In case anyone missed this earlier in January.

Hook ’em!: Unionville picks ‘Longhorns’ as new nickname after thorough process


Unionville High School's sports teams will now be known as the "Longhorns" after completing a thorough process and receiving input from all over the community. The new name replaces "Indians," which is how Unionville was known for more than 60 years. The school retains its familiar blue and gold color scheme.

EAST MARLBOROUGH >> When you think of the Longhorns taking to the arena of competition, the mental picture is of burnt orange-clad athletes from the University of Texas.

But now, at least in Chester County, the Longhorns wear blue and gol Unionville went by “Indians” for more than 60 years.

On Monday evening at a board meeting of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, it was announced that Unionville High School has adopted

“Longhorns” as its new nickname and mascot.

It officially replaces the previous nickname — the Indians — which was deemed too pejorative, much in the way that the Redskins moniker was recently dropped by Washington’s NFL franchise.

“It is going to be a hard transition for some, but I think over the next few years students are going to love it,” said Molly Evanko, Unionville’s student council president. “Any big change like this will take some getting used to, but the students are going to love having a mascot they can really support.”

It officially puts an end to the association between the school’s athletic teams and the “Indians,” which was adopted in 1954 as a reference to the Lenape Indians who once inhabited the area through mid-1750s. It was used proudly for more than 60 years before being phased out, starting about five years ago.

In late August, the school board voted to retire the mascot, and a 38-member committee was assembled to come up with a replacement. It included students, teachers, staff, alumni and community members, who met weekly.

“Changing the mascot was an emotional topic for folks, and people care,” said Unionville Athletic Director Pat Crater. “There are certain people in the community who are deeply connected with the school and have a lot of good memories of the previous mascot.

“But on the other side there was a lot of support for change, looking for something that is more inclusive. You see it all over the country with changes in mascots like the Washington Redskins.”

Crater called it a “thoughtful process and we listened to all stakeholders.” The committee initially sent out a survey to all students and staff members asking for suggestions.



Unionville football coach Pat Clark was on the committee that helped choose the new name. “We have some great young people here who kind of spearheaded the conversation,” Clark said. “We can look at making this positive change and still include our alumni and recognize how important they are to our community.”

“We got over 500 submissions — a lot of really good ideas,” he said.

“We have some great young people here who kind of spearheaded the conversation,” said Unionville football coach Pat Clark, who was on the committee. “We can look at making this positive change and still include our alumni and recognize how important they are to our community.”

Following several rounds of voting, the committee settled on two finalists: the Longhorns and the Stampede. The school’s debate team even considered the two options before it was put to a vote, with students from grades eight through 12 making the final decision.

“We wanted something gender neutral that connected to this community,” Crater said. “And something unique, but not obscure. We learned there are no local high schools that are also the Longhorns.”

While there is no definitive list of Pennsylvania high school nicknames, it appears that there are no other “Longhorns” among the more than 1,000 high schools in the state.

According to Clark, the local connection goes back to the Buck and Doe Run Valley Farms — the King Ranch — that was previously a working cattle ranch in the area.

“There was always a herd of longhorns kept there and much of it is now a nature preserve that covers thousands of acres,” he explained.

Crater pointed out that longhorns are considered a lead steer that is highly adaptable, which was a nod to the Unionville student population.

“We learned that a longhorn is like a fingerprint in that their horns, their coloring and their personalities are all different,” he added. “We thought that was a nice way to celebrate the diversity of our students.”

It also makes sense from a branding perspective as the ‘U’ shape of the longhorn works well with the Unionville ‘U.’

“As a school, we really haven’t been able to use our mascot for the last five-to-six years,” Clark pointed out.

“I’ve been here a long time and there is a tremendous sense of community pride. I’ve got brothers and cousins that have all come through our sports programs, and the old mascot means something to them. But there is also growth in our community. The people who were Unionville Indians can be proud of all they accomplished.”

According to Evanko, who was a member of Unionville’s state champion girls’ golf team, there will be a contest to name the new mascot. She also said that Student Council is organizing a clothing drive to encourage the community to donate their clothing with the old Unionville logo.

“We are going to change out clothing and work on getting everybody in the building a new T-shirt,” Clark said.

“It’s so we can give back to the community and encourage everyone to embrace our new logo,” Evanko added.

“For the most part the students were really excited to see a new mascot because in my time at Unionville we haven’t had a mascot at football games or prep rallies. So I think they are really excited to have a new mascot we can all rally behind.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Overall it went good. I had good film, but Covid just made the season shorter.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“My plan right now is to stay conditioned and keep working hard for my senior season.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We are chasing another ring.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We are our own competition. We just need to stay focused.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Deontae Williams because he’s a playmaker.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I talked to Rutgers and W&M.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
N/A

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
N/A

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“WVU.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“For our team it was a rough season, but personally I had a good season. I just wish that we had done better as a whole.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“In the offseason, I’m going to do a lot of lifting and I’m the summer I’m going to be playing basketball.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel we will do better this year since we had a lot of players with no experience which made it hard to compete against teams who have that.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Pine-Richland is going to be the toughest competition. They didn’t lose a game last year and won back-to-back WPIAL championships.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I think the toughest individual we will play against will be Jeremiah from Pine Richland. I don’t know his last name.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Most of my life, I’ve wanted to do basketball. Now that I’m in high school, I’ve changed my focus toward football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve had a good amount coming from UConn, Akron, UMASS, Stonybrook, Lehigh, Youngstown State, Bucknell, and Air Force.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I think it would be UConn since they are the only school who has offered me yet.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“As of now, no.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I’ve always liked Pitt because they are pretty much right down the road from me and play at Heinz Field, which I’ve always thought was cool.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“I had a very good junior season. I was the team’s leading tackler, all conference, second team all Eastern PA, and conference champions.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I just finished basketball and I’m lifting and training for my senior football season now.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“Very good. Our defense will be outstanding at Mechanicsburg next year.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“East Pennsboro.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
"Possibly Nick Singleton.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would like to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve had several interests from D2 and D3 schools from around this area like Millersville and Misericordia.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“An unofficial to the University of Delaware.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I plan on visiting several colleges in the off-season.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Penn State.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“The season went great. Being state champions is the goal each year and we came up on top.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I’ve been going to Outer Limits, a training facility where you get one-on-one training with professional trainers for the past three months. High school football workouts just started up March 1st so that’s exciting.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“Our team will be young, but size wise, we will be massive. Lots of guys coming back that have big bodies and can move.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Central Catholic is always competitive, greats players and coaches, it’s going to be a bloodbath.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Cade Yacamelli is a quick kid who can play anywhere on the field with his size. Definitely will be one of the best for next season.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football in college. It’s been a dream.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I hold offers from Army, Navy, UPENN, Harvard, and Columbia. I’ve been in contact with multiple FCS and FBS schools, including Pitt, Penn State, Toledo, Kent State, Akron, Air Force, Old Dominion and more.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“All the schools have been recruiting me hard with calls and text messages. I do not favor how hard they recruit me over one another.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips due to Covid.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I will be making plenty of trips in the summer when the dead period ends.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up
“I’ve always liked Colorado-Boulder because that is where I grew up.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“We went 5-3 and not as good as we expected. I could’ve performed a little better in some games.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I’m working out every day. I just finished wrestling and I’m running track.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think we will do better than this year’s performance as long as we work on the little things that were negative last year.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Our toughest competition will be Southern Columbia because they are a very good team.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Gavin Garcia.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would like to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Franklin & Marshall University, Ithaca University, and Elon University.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, I’ll be visiting more schools this year. It is mostly just the ones recruiting me.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Pittsburgh.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Rocco Pizano, Jeremiah Hasley, Sam DeLuca, Logan Bernesser, and Jermir Harber now!


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Wyoming Area wide receiver Rocco Pizano

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would like to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Franklin & Marshall University, Ithaca University, and Elon University.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, I’ll be visiting more schools this year. It is mostly just the ones recruiting me.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Pittsburgh.”


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Pine-Richland linebacker Jeremiah Hasley

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football in college. It’s been a dream.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I hold offers from Army, Navy, UPENN, Harvard, and Columbia. I’ve been in contact with multiple FCS and FBS schools, including Pitt, Penn State, Toledo, Kent State, Akron, Air Force, Old Dominion and more.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“All the schools have been recruiting me hard with calls and text messages. I do not favor how hard they recruit me over one another.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips due to Covid.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I will be making plenty of trips in the summer when the dead period ends.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up
“I’ve always liked Colorado-Boulder because that is where I grew up.”


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Mechanicsburg linebacker Sam DeLuca

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would like to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve had several interests from D2 and D3 schools from around this area like Millersville and Misericordia.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“An unofficial to the University of Delaware.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I plan on visiting several colleges in the off-season.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Penn State.”


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Shaler Area tight end Logan Bernesser

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Most of my life, I’ve wanted to do basketball. Now that I’m in high school, I’ve changed my focus toward football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve had a good amount coming from UConn, Akron, UMASS, Stonybrook, Lehigh, Youngstown State, Bucknell, and Air Force.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I think it would be UConn since they are the only school who has offered me yet.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“As of now, no.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I’ve always liked Pitt because they are pretty much right down the road from me and play at Heinz Field, which I’ve always thought was cool.”


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Gateway linebacker Jermir Harber

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I talked to Rutgers and W&M.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
N/A

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
N/A

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“WVU.”


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The smallest field in Hershey since expanding from just four regional champions in the early 1970s. All wrestlers who have qualified for this weekend are state medalists, but we'll shake out champions on Saturday. The one day tournament certainly adds an element - yes, things are packed in, but one weigh in rather than three straight days may be a real advantage for guys who are bigger in their brackets, assuming they can get by that quarterfinal fresh off of the scale.

