Rams-Jags Could Be Destined For Rematch Page 6 Jersey Sporting News • February 7 - February 21
By Josh Lashley It’s a rematch that wrestling fans not only of the Shore Conference, but all across New Jersey and indeed beyond are clamoring for that just may take place if Jackson Memorial High School and Southern Regional take care of business in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV and South Jersey Group IV Sectional Tournament’s, respectively, this week. If both programs win their Sectionals, they could meet at the NJSIAA State Group IV Tournament final four at the Pine Belt Arena in Toms River on February 12. Top contenders from the North I Group IV Sectional bracket are West Orange, North Bergen and Morris Knolls and the top team to look for out of the North II Group II bracket is perennial powerhouse Phillipsburg. When Jackson and Southern met on January 18, it was yet another memorable and razor close battle between the two programs, with the Jaguars holding on for a 27-26 victory. Southern, the top seed in South
Jersey Group IV has a seemingly easier path to the State Group IV final four. There doesn’t seem to be a team in that field that can match up against the Rams. Although there are quality squads in the bracket, including second seeded Clearview, Southern is clearly the big favorite to win the Sectionals title. The Rams have a balanced lineup with a very good mix of underclassmen and upperclassmen. Some of the top seniors for Southern include: Matt Yostpile (126 lbs.), Steve Johns (152 lbs.), Steve Hodgson (170 lbs.), Zeb Collins (195 lbs.) and Josh Ghigliotty (285 lbs.). Jackson looks to have a tougher road to the Central Jersey Group IV Sectional crown, with a strong field which includes second seeded Brick Memorial and third seeded Howell. The Jags topped Brick Memorial, 3524, on December 21. Brick Memorial downed Howell, 34-24, in the finals of the Shore Conference Tournament on January 28. Southern did not compete in the Shore Conference Tournament
Jackson Memorial’s Brad Royle (left) turns around on his opponent.
and Jackson withdrew after winning its first match of the tournament. The Jags certainly have their share of standouts on the roster, including Alec Huxford (106 lbs.), Brian Hamann (126 lbs.), Brad Royle (132 lbs.),
Spencer Young (138 lbs.), Randy Royle (152 lbs.), Dallas Winston (182 lbs.) and Ken Bradley (195 lbs.). The Sectional semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, February 8th and the Sectional finals are slated for February 10.
Mustangs Capture SCT Wrestling Crown
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI
Brick Memorial’s Sean Stephenson overpowers his opponent.
By Ted Kaiser BRICK— The Brick Memorial wrestling team entered the Shore Conference Tournament (SCT) Final having won eight matches in a row. With only three losses on the season, the Mustangs were understandably confident even if they advanced to the final because of Jackson Memorial’s medical forfeit due to a MRSA outbreak. Brick Memorial showcased their talent on the mats with a 3424 victory over Howell for the SCT title. Freshman Cliff Ruggiero (145 lbs.) and junior Ezra Figueroa (Hwt.) each earned pins for the Mustangs. Nick Costa was able to score a solid win over Cody Kirk in the 160 lb. weight class. Kirk and the middleweight wrestlers have been doing very well for Howell this season.
Earlier in the SCT, Brick Memorial defeated Freehold Township in the first round. The Mustangs won 47-15 recording five pins and two major decisions. In the quarterfinals, junior Tyler Richardson (170 lbs.) recorded a pin in less than one minute to pace a 32-20 win over Toms River South. The victory was important because the Indians were strong in the middleweights led by star BJ Clagon at 138 lbs. Now Brick Memorial prepares for the state tournament. They are locked in as the second seed in the Central Jersey Group IV bracket where they could end up facing Howell again in the semifinals. The Mustangs first game will come against the winner of the Howell - East Brunswick match.