola, Misita)

Wrestling: Regions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 by the numbers

The high school wrestling season is cruising to the finish line, but before we turn our focus on the 87th State Championships at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, let's take a look at some of the highlights from the five region tournaments that house teams from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area.

37 -- We have that many wrestlers from the HWS area moving on to this week's state tournament (down 13 from last year after a total of 48 in 2018), including an area-high seven from Pope John. In all, 18 (down four from last year) advanced out of Region 1, while Region 3 produced three (down one from last year). Over in Region 5, Hunterdon Central and North Hunterdon combined for 10 qualifiers, while Region 4 had five from P'burg, leaving one wrestler from Lenape Valley -- sophomore Daniel Haws -- to come out of Region 2.

Brian Soldano on top of the podium at West Milford.

6 -- High Point sophomore Brian Soldano won his second Region 1 title, while Pope John senior Eddie Ventresca also made history with his third championship at West Milford as the HWS area produced six region champions. Soldano (33-1), for the second straight year, pinned his way through the bracket to become the first wrestler for the 'Cats to win titles in his first two seasons since four-timer Nick Francavilla (2008-11). Soldano, who is 74-5 overall, also became the Sussex County school's 48th champ and the first to win back-to-back titles since Mike Derin and Kyle Stoll (2013-14). Ventresca, a Virginia Tech recruit, is just the third at his school to win at least three titles -- joining four-timers and fellow state champions Mike Frick (1969-72) and JoJo Aragona (2016-19). Ventresca also became just the fifth in Sussex to reach 150 career victories, and at 152-15 overall, he's just four back of Francavilla (156-13) for second place on that exclusive list and six shy of Aragona, who is the overall leader at 158-6. Now, Ventresca will set his sights on back-to-back state titles -- something only Frick (1969, '71 and '72) has accomplished at the Sparta-based school.

"It's onto the next. One match at a time, not looking ahead," Ventresca said. "Right now, I'm looking at next weekend. It's my last run so I'm going to leave it all on the mat. Last time going down to AC."

101 -- It's been a season of milestones for Hunterdon Central, which picked up its 1,000 dual meet victory and its 101st region champion as junior Colton Washleski scored a 3-2 win over Rumson-Fair Haven's Max Brignola in the title bout at 145 pounds in Region 5 at Franklin -- avenging a 3-1 loss in sudden-victory overtime when they met in the District 18 finals. Washleski also went over the century mark in wins (101-26), along with teammate Anthony Romaniello, who finished third at 152, and is 100-43. Sophomores Nick Canonica (126) and Tanner Peake (138), along with junior Norman Cella (160), are the other state qualifiers for the Red Devils.

127 -- Phillipsburg is still stuck on 127 champions overall after being shut out for just the second time since 2015 and the sixth since 2000. The Stateliners did have five placewinners in Region 4 at Union High School, including two finalists in junior Gage Horvath (220) and senior Cody Cruts (285). Sophomores James Day (113) and Nate Zastowny (160), along with senior Jacob Wicks (195), were third-place finishers, as all five advanced to AC for the first time.

57 -- Warren Hills advanced two wrestlers out of Region 3 at West Orange as sophomores Stephen Malia (152) and Tyler McCatharn (285) will make their first state appearances at Boardwalk Hall. McCatharn (35-4) became the Blue Streaks' 57th champion overall and just the sixth heavyweight to win a title -- joining former state champions Dale Baldwin (1969) and Dan Slack (1975-77), along with former state placewinners Jon Slack (2010) and Andrew Pacheco (2014-15), as well as 2019 champion Duro Ajayi. McCatharn and Ajayi are the first Streaks to win back-to-back at heavyweight since Pacheco won consecutive titles in 2014-15. Malia (33-7) finished third to qualify as the school seeks its first state medal since Pacheco placed sixth in 2014.

5 -- North Hunterdon produced the program's first unbeaten dual meet season that culminated with a Group 4 championship -- the Lions' first state title since 2002. The balanced lineup featured no superstars, but all 14 did advance to the Region 5 Tournament at Franklin. Five wrestlers are moving on as juniors Frank DiEsso (120), Connor Quinn (132) and James Holder (170), along with senior Nate Fossett (182), a runner-up after winning a title (No. 72 for North) in 2019, and sophomore Liam Akers (285) qualified for AC. The Lions, who finished third in the Coaches Association Top 25, received another honor as Chris Hrunka, a region champion for Warren Hills in 2007, was named Region 5 Coach of the Year. Senior Ian Gaburo (220), who was instrumental in the team's state title run, unfortunately sustained an elbow injury during practice on Thursday and was unable to compete.

20 -- Belvidere didn't get its 21st region champion, but junior Hunter Lensi finished second at 106 pounds in Region 3 to make his first trip to the state tournament. Lensi (31-7) won a District 12 championship for the first time the previous weekend and is sitting on 74 career victories.

Pope John led the area with 3 champions in R1.

19 -- Sussex County advanced a total of 19 wrestlers to Atlantic City, the most of the three local counties. Pope John senior Kaya Sement (145), now 102-20 in three seasons for the Lions, won his second title in Region 1, while junior Shane Percelay (120), a runner-up in 2019, got his first championship. Joining those two and Ventresca in AC are seniors Matthew Garcia (152) and Cole Zydel (220), and sophomores Jack Stoll (182) and Peter Delaportas (195). Stoll's father, Joe, was a region champion for Vernon at heavyweight in 1984, while older brother, Kyle, was a two-time winner for High Point at 195 pounds in 2013-14. Kittatinny sophomore Brycen Mafaro (182) and junior Jackson Crawn (220) were runners-up in Region 1, along with senior Cooper Stewart (113), who was looking to become his school's first champ since 2006. He will be joined by junior Spencer Stewart (132) and senior Garrett Stewart (138) -- both third-place finishers -- as they are the first trio of brothers to qualify for the Spartans. In addition to Soldano, sophomore Clayton Utter (113), senior Devon Liebl (126), junior Josh Gervey (132) and senior Billy Talmadge (138), who surpassed Billy Smith and Ethan Orr for third on the school's wins list at 139-28, also qualified for High Point, while John Gardner was named Region 1 Coach of the Year. Newton sophomore Nathan Fitt (120), a runner-up, rounds out the R1 qualifiers. In Region 2, Lenape Valley's Daniel Haws (120) finished fourth.

Congrats Coach Gardner on being selected Region 1 Coach of the Year! #GoCats @JonTallamy @CoachJimDelaney @HPRwildcats @MBoveNJH pic.twitter.com/fJL8chovjI

— Todd Van Orden (@ToddVanorden) March 1, 2020

11 -- Voorhees, which didn't produce a district champion for the fifth time in program history and the first since 2005, did not have a state qualifier for only the third time and first since 2009. This after Lewis Fernandes made history as the school's first two-time state champion in 2018-19. The only other years the Vikes missed on at least one state qualifier came in 2002 and '03. Coincidentally, Delaware Valley will not have a representative in AC for the first time in 11 years. The Terriers have crowned only six region champions since '09, including two-time winner Mike Pongracz (2011, '13).