All rankings are provided by PaPower Wrestling. All references to national rankings are those from Willie Saylor, formerly of FloWrestling, now of MatScouts (and a state medalist for my Red Rovers on the #1 team in the country in 1996).

I feel like this year there are not tons of big favorites. Wyatt Henson and Jagger Condomitti are the only two I'd say you can mark down in ink. Just about every other class has at least two guys who are solid bets to win, meaning it's a terrible year to be making predictions! Part of this is an injury issue - Lenny Pinto (Stroudsburg) and Mac Stout (Mount Lebanon) are two of the best wrestlers in the country and would be solid favorites at 172 and 189, but both are out for the season with knee injuries. That was the state final at 170 last year, won by Pinto. He'll be at Nebraska next year, while Stout will be back for his senior year shooting for his first state title (and to become the third Stout brother with a state title). Other returning state medalist/finals threats out with injuries are Hayden Cunningham (State College - son of Penn State assistant Casey Cunningham), Braxton Appello (Easton), Nico Taddy (West Allegheny), and Ty Watters (West Allegheny). And of course, the big injury story is in 2A, where Ryan Crookham (Saucon Valley) will NOT become the next four time state champion, as he is out for the season with concussion issues and also transferred out of Notre Dame (GP) to Saucon Valley. Crookham, Pinto, and Stout all being out for the season is the biggest I can remember the injury bug hitting Pennsylvania.

Anyway, onto the previews starting with the little guys.

106
#1 Carson Wagner, Northampton (So.): State 6th
#5 Cael Nasdeo, Williamsport (So.)
#10 Tony Burke, Council Rock North (Jr.) – SQ
#4 Dominic Flatt, Solanco (Sr.) – SQ
-
#6 Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights (So.)
#3 Kaedyn Williams, Manheim Township (Fr.) – Junior High 3rd, Junior High 3rd,
#7 Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg (Sr.) – SQ
#2 Tyler Chappell, Seneca Valley (So.)

Serious Title Threats
Carson Wagner, Northampton; Kaedyn Williams, Manheim Township, Tyler Chappell, Seneca Valley
It’s a pretty clear top three here with Wagner, Williams, and Chappell. Wagner, the lone returning medalist from 106 last year, has the best bracket placement at the top away from the other two. He looked sluggish last weekend, much less offense than we’re used to from him and he’s going to need to find that to win it al. Williams is a budding superstar – he’s really tall for the weight and has a risk-embracing style that makes him a fan favorite. Chappell was able to ride out Williams and slow him down (I also think the cut to 108 must be brutal) and that’ll be a really good semi to see how strategies change this week.

Bracket Buster: Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
Jasionowicz is the most experienced guy in the field – a four year starter for Sean Richmond at 106 who made a surprise trip to Hershey last year. He’s a really tough out, but he also could literally bust the bracket. He suffered a pretty serious ankle injury last week in the blood round – he was able to finish but defaulted out of his next match, and I’ve heard he’s being evaluated whether or not he can wrestle this weekend.

Semifinals: Carson Wagner vs. Dominic Flatt and Kaedyn Williams vs. Tyler Chappell
On the top half, Wagner should get by Nasdeo, while Flatt is a solid favorite over Burke. Flatt was 1-2 at states last year, with losses to state champ Vinny Kilkeary and Hayden Cunningham (out for the year with an ACL tear, but otherwise would be here). He’s the rare senior at 106, and that experience goes a long way in such a weird year. On the bottom, it’s a Williams/Chappell collision course.

Finals: Carson Wagner vs. Kaedyn Williams
Wagner is a solid favorite on top, particularly if we see the Wagner from Districts and Regionals, who just hammered the competition. On the bottom, Williams could not get out from underneath Chappell last week – but I think he’s got the better ability to score two from his feet in this one and the freshman takes the rematch.

State Champ: Carson Wagner, Northampton
I said back in the fall after Super 32 that Wagner was my pick to win a state title at 106 now that he was fully sized. Williams has an impressive toolkit and this match will be more entertaining than his semi with Chappell as both guys can really put the pedal on the floor. Wagner is a little more savvy and a little better on bottom, and that’s my difference. Or I’m just a D11 homer.

State Medal Picks
1. Carson Wagner, Northampton
2. Kaedyn Williams, Manheim Township
3. Tyler Chappell, Seneca Valley
4. Dominic Flatt, Solanco
5. Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
6. Cael Nasdeo, Williamsport
7. Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights
8. Tony Burke, Council Rock North

Reading, Father Judge, Chester, Harry s Truman, Norristown and Cheltenham start there spring football season this upcoming weekend. Is there any other spring football happen this spring in Pennsylvania.

Truman springs forward: Thomas’ four TDs push Tigers past Cheltenham – PA Prep Live. Truman 34 Cheltenham 28 final.

What colleges have offered you at this point?
“I have official offers from West Liberty University, Kent State, UMass, and Old Dominion University.”

What other schools that have not offered are still recruiting you?
“Syracuse, Akron, and the Naval Academy. Those are the schools that are actually texting me and talking with me.”

Which school or schools do you feel is recruiting you the hardest?
“I would definitely say Kent State, ODU, and then UMASS.”

Do you have a favorite at this point in the process?
“No, it's definitely too soon. I'm getting to know some of the coaching staff through phone calls, FaceTimes, and texting.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Initially there was a lot of discussion about going to see West Liberty, Kent State, ODU, and UMass in the spring. Then the NCAA extended the dead period so that sort of put a pause on discussions about visits. There will be no face to face until at least the beginning of June.”

If there are camps this summer, where would you like to go?
“I think if I was asked to go to camps at any of the schools that have offered me, I would certainly go to those camps first and then if I was asked to go to any other schools’ camps as I'd try to make as many as possible. I'm getting a lot of feedback though from the coaches that are recruiting me that they're really unsure if there is even going to be the opportunity to have camps.”

When do you want to make a college decision?
“I don't have any specific time frame at all. I'm just hoping to know what school has the best fit for me what program I feel the most comfortable with and which coaching staff I have the best chemistry with after all of this is said and done.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“The season did not provide the results I was hoping for with our team record and my personal achievements.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I am currently playing basketball as a power forward. I have been putting hours on end in the weight room, getting bigger, faster and stronger.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel like if we spend the time getting better in the off-season, we will see the results come game time. I feel pressure from coaches, parents, and teammates to take on the responsibility to be a main key component in our offense and defense.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I think the toughest team on our schedule will be Windber.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest player we will play against is Jackson Byer of Conemaugh Township.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would love to play collegiate football. I have played since seventh grade and it has been a joy to be on a team with my friends.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“There have been no colleges who have reached out to me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have made college trips to Liberty University and Indiana Wesleyan University.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“With COVID restrictions, it has been hard to schedule a visit that will 100% happen.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My dad and I have been big fans of Penn State. We love the atmosphere that fans bring to the games.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Our high school season went very well. Our previous season, my freshmen year, we went 2-8. My sophomore year we went 9-3 and section champions.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I usually lift 6 days a week mixed in with speed and agility workouts during the off-season.”

What are you trying to improve on the most as a player?
“I am trying to improve on my speed and picking up on other team’s tendencies.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think my team will be just as good, if not better. We have a lot of returning starters on both sides of the ball.”

Who do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule next season?
“I think the toughest competition will probably be Peters Township.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“No colleges have been recruiting me yet.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not had any trips yet, and do not have any planned as of right now.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I did have a favorite team growing up and it was Pitt.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“It should have been a lot better but knowing that we lost 19/22 starters the year prior, it went a lot better than expected.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I’m going to continue to practice with the Lebo football team as well as lift as much as I can.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel that my team has a shot at winning the State Championship. We have the talent, but it just comes down to how we train in the off-season.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Definitely Central Catholic. They are a great team with a lot of potential and it’s going to be a great game next year.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I would say either Devin Barren or JD Younger. They are both very good defensively and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see them on the offensive side of the ball.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, absolutely. I would love to play at an Ivy League school or an Academy, but right now it’s a super hard decision because I have not been able to visit any of these schools yet.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Most of the Ivy Leagues so far, as well as West Point, Miami of Ohio, Temple, Drake, and Davidson. Also, it has been William and Mary and UMass.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I would say Penn. They already gave me an offer and have been in touch the most. Also, Columbia since they have given me an offer.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not as of now. It’s been hard with the dead period and the pandemic, but hopefully I can visit some schools in the near future.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Not any trips, but there are a lot of upcoming virtual junior days that I plan to attend.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Penn State has always been my favorite college football team growing up because I have family that live near there.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Alex Tecza, Dylan Sleva, Jack Jollie, Nick Bryan, and Ethan Yoder now!


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Mt. Lebanon safety Alex Tecza

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, absolutely. I would love to play at an Ivy League school or an Academy, but right now it’s a super hard decision because I have not been able to visit any of these schools yet.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Most of the Ivy Leagues so far, as well as West Point, Miami of Ohio, Temple, Drake, and Davidson. Also, it has been William and Mary and UMass.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I would say Penn. They already gave me an offer and have been in touch the most. Also, Columbia since they have given me an offer.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not as of now. It’s been hard with the dead period and the pandemic, but hopefully I can visit some schools in the near future.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Not any trips, but there are a lot of upcoming virtual junior days that I plan to attend.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Penn State has always been my favorite college football team growing up because I have family that live near there.”


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Moon Area linebacker Dylan Sleva

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“No colleges have been recruiting me yet.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not had any trips yet, and do not have any planned as of right now.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I did have a favorite team growing up and it was Pitt.”


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Thomas Jefferson offensive tackle Nick Bryan

What colleges have offered you at this point?
“I have official offers from West Liberty University, Kent State, UMass, and Old Dominion University.”

What other schools that have not offered are still recruiting you?
“Syracuse, Akron, and the Naval Academy. Those are the schools that are actually texting me and talking with me.”

Which school or schools do you feel is recruiting you the hardest?
“I would definitely say Kent State, ODU, and then UMASS.”

Do you have a favorite at this point in the process?
“No, it's definitely too soon. I'm getting to know some of the coaching staff through phone calls, FaceTimes, and texting.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Initially there was a lot of discussion about going to see West Liberty, Kent State, ODU, and UMass in the spring. Then the NCAA extended the dead period so that sort of put a pause on discussions about visits. There will be no face to face until at least the beginning of June.”

If there are camps this summer, where would you like to go?
“I think if I was asked to go to camps at any of the schools that have offered me, I would certainly go to those camps first and then if I was asked to go to any other schools’ camps as I'd try to make as many as possible. I'm getting a lot of feedback though from the coaches that are recruiting me that they're really unsure if there is even going to be the opportunity to have camps.”

When do you want to make a college decision?
“I don't have any specific time frame at all. I'm just hoping to know what school has the best fit for me what program I feel the most comfortable with and which coaching staff I have the best chemistry with after all of this is said and done.”


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North Star defensive end Ethan Yoder

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would love to play collegiate football. I have played since seventh grade and it has been a joy to be on a team with my friends.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“There have been no colleges who have reached out to me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have made college trips to Liberty University and Indiana Wesleyan University.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“With COVID restrictions, it has been hard to schedule a visit that will 100% happen.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My dad and I have been big fans of Penn State. We love the atmosphere that fans bring to the games.”


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Before the 2A tournament gets kicked off tomorrow, wanted to get some of these on record. I do not follow 2A as closely at the state level as I do 3A – I know the studs and I know the local guys, but that middle tier I’m kind of flying blind, so just picking finalists here.



Just like in 3A, there are a couple major notables not here. Ryan Crookham was on track to winning four state titles, but complications from a concussion have kept him out all season. He also transferred from Notre Dame to Saucon Valley, and presumably will hunt a third title with the Panthers next year. The Lehigh recruit is the #2 wrestler in the country at 132 and the #2 overall recruit in the junior class. Also missing is Eric Gibson, who transferred from Forest Hills to Bishop McCourt and is sitting out the postseason due to the athletic transfer rule. His younger brother will compete – he’s a freshman, so he’s not technically “transferring” from anywhere – but Eric will not be in the 145 pound field, where he’d be the favorite. The Cornell recruit has taken 3rd and 6th at the state tournament.

106: Hunter Robinson, Saegertown over Branden Wentzel, Mountoursville
Robinson is your top ranked guy in the state and my pick in the top half. Wentzel has flipped matches with Chase Burke (Benton) over the last two weeks – Burke has Wentzel in his half again and I think Wentzel, the returning state champion, flips the result back. But Robinson knocks him off the path to being a four-timer. Also, watch out for Ayden Smith (Notre Dame GP), who pushed Burke to the limit in the East Super Region finals, and had a takedown that would have won the tournament waved off in the final seconds. Smith is tiny (he won Junior High States at 77 pounds last year), but is a force going forward.

113: Jaden Pepe, Wyoming over Gavin Bradley, Athens
These two have also split matches in the last two weeks, with Bradley winning the NE Regional title and Pepe getting him back at Super Regionals. Pepe was my pick last year at 106 (he took 3rd), while Bradley has a pair of state medals. I think the result from last week holds and Pepe gets his first gold.

120: Mason Gibson, Bishop McCourt over Gary Steen, Reynolds
This is the big one. Gibson is the best freshman in the country and the next in the recent lineage of super hyped PA freshman like Ryan Crookham, Spencer Lee, and Chance Marsteller. Gibson is a monster – he’s won the high school Super 32 and is a top 5 kid in the weight class already, and he’s the favorite in the weight despite it having a two-time champ and a New Jersey champ in it. Steen is the two-timer, winning as a freshman and last season (he lost his opening round match as a sophomore – the literal first match wrestled of the tournament on Thursday, then wrestled all the way back for third). Gibson beat Steen 6-1 last week in the Super Region finals and looked awesome doing it. Steen will also have to get through Brett Ungar (Notre Dame GP) on the bottom half. Ungar, a Cornell recruit, was a New Jersey state champion as a sophomore for Hunterdon Central before transferring to Notre Dame last year and taking third in Pennsylvania – losing to Steen in semifinals in ultimate tiebreaker. Steen is 2-1 against Ungar with the win at states and in Ironman finals, while Ungar beat Steen at Team States. It’s tight every time they wrestle, but I think Steen is a slightly better scrambler, and the Penn State recruit gets it done. But Gibson is going to win four titles, and this is his first.

126: Joey Fischer, South Park over Scott Johnson, Muncy
Fischer was a state finalist as a junior (losing to Steen in SV) and took fourth as a sophomore. He’s a star – headed to Clarion next fall – and is a solid bet to win here. Johnson owns a pair of wins over the third contender here, Gable Strickland (Benton), including in the Super Region final last week which dropped Strickland into Fischer’s half.

132: Brandan Chletsos, Notre Dame (GP) over Jackson Arrington, Forest Hills
Outside of the three-man round robin at 120, this is the best final in the tournament. Chletsos and Arrington are both nationally ranked and committed to top 20 programs as juniors (Chletsos to Rutgers, Arrington to NC State). Arrington stormed to a PowerAde title this year, and looks like he has jumped a level. He was kind of a surprise state champion as a freshman, and took third last year. Chletsos has long been one of my favorites to watch – it’s tough to see improvement on Notre Dame’s limited schedule, but he’s a two-time medalist as well, taking 6th and 3rd in his career. He’s a hammer on top, and I like him to pull the minor upset and get District 11 a title (though, unfortunately, not for his hometown Easton Red Rovers).

138: Brock McMillen, Glendale over Ian Oswalt, Burrell
Brock McMillen is trying to finish his career the quietest three-time state champion and four-time finalist ever. The Pitt recruit is solid in every aspect and is one of the bigger favorites in the tournament. This would be a rematch of last year’s state final, where McMillen beat Oswalt in tiebreakers. He’s won five straight against Oswalt, including a 5-1 last week in the Super Regional and 5-2 two weeks ago in the WPIAL finals. Make it three in a row (in more ways than one).

145: Levi Haines, Biglerville over Kaeden Berger, Reynolds
Haines is a two-time state finalist – he knocked off Jackson Arrington in semis last year to deny him a second title before falling to Ryan Crookham in finals. He’s the pick to get it done here against Berger, who (along with Steen) will be looking to give Reynolds its 30th state champ – which would be the first 2A school to accomplish the feat (Clearfield, Easton, and Waynesburg are the current members, with Reynolds and Bethlehem Catholic both possibly joining this weekend with a champ).

152: Grant MacKay, Laurel over Dalton Gimbor, Hamburg
MacKay was a state qualifier as a freshman last year for North Allegheny and one of the most anticipated freshmen in last year’s class. This year, he’s dominated his way to the top ranking in the state and looks like he’s separated from the field. Gimbor, the only returning state medalist in the bracket, will have to flip the result against Devon Deem (Montgomery) in semis from their semifinal last week at Supers. But MacKay is my pick over whoever comes out.

160: Holden Garcia, Notre Dame (GP) over AJ Corrado, Burrell
Holden Garcia announced his presence with authority last week, beating Nolan Lear (Benton) and Bailey Gimbor (Hamburg) to take the East Super Regional title. Gimbor and Lear now have seven state tournament trips and three medals between them, and the 10th grader from Phillipsburg (NJ) took them both apart in back-to-back matches. Garcia was a state qualifier last year, but dropped a blood round match to stay off of the medal stand. Corrado ws a state finalist last year, losing to Caleb Dowling at 152, and has three other state medals to his name. The Brown commit is a slight favorite, but I’m betting on Garcia really having jumped levels and getting a title. Avery Bassett (Mid-West) is the other name to watch here and he’ll see Garcia in the semifinal.

172: Gavin Garcia, Southern Columbia over Rune Lawrence, Frazier
Yet another football standout Garcia brother who is a national caliber wrestler. Gavin was 4th as a freshman and 3rd last season, putting him almost on the exact same track as Gaige (who went 5-3-1-1 for Southern Columbia). He won’t catch his father’s three state titles, but he is a good bet here in a deep field. Malachi Duvall will be a tough semi, but I think Garcia gets through. On the bottom, Rune Lawrence is yet another star in a deep 2A freshman class. His older brother Thayne, now at Lehigh, was a two-time champ and three time finalist, and Rune looks to be on that pace. He beat Duvall in sudden victory last week (his second win over him), but will have to get by Ben Haubert (Palisades), who pushed Garcia in a 5-3 East final. But I think we get Garcia-Lawrence in the finals, and while in a lot of years Rune Lawrence wins a first title, it’s Gavin Garcia’s time.

189: Cael Crebs, Montoursville over Wesley Barnes, Southern Colubmia
Why not make it four weeks in a row? These two have met for the District 4, Northeast Regional, and Super Regional titles with Crebs taking all four by a combined 11-1 score. I’m very high on Wesley Barnes, and like him to take out Ethan Finch (Sheffield) in semis to get a rematch, but the sophomore will have to wait another year for a state title because it looks like Crebs owns this one.

215: Dayton Pitzer, Mount Pleasant over Dylan Bennett, Montoursville
Pitzer stormed to a state title at 182 as a freshman before missing his entire sophomore season with an injury. He’d otherwise be a great bet for the four-timers club because nobody is going to beat him here. He’s a tall, lanky 215 who is excellent from top and athletic enough to give just about everybody problems. Bennett is a worthy challenger – he was a state finalist last year at 182 and is a Pitt signee – but he’s not quite on Pitzer’s level.

285: Jalen Stephens, Meyersdale over Nathan Taylor, Brookville
This is a talent pick. Stephens is the best guy in the bracket, but he battled health issues in February that nearly knocked him out for the season. He’s been back, but hasn’t looked totally like himself, including taking fourth in his Super Regional last week. If he can put together three matches, he’s the best guy in the field, but that may be a tall order. Taylor dominated the field last week, going Fall, Fall, major; so if Stephens isn’t quite right, Taylor is the pick.

For the first time, there is an extra layer before the state tournament as we will have an East and West Super Regional in Quakertown and Altoona to set eight man brackets (down from 20) for Hershey. The East Super Region features the top four finishers from the Northeast (D2, D11, and D12) and the top for finishers from the Southeast (D1) - while the west is a compilicaton of top three from the South Central (D3) and South West (D7) and top two from the North West (D4, D6, D8, D9, D10). The East is by far the easier region - a Penn Live artcle noted that 70% of the top ten ranked wrestlers come from the west - but there should still be really good competition this weekend, particularly in finals.

The East features six wrestlers ranked #1 statewide at their weight class - Carson Wagner (Northampton - 106), Dante Frinzi (Bethlehem Catholic - 120), Kyle Hauserman (Council Rock North - 138), Jagger Condomitti (Northampton - 160), Joey MIlano (Spring-Ford - 189), and Ryan Catka (Sun Valley - 215). The top three in the state at 189 are all here with Milano, Isaiah Reinert (Easton) and Drew Clearie (Nazareth), while Reinert and Nathan Lucier (Coatesville - 132) are the only statewide #2's in the Super Region. All rankings from PaPower Wrestling. Her's the big preview.

106
#8 Cole Smith, Spring-Ford (So. – SE1)
#16 Tyson Cook, West Scranton (Fr. – NE4)
#19 Gavin Sheridan, Boyertown (Fr. – SE3)
#6 Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights (So. – NE2)
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#11 Tony Burke, Council Rock North (Jr. – SE2)
#7 Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg (Sr. – NE3)
#21 Cole McFarland, Haverford (Fr. – SE4)
#1 Carson Wagner, Northampton (So. – NE1)

The favorite: Carson Wagner (Northampton)
The Konkrete Kid is the top ranked wrestlers in the state and feels head and shoulders above the field this weekend. His biggest competitors – Kaedyn Williams (Manheim Township) and Tyler Chappell (Seneca Valley) – are both in Altoona for the Western Regional. Wagner owns a win by fall over Jasionowicz and the District 1 contingent doesn’t feature a true state challenger.

The Sleeper: Luke Sirianni (Abington Heights)
Sirianni surprised me with a run to Northeast Regional finals last weekend with wins over Charlie Pavis (Bethlehem Catholic) and Jasinowicz and really earning his trip to Quakertown. Sirianni sits in a great place in the bracket, as he owns a win over Tyson Cook and neither Sheridan or Smith would be a heavy favorite.

Toughest First Round Match: Tony Burke, Council Rock North vs. Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
Always fun to get a pair of state qualifiers in the quarterfinals. Burke got his first career win over Cavan Kinne (Council Rock South) in D1 semis, but lost to Cole Smith in the final, dropping him to the bottom half. Jasionowicz has been in the top five in the state all year, but dropped a match to Sirianni on a late takedown in regional semis and had to battle back for third. These are the only two upperclassmen in the bracket, and both have the size and experience to make a run into the state tournament if they can get by this one.

Semifinals: Cole Smith vs. Luke Sirianni and Josh Jasionowicz vs. Carson Wagner
Smith has a good shot to continue his hot run with Tyson Cook in the first round. Sirianni is a solid favorite over Sheridan to make semis and put himself one match away. After the way he wrestled last weekend, I like Sirianni to move on. Jasionowicz and Wagner are on a collision course for another meeting. Jasionowicz did not wrestle his best in the D11 final and I think he puts on a better showing, but still gets beat by Wagner.

Blood Round: Cole Smith vs. Tony Burke and Josh Jasionowicz vs. Gavin Sheridan
Burke gets another shot at Smith in a blood round, presuming he bears McFarland. I like him to turn the tables and make states. Jasionowicz is a safe bet against whoever wins the first consolation match from the top half.

Champ: Carson Wagner over Luke Sirianni
Wagner controlled Sirianni last week, and I’d expect no different this time around, maybe stretching to bonus. He’ll need to be ready for bigger guns next week, but he’s pretty darn good.

State Qualifier Picks
1. Carson Wagner, Northampton
2. Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights
3. Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
4. Tony Burke, Council Rock North


113
#12 Mason Ziegler, Quakertown (Fr. – SE1)
#17 Austin Noe, Northampton (Fr. – NE4)
#19 Dominic Ortlip, Spring-Ford (Jr. – SE3)
#8 Charlie Bunting, Nazareth (So.- NE2)
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#18 Sam Kuhns, Pennridge (Fr. – SE2)
#9 Cael McIntyre, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – NE3)
#22 Carmen Cortese, WC Henderson (So. – SE4)
#7 Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley (So. – NE1)

The Favorite: Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley
Jacaruso was the a solid bet to qualify for states in 2020 – he was a finalist at the Hurricane Classic and Escape the Rock, but at regionals was pinned by Tyler Kasak, then lost an absolute barnburner to Carson Wagner on the backside to end his season. Last weekend, he went through Charlie Bunting and Cael McIntyre – getting an overtime takedown against Bunting and a tiebreaker reversal against McIntyre – and cemented himself as a favorite to move on. He’s a great athlete, can really scramble, and is great on bottom. He’ll be tested again by the D11 pair, he’s got wins against the two best guys in the field.

The Sleeper: Mason Ziegler, Quakertown
Tough to call a regional champ a sleeper, but I think the perception is that this weight is Jacaruso, Bunting, McIntyre, and everybody else. Ziegler has fifteen techs or pins on the season, including a stretch of nine first period falls in February. He’s a product of Bethlehem Catholic’s Red Hawk wrestling club, which means he’s a hammer on top and certainly has rolled with really good guys. He’s just a freshman, but he’ll be solidly in the mix.

Toughest First Round Match: Dominic Ortlip vs. Charlie Bunting
Ortlip was a state qualifier in 2020, but was upset by Sam Kuhns in the D1 semis, which drops him into a match with NE Regional runner-up Charlie Bunting. Bunting is probably Nazareth’s next lightweight star, though the pandemic shortened schedule (he did not wrestle until Districts) has disguised a breakout. He’s a big talent who probably should have medaled in 2020 (a broken hand ended his season), but he’ll have to really earn it through Ortlip to start.

Semifinals: Charlie Bunting vs. Mason Ziegler and Cael McIntyre vs. Zach Jacaruso
One of the best final fours we’re going to see. Ziegler and Austin Noe are both top shelf mat wrestlers, so that one could go fast and a turn is probably the difference – Noe is just not that developed on his feet yet. Bunting should get Ortlip and then I think it’s Bunting’s advantage from neutral (he uses space and motion really well) to move on. On the bottom, McIntyre and Jacaruso are both solid favorites in their first round and might both get bonus. Their match was excellent last week, despite the 1-1 score there were tons of offensive exchanges and scrambles initiated by both guys. McIntyre came really close to scoring in SV, and I think he can create a few more offensive changes on his feet, particularly with a week to gameplan.

Blood Round: Dominic Ortlip vs. Zach Jacaruso and Carmen Cortese vs. Mason Ziegler
Ortlip really hurt himself with the loss to Kuhns last week because he has to go through two of the big three to get to states. Jacaruso or McIntyre will drop here after their semi, and both are solid favorites. Ziegler should be a safe bets over the Kuhns/Cortese winner.

Champ: Charlie Bunting over Cael McIntyre
This match was t-u-r terrible at Districts, with no real offense and an illegal hands to the face penalty on McIntyre being the difference. These guys are both normally aggressive, and I think this could be an entirely different match. McIntyre is more fluid, but I think Bunting is a little more physical and the fact that the normally wide open McIntyre was really cautious in their first bout says a lot.

State Qualifier Picks
1. Charlie Bunting, Nazareth
2. Cael McIntyre, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley
4. Mason Ziegler, Quakertown


120
#7 Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East (Sr. – SE1)
#21 Gunnar Myers, Wallenpaupack (Fr. – NE4)
#14 Cannon Hershey, Oxford (Jr. – SE3)
#12 Austin Fashouer, West Scranton (Sr. – NE2)
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#8 Jay Maldonado, Boyertown (Sr. – SE2)
#13 Javien DeLeon, Liberty (Jr. – NE3)
#24 Matthew Ricci, Garnet Valley (Jr. – SE4)
#1 Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic (Jr. – NE1)

The Favorite: Dante Frinzi (Bethlehem Catholic)
Your newly minted #1 wrestler in the state is Dante Frinzi. Frinzi seemed to hit a new level in Hershey last year, beating defending state champ Carter Dibert in quarters, then taking 5th by beating archrival Braxton Appello (who is out for the season with knee surgery but would otherwise be one of the favorites here). for the first time. He’s rolled through 2021 undefeated – spending the regular season up at 132 before coming down here. He’s probably the tallest kid in the field, and uses his incredible length to be an absolute monster on top, particularly with a series of cradles. He’s on the shortlist of state title contenders at this weight, though he’s got a tough field to contend with here.

The Sleeper: Javien DeLeon, Liberty
DeLeon pushed Frinzi to ovetime in the D11 finals and a lot of fans thought he had the match won with a takedown on the edge (not that it takes a lot to get fans united against Bethlehem Catholic). He was a state qualifier last year and has really blossomed since being a JV wrestler in 2019. He’s got a heck of a path, a first round match up with Jay Maldonado then possibly a rematch with Frinzi, but he’s a pretty tough draw for those guys too.

Toughest First Round Match: Jay Maldonado vs. Javien DeLeon
Maldonado is certainly no slouch – the SE Region runner-up is a two-time state qualifier and medaled in 2019. His loss to Keanu Manuel in the regional finals puts him in the much tougher half of the bracket, and he’s going to need to scrap with DeLeon to get himself to semis.

Semifinals: Jay Maldonado vs. Dante Frinzi and Keanu Manuel vs. Austin Fashouer
Maldonado can get by DeLeon, but Frinzi is lurking in semifinals. He’s never defeated the Becahi wrestler in three tries, and has been pinned the last two times they’ve met. Frinzi should be a pretty safe bet to make the final. On the other side, Keanu Manuel might be the best wrestler in the state not to medal yet. Both losses last year in Hershey came in sudden victory – to Vinny Kilkeary and Carson Wagner. He’s had a long rivalry with Maldonado, and got the better of him last weekend to set himself up nicely for a finals trip here. Fashouer pinned DeLeon in a scramble last week in semis, and should get by Hershey but doesn’t match up well with Manuel.

Blood Round: Austin Fashouer vs. Javien DeLeon and Jay Maldonado vs. Cannon Hershey
A loss to Manuel drops Fashouer into a rematch with DeLeon (or a bout with Maldonado if DeLeon can pull the first round upset). I don’t think Fashouer can get DeLeon two weeks in a row. Maldonado will be a solid favorite over the Myers-Hershey winner.

Champ: Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic over Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East
Sneaky good final here that will have big ramifications for bracketing next week. Manuel is more of a powerhouse, maybe a little sharper on his feet, but he’ll have to contend with funk if he can get to Frinzi’s legs. And of course, Frinzi holds a big advantage on the mat – it may be in Manuel’s best interests to go neutral when he has choice, but that means he’ll need a takedown in regulation to win. This one feels close, but Frinzi can win it in more ways.

State Qualifier Picks
1. Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East
3. Javien DeLeon, Liberty
4. Jay Maldonado, Boyertown


126
#6 Dominic Findora, Downingtown West (Jr. – SE1)
Beck Hutchinson, Hazleton (Sr. – NE4)
#23 Zach Borzio, Quakertown (So. – SE3)
#18 Parrish McFarland, Pottsville (Fr.- NE2)
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#22 Nate Shippey, Interboro (Jr. – SE2)
#19 Patrick Snoke, Northampton (Sr. – NE3)
Billy Wilson, WC Henderson (Jr. – SE4)
#3 Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – NE1)

The Favorite: Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic
Kasak is a monster. High energy, brutally physical, and can finish matches on top. He’s been ranked behind Carter Dibert and Ethan Berginc all year after a disappointing trip to Hershey for Kasak, but on talent I think he’s the best guy in the weight class. He’s barely wrestled this year, most bouts are over well before the end of the second period. But there isn’t anybody here who can touch him.

The Sleeper: Parrish McFarland, Pottsville
McFarland has been awesome against everybody but Kasak. The freshman had some hype coming into the year, but has proven to be a really mature mat wrestler. He’s got a nice bracket placement here and should be able to make a run to Hershey as a 9th grader.

Toughest First Round Match: Zach Borzio vs. Parrish McFarland
Borzio has a ton of wins, though hasn’t wrestled a schedule that can really test him. McFarland has looked really good so far and should get a win to extend his season.

Semifinals: Dominic Findora vs. Parrish McFarland and Patrick Snoke vs. Tyler Kasak
Findora is a two-time state qualifier and rolled through the District 1 field last week. He should get by Hutchinson fairly easily. He’ll have more of a test in his semi against McFarland – he needs to be careful on bottom – but he should advance. Snoke is a good story – he’s toiled on junior high and JV and been a spot started when they’d shift their lineup and has broken through as a senior and wrestled well. Still, Kasak is a buzzsaw.

BloodRound: McFarland/Shippey and Snoke/Borzio
The District 11 kids will drop into the Shippy/Wilson loser and the Hutchinson/Borzio loser. While neither is on Kasak’s level, they’re both pretty good, and given the field should move onto Hershey.

Champ: Tyler Kasak over Dominic Findora
Findora is a solid wrestler and earns his first career medal in three tries, but Kasak might be the safest bet in the entire field to me. He’s solid everywhere, he’s really strong, and I’m excited to see how he matches up with Dibert, Repos, and Berginc when he gets to Hershey.

State Qualifier Picks
1. Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Dominic Findora, Downingtown West
3. Parrish McFarland, Pottsville
4. Patrick Snoke, Northampton


132
#2 Nathan Lucier, Coatesville (Sr. – SE1; Binghamton)
Austin Smith, Abington Heights (Fr. – NE4)
Eddie Galang, North Penn (Sr. – SE3)
#14 Dominic Wheatley, Nazareth (So. – NE2)
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#19 Kelly Kakos, Perkiomen Valley (So. – SE2)
#20 Nick Velde, Emmaus (Jr. – NE3)
Kelton Brunner, Strath Haven (Jr. – SE4)
#4 Matt Mayer, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – NE1; Duke)

The Favorite: Nathan Lucier (Coatesville)
Lucier took sixth at states last year – he made semifinals and lost a tight one to Dylan Chappell, then did the slide. He’s got a great bracket placement and is a virtual lock to make finals. It’s tough to get a feel for this weight – Chappell is the ostensible favorite, but there are four or five guys who I could see winning a state title and Lucier is absolutely in that mix.

The Sleeper: Dominic Wheatley (Nazareth)
I don’t think Wheatley can beat Lucier, but I also didn’t see that he would be within a point of Matt Mayer in a regional final. Wheatley is part of a really good crop of sophomores at Nazareth that is going to be the foundation of some good teams in the next few years. Dave Crowell develops guys as well as anybody and Wheatley if nothing else is going to have a good gameplan for Lucier when they hit. He’ll win those matches a year from now.

Toughest First Round Match: Kelly Kakos vs. Nick Velde
The only ranked matchup in the first round here. Velde has been a couple points behind Wheatley the last few weeks, while Kakos got majored by Lucier last weekend. They’ll grind one out for a crack at Matt Mayer.

Semifinals: Nathan Lucier vs. Dominic Wheatley and Nick Velde vs. Matt Mayer
Wheatley has the tools to push Lucier but he’s not going to win the match. On the other side, Velde has not hit Mayer this season yet, as he’s run into Wheatley in semifinals both weeks. He’ll get his chance, but it is a tall order. Mayer took fourth at states as a freshman and sophomore, but a shoulder surgery last season limited him to a late January start and a brutal bracket placement had him without a medal following losses to Dylan Chappell and Kyle Hauserman. He’s funky, great defensively, and is the clear favorite to get a crack at Lucier.

BloodRound: Dominic Wheatley vs. Kelly Kakos and Nick Velde vs. Eddie Galang
Wheatley and Velde both drop to see District 1 guys who I think they’re favored against. It would be a real coup for Emmaus to get a state medalist in back-to-back years for the first time since 2004-2005.

Finals: Nathan Lucier over Matt Mayer
Lucier and Mayer is an intriguing final and I like the Coatesville senior. As said early, Mayer is funky, likes to scramble, and can win bizarre positions. But, his fundamentals can go out the window in exchange for flash, which has always hurt him against the top of his weight classes. Lucier is too sound to fall into some of the rolls and leg passes that Mayer will throw at him, and I think he takes the title.

State Qualifier Picks
1. Nathan Lucier, Coatesville
2. Matt Mayer, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Dominic Wheatley, Nazareth
4. Nick Velde, Emmaus


138
#1 Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North (Sr. – SE1; Penn) vs.
Trey Zabroski, Crestwood (Sr. – NE4)
#15 Trent Kochersperger, Kennett (Sr. – SE3) vs.
#18 CJ Fritz, Northampton (Jr.- NE2)
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#13 Chance Babb, Boyertown (Jr. – SE2) vs.
#20 Connor Bevan, Freedom (Jr. – NE3)
#16 Dom DeFalco, Quakertown (Sr. – SE4; Campbell) vs.
#8 Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – NE1)

The Favorite: Kyle Hauserman (Council Rock South)
Hauserman is the top ranked wrestler in the state and the best bet in another wide open weight class statewide. He hasn’t really wrestled anybody this year after opening with Connor Eck, but he also hasn’t given up an offensive point this season. He’s a three-time state qualifier and took 3rd as a sophomore and 4th as a junior. Pretty full skillset and he’s the clear favorite here before getting thrown in with the western contingent.

The Sleeper: Connor Bevan (Freedom)
I mean, why not? Bevan is playing with house money here – he took 4th in the D11 tournament and his season was over, but an injury scratch meant he got a call on Thursday that he was a fill-in for the regional tournament. Bevan got down to weight, then went out and placed top four to extend his season another weekend. He’ll throw everything he has out there again.

Toughest First Round Match: Dom DeFalco vs. Andrew Harmon
A battle of state qualifiers in the first round, as a result of DeFalco falling down to fourth at SE Regionals. He’s a three-time state qualifier and was knocked out in the blood round last year. Tough kid, but he hits Andrew Harmon who is wrestling really well. Harmon was a two-time Junior High state finalist and qualified for states last year clearly up a weight class (or two) to get into the Bethlehem Catholic lineup. He’s where he fits now (according to Jeff Karam he put on about 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason – so rather than a 113 wrestling 126 he cut down to 138 for the postseason) and has really improved from neutral, which is a separator. This might be the best first round match here this weekend.

Semifinals: Kyle Hauserman vs. CJ Fritz and Andrew Harmon vs. Connor Bevan
Hauserman should roll, while Fritz is a slight upset pick over Kochersperger. Fritz scored the first takedown of Harmon last weekend before Harmon got rolling and won comfortably. Fritz can go for a period, but Hauserman will pull away. On the other side, taking Beven because why the heck not, but Harmon is too good.

Blood Round: Dom DeFalco vs. CJ Fritz and Connor Bevan vs. Trent Kochersperger
If DeFalco loses to Harmon in the first round, he’ll need to go through the Babb-Bevan loser, then catch whoever falls down from Kochersperger/Fritz from semis. Not an easy path, but I think he gets it done. Bevan would get the Kochersperger/Fritz loser if he drops from semis. That’s probably his best shot, but I think the road ends here.

Champ: Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North over Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic
This is a really good bout for Harmon, who certainly looks good as a sophomore but hasn’t really been pushed yet. We’ll see where he measures up in a bout with Hauserman, who is more polished on his feet, and you have to score from neutral to win big matches like this.

State Qualifier Picks
1. Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North
2. Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Dom DeFalco, Quakertown
4. Trent Kochersperger, Kennett


145
#5 Connor Eck, Bensalem (Sr – SE1; Lock Haven) vs.
#20 Preston Machado, Delaware Valley (Sr. – NE4)
#12 William Morrow, North Penn (Jr. – SE3) vs.
#17 Xavier Arner, Whitehall (Jr. – NE2)
-
#6 Sam McMonagle, WC Henderson (Sr. – SE2; Brown) vs.
#19 Trey Miletics, Bethlehem Catholic (Jr. – NE3)
Andrew Luke, WC East (Sr. – SE4) vs.
#4 Dagen Condomitti, Northampton (So. – NE1)

The Favorite: Dagen Condomitti (Northampton)
Despite McMonagle being a returning medalist and Eck being a Division I commit with a win over McMonagle last weekend, Condomitti is my favorite here. He went to sudden victory with McMonagle last year in the first round of states, but he’s grown by leaps and bounds as a sophomore. Having one of the best wrestlers in the country at home to beat him up in their basement certainly helps, but Condomitti has turned into a dynamo on his feet. He scored 60 points in three matches last week, and somebody is going to have to score with him here.

The Sleeper: William Morrow (North Penn)
Third place in the southeast gives you a lot of tough draws in this bracket, but Morrow is in a pretty good position to move on. Arner is one of the more beatable D11 finalists, then he can get dropped into a Miletics/Luke loser, both of whom he’d be favored against. Really good shot to make him a two-time qualifier.

Toughest First Round Match: Connor Eck vs. Preston Machado
Machado was a match away from states last year and is a sneaky four seed after Trey Miletics flipped their first round match in the consolation finals at NE Regionals. Eck is still a favorite, but it is a tougher match than the other top seeds here.

Semifinal Predictions: Connor Eck vs. William Morrow and Sam McMonagle vs. Dagen Condomitti
Eck and Morrow both should get by in our first weight really dominated by District 1. Eck beat up Morrow in their sectional final and I’d expect more of the same to give Bensalem a state qualifier for the fifth year in a row. McMonagle and Condomitti is what I expected for the final here but we’ll have to settle for it as a semi. This was an overtime match at states last year, and I think that Codomitti has grown a ton and can flip it. But either is a high medalist threat in Hershey.

Blood Round Predictions: Sam McMonagle vs. Xavier Arner and William Morrow vs. Trey Miletics
McMonagle and Morrow will drop to the two District 11 guys in the field. Again, outside of Condomitti there aren’t high end D11 guys here, and McMonagle in particular should win pretty easily.

Finals: Dagen Condomitti vs. Connor Eck
District 1 is going to get three berths here, but I don’t think they get the top spot. This is really the coming out party for the Northampton sophomore and a chance to win a regional title with his brother. This feels like a “need two takedowns to win” bout, and Condomitti has a little more jazz on his feet.

State Qualifier Predictions
1. Dagen Condomitti, Northampton
2. Connor Eck, Bensalem
3. Sam McMonagle, WC Henderson
4. William Morrow, North Penn


152
#6 Zac Martin, Neshaminy (Sr. – SE1; Lehigh) vs.
CJ Denmark, Pittston (Sr. – NE4)
#13 Chase Barlow, Strath Haven (Jr. – SE3) vs.
#20 Noah Okamoto, Nazareth (So. – NE2)
-
#9 Dom D’Agostino, Interboro (Jr.- SE2) vs.
#21 Kordell Waiters, Emmaus (Sr. – NE3)
#14 Zach Needles, Spring-Ford (Sr. – SE4) vs.
#5 Evan Gleason, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – NE1; Harvard)

The Favorite: Evan Gleason (Bethlehem Catholic)
Gleason was a D11 champ, state semifinalist, and 5th place finisher in 2020 after sitting out his sophomore season after transferring to Bethlehem Catholic and losing eligibility. He was a state qualifier as a freshman for Easton, and I think his skills were pretty clear early on. Gleason is great on top – he’s tall for a 152 and is really good at using strength and leverage, particularly as a leg rider. He’s the cap to a loaded stretch in the Becahi lineup.

The Sleeper: Zach Needles (Spring-Ford)
Needles wrestles a great schedule at Spring-Ford and has a next level workout partner in the room. He fought through a very good SE Regional and certainly won’t be intimidated by a first round match with Gleason.

Toughest First Round Match: Evan Gleason vs. Zach Needles
Not a bad little opening match here. Gleason is the favorite, but this might be the first offensive points he gives up this postseason.

Semifinals: Zac Martin vs. Chase Barlow and Dom D’Agostino vs. Evan Gleason
Zac Martin is a returning state medalist and definitely on a tier with Gleason and Barlow that sits just behind the monster four from out west. After Dom D’Agostino spoiled a Barlow-Martin match in the D1 finals, we’ll get it in semis here. Take Martin. On the bottom, D’Agostino’s Cinderella run ends with a loss to Waiters, who hasn’t had a shot at Gleason yet, but should be dispatched by the Golden Hawk in the other semi.

BloodRound: Chase Barlow vs. Zach Needles and Dom D’Agostino vs. Noah Okamoto
Needles has a pair of losses to Barlow this year and Barlow has stretched the gap. I think he’ll push it a little further to punch a bid to states. Similarly on the other side, Noah Okamoto has a chance to really make a name for himself as a sophomore. D’Agostino is a state qualifier and looked really strong last weekend in the D1 tournament. Nazareth always has somebody break out, I think it’s Okamoto.

Finals: Evan Gleason over Zac Martin
This is in the mix for the best finals bout of the night. A really good bout between two high state medalists candidates who have never met before. Gleason is such a good mat wrestler that I think he can shorten the bout and wear on Martin enough to edge him in a 3-1, 4-2 sort of bout. It’s also a bout we may see a lot of in the EIWA in years to come with Gleason at Harvard and Martin at Lehigh.

State Qualifier Predictions
1. Evan Gleason, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Zac Martin, Neshaminy
3. Chase Barlow, Strath Haven
4. Noah Okamoto, Nazareth

160
#3 Jack McGill, Spring-Ford (Sr. – SE1; Columbia) vs.
James Spindler, Pittston (So. – NE4)
#21 Mason Stein, CB East (Jr. – SE3) vs.
#16 Landon Muth, Bethlehem Catholic (So.- NE2)
-
#11 Matt Colajezzi, Council Rock South (Jr.) vs.
#18 Ryan Fairchild, Nazareth (Jr.)
#22 Bo Horvath, Downingtown East (So.) vs.
#1 Jagger Condomitti, Northampton (Sr.)

The Favorite: Jagger Condomitti, Northampton
Probably the biggest favorite in the field, Condomitti is ranked fourth nationally and is the clear #1 in the state. Condomitti is a returning state runner-up, losing a tight match to Cole Handlovic (Bethlehem Catholic – now Cornell) in the finals when both were ranked in the top 8 nationally – he split with Handlovic at Districts and Regionals before losing the rubber match. Condomitti is a risk taker and can beat you in a million ways. Lots of offense to both sides, not afraid to go upper body, and while he’s not a rider per se, he’s got some really good and physical turns from top. He’s ranked fourth nationally and is a top 20 overall recruit in his class, regardless of weight class. If you’re going to watch one wrestler this weekend, Condomitti is the pick.

The Sleeper: Matt Colajezzi (Council Rock South)
Colajezzi is on track to be a four time state qualifier and is the standard bearer for Council Rock South this season. Brad Silimperi’s bunch don’t have as many qualifiers as in years past, but Colajezzi is a threat to the top two here.

Toughest First Round Match: Matt Colajezzi vs. Ryan Fairchild
Colajezzi will have to prove it right out of the gate though. Fairchild has come into his own throughout the year and is part of a big Nazareth contingent of state qualifiers through the middle.

Semifinals: Jack McGill vs. Landon Muth and Matt Colajezzi vs. Jagger Condomitti
Jack McGill is a three-time state qualifier and took 7th last year at 152. The Columbia bound senior has been a lynchpin of the Spring-Ford lineup with Joey Milano since there freshman year that has vaulted them to the top of District 1. He’s a decided favorite in the top half – I think Landon Muth will be a state caliber wrestler next season, but he’s still a little green. On the bottom half, Colajezzi runs into the Condomitti buzz saw.

Blood Round: Landon Muth vs. Ryan Fairchild and Matt Colajezzi vs. James Spindler
A loss to McGill drops Muth into the Fairchild-Horvath winner where I think he’s a favorite against either. Colajezzi gets the Spinderl-Stein winner where he is a clear favorite too.

Finals: Jagger Condomitti vs. Jack McGill
Jack McGill is really good. A Division I recruit, ranked 20ish or so in the country at this weight class. If it were football, he’d be a solid four star. Jagger Condomitti is as five star as they come. He’ll win here.

State Qualifier Predictions
1. Jagger Condomitti, Northampton
2. Jack McGill, Spring-Ford
3. Matt Colajezzi, Council Rock South
4. Landon Muth, Bethlehem Catholic


172
#12 Jack Lledo, Lower Merion (Jr. – SE1) vs.
#22 Regan Loughney, LaSalle (Sr. – NE4)
#21 Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East (Sr. – SE3; Columbia) vs.
#11 Sonny Sasso, Nazareth (So – NE2.)
-
Darrale Barrett, Kennett (Jr. – SE2) vs.
#13 Wayne McIntyre, East Stroudsburg North (Jr. – NE3)
Marke Seaman, WC Rustin (So. – SE4) vs.
#3 Dominic Falcone, Easton (Sr. – NE1; Army)

The Favorite: Dominic Falcone (Easton)
The Easton bunch has pegged Falcone as a potential state champ since his eight grade year. He’s a brick shithouse who is an excellent hand fighter who controls ties – he lives in a Russian or underhooks and creates tons of leg offense from there. He’s also one of the best athletes in the field – he’s an all conference linebacker despite being 5’7 175 pounds – just very explosive in short space, so he finishes really well. He was a freshman state qualifier at 170, and has medaled the last two years – including taking 7th in last years bracket of death at 170.

The Sleeper: Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East
Romanelli was a state qualifier last year in the aforementioned bracket of death and gave Falcone a tough first round matchup. He’s a bigger 170 and his semifinal loss in the D1 tournament actually drops him into a pretty favorable bracket placement.

Toughest First Round Match: Matt Romanelli vs. Sonny Sasso
Of course, that placement means he has to get by Sonny Sasso first. Sasso is a good 6’4 and a weird height match up at this weight class. He’s ultra funky and not an easy guy to wrestle for the first time. His older brother, Sammy, is the #2 ranked wrestler at 149 in the NCAA for Ohio State, and won two state titles at Nazareth.

Semifinals: Jack Lledo vs. Sonny Sasso and Wayne McIntyre vs. Dominic Falcone
Lledo was kind of a surprise winner to me at the D1 tournament with a semifinal win over Romanelli. He should handle Loughney in the first round. But Sasso is a really tough match up – he’s so hard to score on and if you get stuck underneath, look out. I think we’re in the middle of a star turn for the Nazareth sophomore and he gets to finals. On the other side, McIntyre is trying to become East Stroudsburg North’s first state qualifier. He hasn’t hit Falcone yet, he’s lost to Sasso in semis by fall the last two weekends, but he gets his shot here.

Blood Round: Jack Lledo vs. Darrale Barrett and Wayne McIntyre vs. Matt Romanelli
Lledo drops into a rematch of the D1 finals against Barrett where he’d be the favorite. On the other side is a great match between Romaneli and McIntyre. McIntyre has been a great story from a non-traditional program, but I think the Cinderella run ends here.

Finals: Dominic Falcone vs. Sonny Sasso
Falcone has won this 3-2 and 5-2 the last two weeks. His biggest improvement last week was getting out so quickly from bottom. I think Sasso’s path to victory involves riding Falcone to shorten the match or even getting a turn. On their feet, Falcone hasn’t scored a lot, but he dictates position and capitalizes on every Sasso mistake.

State Qualifier Predictions
1. Dom Falcone, Easton
2. Sonny Sasso, Nazareth
3. Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East
4. Jack Lledo, Lower Merion


189
#1 Joey Milano, Spring-Ford (Sr. – SE1; NC State) vs.
#23 AJ DeRosa, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – NE4)
#24 Koh Bauman, WC Henderson (Sr. – SE3) vs.
#3 Drew Clearie, Nazareth (Sr. – NE2; Brown)
-
#14 Sam DiTrolio, Garnet Valley (Jr. – SE2) vs.
#9 Bryce Molinaro, Hazleton (Jr. – NE3)
Blake Silber, Council Rock North (Sr. – SE4) vs.
#2 Isaiah Reinert, Easton (Sr. – NE1; Lock Haven)

The Favorite: Joey Milano (Spring-Ford)
Milano takes over as the #1 ranked wrestler in the state after Clearie’s loss last week in the NE Regional final. Milano misses his freshman postseason with an injury, then took 4th the last two seasons at 182. He’s vicious on top, with one of the best cross-wrist series in the state. He’s wrestled a ton with the other contenders here – he beat Clearie twice during the regular season, but lost the state 3rd/4th place match and beat Reinert three times, including a tech-fall in the state tournament. Again, if he gets a wrist trapped, its pretty much over.

The Sleeper: Bryce Molinaro (Hazleton)
Molinaro is a state qualifier and the solid #4 here. I’ve said, Milano, Reinert, and Clearie in some combination could be the state final, but Molinaro is in that next group that could finish high on the medal stand. He struggled with Reinert last week, but will get a second crack here.

Toughest First Round Match: Joey Milano vs. AJ DeRosa
Milano does have a tough first assignment. DeRosa was a state qualifier in New Jersey as a sophomore, then had to sit out last postseason as an athletic transfer to Bethlehem Catholic. He’s big (he wrestled up at 215 most of the year) and has sharpened in the Becahi room, so Milano will have to earn his first win.

Semifinals: Joey Milano vs. Drew Clearie and Bryce Molinaro vs. Isaiah Reinert
Milano and Clearie have met three times, with Clearie’s performance progressively improving. Milano handled him 8-3 in the opening weekend last year, then Clearie held a 3-2 lead late into their finals match at the Hurricane Classic before Milano got a takedown on the edge with seconds to spare to win 4-3. Then Clearie flipped the result at states with a comfortable 5-2 match to take third. Milano is a little more fluid of an athlete, Clearie is more polished in neutral, while Milano is the better mat wrestler. It’s going to be close, this is a very possible state final, but I think Milano can get this round. On the other side, Reinert beat Molinaro 9-2 last weekend and it wasn’t that close. I think he can stretch it to a major if he spends a little less time trying to pin him.

Blood Round: Bryce Molinaro vs. AJ DeRosa and Drew Clearie vs. Sam DiTrolio
Molinaro beat DeRosa last week in the regional quarterfinals and I’d expect a similar 5-3ish result here. Clearie should storm back for third after losing to Milano (and Milano would do the same)

Finals: Joey Milano vs. Isaiah Reinert
While the Milano-Clearie matches have been close, Reinert has really struggled with Milano – losing 11-0, 19-3, and getting pinned. Styles make fights – Reinert is a scrambler who fires off a ton of attacks then wrestlers through weird positions, and a cross body rider with some unorthodox turns. Milano is slick enough that he really limits scrambles and Reinert really has struggled from bottom against top tier guys. Milano is talented enough to beat Reinert in a track meet, and is just on another level from top.

State Qualifier Predictions
1. Joey Milano, Spring-Ford
2. Isaiah Reinert, Easton
3. Drew Clearie, Nazareth
4. Bryce Molinaro, Hazleton


215
#1 Ryan Catka, Sun Valley (Sr. – SE1; Navy)
Dante Burns, LaSalle (Fr.- NE4)
#9 Carl DiGiorgio, CB West (Jr. – SE3)
#6 Seth Hunsinger, Hazleton (Sr. – NE2)
-
#8 Quinn Collins, CB East (Jr. – SE2)
#10 Chase Levey, Nazareth (Jr. – NE3)
#21 Lucas Doyle, Council Rock South (Jr. – SE4)
#4 Jason Henderson, Delawrae Valley (Sr. – NE1; Old Dominion - football)

The Favorite: Ryan Catka (Sun Valley)
Catka was the third place finisher at 195 last year in Hershey and is the lone nationally ranked wrestler in the field. Catka’s older brother Hunter was a two-time state champion, Cadet Wolrd Team member, and is Virginia Tech’s heavyweight as a true freshman. The younger Catka isn’t quite the physical specimen of his brother, but he’s the most physical guy in the weight and is the favorite to win the state title.

The Sleeper: Chase Levey (Nazareth)
Levey was a regional qualifier as a freshman – no easy feat at 195 pounds. But he missed all of last year with a football injury, and he seems to have fallen off of the radar despite being really talented. Levey won the D11 title by fall, then lost a track meet with Seth Hunsinger last week in semifinals. He’s not quite on Catka or Henderson’s level, but might be the third best guy in the weight.

Toughest First Round Match: Carl DiGiorgio vs. Hunsinger
A pair of top ten wretlers here in DiGiorgio and Hunsinger. This was a 6-2 match at states last year with Hunsinger winning. It’ll be a scrap to see who gets a crack at Catka.

Semifinals: Ryan Catka vs. Seth Hunsinger and Chase Levey vs. Jason Henderson
Catka is a solid favorite on the top – he beat Hunsinger 10-3 last year in state quarters and there is no reason to believe that he’s fallen off since that match up. Levey gets a shot at Henderson, who might be the best athlete in the gym. He’s a two-time All State middle lienbacker who led Pennsylvania 6A in tackles as a junior and is going to play linebacker at Old Dominion. He’s a tank from his feet and a solid favorite over Levey.

Blood Round: Carl DiGiorgio vs. Chase Levey and Quinn Collins vs. Seth Hunsinger
Levey likely drops into the Hunsinger/DeGiorgio loser. I think he can get by either if he puts together a little more solid six minutes. Quinn Collins has a great rivalrywith DiGiorgio and I’d like to see them lock horns at least one more time, but Hunsinger is at the top of their tier.

Finals: Jason Henderson vs. Ryan Catka
This is going to be really fun. Two big, athletic upperweights who can score points from their feet. I think Henderson gets slept on because he’s a football player first, but despite how I’ve framed him, he’s not just an athlete wrestling – he’s got real skills. But he does have an athleticism advantage on Catka, and he’s probably the only kid in the state I would say that about in this weight. I like the upset.

State Qualifier Predictions
1. Jason Henderson, Delaware Valley
2. Ryan Catka, Sun Valley
3. Seth Hunsinger, Hazleton
4. Chase Levey, Nazareth



285
#6 Julien Laventure, Upper Darby (Jr.)
#16 Sebastian Khamis, Stroudsburg (Sr.)
#21 Frederick Retter, Quakertown (Jr.)
#14 Cameron Butka, West Scranton (Sr.)
-
#7 Max Harar, Council Rock North (Sr.)
#10 Matthew Cruise, Easton (Jr.)
Daetrel Jerome, Radnor (Sr.)
#9 Sean Kinney, Nazareth (Fr.)

The Favorite: Sean Kinney (Nazareth)
The freshman phenom has to be the pick to win it. Kinney has a D11 and NE Regional title, both by fall, and has definitely shown himself as the future of Pennsylvania heavyweights. Kinney is huge – during football season he was listed at 6’4 295 and didn’t compete early in the season while he was getting down to heavyweight. He’s not dynamic yet from his feet, he stays in good position, handfights, and is a great counter wrestler. But he’s really good on the mat – he knows how to use pressure, stays on his feet and makes guys carry his weight, and knows how to turn and finish. He’s not complete yet, but he’s really good.

The Sleeper: Cameron Butka (West Scranton)
Butka is a smaller heavyweight – he spent most of 2020 at 195, but makes up for his lack of size with a real motor and motion. West Scranton has had a good run of upper weights, and Butka is a guy they’ve really developed. He’s also got a nice bracket spot where he isn’t going to see any match up problems.

Toughest First Round Match: Max Harar vs. Matthew Cruise
Harar and Cruise both have spent most of the year ranked in the top 5 in the state, but took losses at regionals that drop them into a first round match with each other. Harar was a state qualifier last year at heavyweight and has the best track record of any of the District 1 guys. Cruise was sophomore qualifier at 220 and has grown into heavyweight but kept his light feet and gas tank as he’s moved up.

Semifinals: Matthew Cruise vs. Sean Kinney and Julien Laventure vs. Cameron Butka
I’m probably a homer and have Cruise getting by Harar to set up a third match with Kinney. IN the D11 semis, Kinney completely outwrestled him – using a second period reversal then riding Cruise out for the rest of the match. Last week, Cruise had a ton of scoring opportunities and was able to find a way out from bottom. If he can escape, he makes it a one takedown match. Kinney got the score in OT when Cruise bailed a little too late on a shot, but Kinney hasn’t shown the ability to get to legs the same way Cruise has. The more they wrestle, the better the chance Cruise gets those scores. On the other side, Julien Laventure is a huge heavyweight – he’s listed at 280 on their football roster, and he’s opened up his offense after qualifying for states last year and is at a different level. Butka will have to beat him with speed and wear his conditioning down, which is certainly in his skillset, but Laventures size means one mistake probably costs him the match.

Blood Round: Sean Kinney vs. Sebastian Khamis and Cameron Butka vs. Max Harar
Kinney has pinned Khamis twice and this week should be no different. Khamis is a big heavyweight, but doesn’t have a strength or skill advantage with Kinney. On the other side, Butka drops into a really tough match – either with Harar or Matthew Cruise. From a style standpoint, he’d probably rather see Cruise as a slightly smaller heavyweight, but he’s an underdog against both.

Champ: Matthew Cruise over Julien Laventure
Matthew Cruise has been building as a state contender – he missed regionals by a match as a freshman 195, then was a D11 and NE Regional finalist last year at 220 and missed medaling by a match. He’s filled out – listed at 240 on their football roster – but is really active from his feet and is great on top. He has good wins on his resume – he beat 2A finalist Kolby Flank and Ohio state champ Max Fausnaugh last season – and was ranked as high as #5 in the state before his losses to Kinney. I think if he gets by Kinney he can and will win the weight class, though he has the toughest path to do it.

State Qualifer Predictions
1. Matthew Cruise, Easton
2. Julien Laventure, Upper Darby
3. Sean Kinney, Nazareth
4. Max Harar, Council Rock North

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PREP REDZONE News broke about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s decision to close Bishop McDevitt (Wyncote), seemingly without warning, at the end of last year. We won’t get into the said decision and how it may have wrongly affected many students and student-athletes opportunities moving forward. In this piece, we will discuss where multiple former Bishop McDevitt ranked and unranked prospects will now be transferring too. This is strictly an on-the-field look at new additions made by Archbishop Wood in Warminster, Pennsylvania.

Archbishop Wood went 3-4 last fall, 3-3 in conference, and have no significantly bolstered their rosters to become serious contenders with the likes of La Salle College, Bonner & Prendie, and even St. Joe’s Prep. Below is a list of new additions to Archbishop Wood.

New Additions – Transfers

Johnny Pergine – 5’11″, 220lbs, LB/SS, C/O 2022

Semaj Bridgeman – 6’2″, 220lbs, OLB/DE, C/O 2023

James Bermudez – 5’10, 190lbs, RB, C/O 2023

Emmanuel Sia – 5’9″, 165lbs, WR/CB, C/O 2022

Jamir Robertson – 5’10″, 165lbs, WR/FS, C/O 2023

Akire Lilley – 5’9″, 170lbs, SS/RB, C/O 2022

Eric Gardner Jr – 6’0″, 220lbs, OG/DE, C/O 2023

C.J. Quesada-Rivera – 6’3″, 280lbs, OC/DT, C/O 2022

Khadir Rowe – 6’0″, 200lbs, OLB, C/O 2023

Jaleel Davis-Shabaaz – 6’0″, 185lbs, SS/FS, C/O 2023

Gilbert Kinsey – 6’3″, 170lbs, WR, C/O 2022

Tyrese Whitaker – 6’3″, 215lbs, DE/OT, C/O 2023

Nehemiah Shine – 5’10″, 190lbs, OLB, C/O 2023

These additions will surely shake up the Philadelphia Catholic league projections for this coming season. Congrats and good luck to all new transfers making a new home.

How did the high school football season go overall?
“We won a state championship, so it can’t get much better than that. It was definitely great to be able to play with those guys and go all the way, definitely a season to remember.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I work out three times a week with my trainer and I also have workout equipment at my house where I lift 2 or 3 times a week. Our winter team workouts are still postponed due to Covid, but I hope to get back in there soon with Coach Mal and all the guys on the team.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel confident that we’ll do well even though we have a lot of guys leaving.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I think Penn Hills and Central will be the toughest on our schedule.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I’d say Brandon Lawhorn Moore from Kiski. He’s real good.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, If I get the opportunity to, I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve had a couple FCS coaches reach out, but nothing very significant.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No, not yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“We usually do team trips up to colleges, but I’m not sure where we’re going this year. I hope to go on some by myself.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Not really, but my cousins went to Navy. It’s pretty nice up there.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“This season was average as we had some disappointing losses. We were a couple plays away from making the playoffs, but there’s always room to grow. Looking forward to the upcoming season.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I work out with one of my line coaches, Coach Mark, on a regular basis.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We have a great senior class that I’ve been playing with since I was 8. Not only that, but the young guys on the team are also impressing me as well. I think this upcoming year will be great. We have a good team in the making and some big things to come.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“No doubt in my mind that our biggest competition will be Elizabeth Forward. They have a great team with most of their team returning, especially making it to the WPIAL championship last year. They have a good O line, one of those guys being Nick Murphy. Looking forward to going against him in the trenches.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest individual against our team will be Rodney Gallagher out of Laurel Highlands. Personally, my toughest will be against Nick Murphy.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I definitely want to further my athletics in football and academic career at the next level.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“There has been no formal recruitment yet, but I have been communicating with some schools such as Robert Morris, Clarion, and St. Thomas just to name a few.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet with the COVID situation, but hopefully it opens up this summer.”:

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“West Virginia University has been my favorite college since I can remember. That’s my dream school of course, but I am open to all opportunities.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“As a team, we did good. We went 4-6, but we moved into the bigger league with the tougher school. We had two all-state players on our team and overall, we just played good.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I am currently working out five days a week since almost November trying to get ready for my senior season so I can get noticed.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel like we have a lot of talent. We just need to figure out how to use it and where to use it at in order to do great.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Most likely Williams Valley or Tri-Valley.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I’m not sure. Most teams lost a lot of their seniors last year, so we are going to have to watch film, and check people out.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, football definitely.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Not many. I have some on Twitter mainly, but I am going to wait until after the season to get around.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet with school and the way Covid is.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Most likely over the summer is when I will go on some visits.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Notre Dame was always one of my favorite schools growing up.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“It went okay, but I would’ve liked to win more games and make a deep playoff run.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I’m going to hit the weights hard with the team and workout with some personal trainers to get my speed and agility up.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We will be solid. I think if we work hard, the sky's the limit.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Every game on our schedule is a grind. Anyone can be beat at any time, but I’d have to say Quip.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Vernon Redd.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“There have been a couple that are interested.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“The interest is equal all around.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Pitt.”