2026 Sectional Wrestling Tournament Predictions - Group 1
The postseason grind is officially here, and with it comes one of the most intense stages of the high school wrestling calendar. The 2026 sectional team tournaments bring together the state’s best programs in a win-or-go-home format where depth, lineup construction, and coaching strategy matter just as much as star power. After tracking team results, dual performances, and season-long momentum, we’re locking in our predictions for which squads are built to make deep runs, which programs could pull off major upsets, and where the biggest swing matches will occur. Expect a breakdown of contenders, dark horses, and the matchups that will ultimately decide who advances.
Central
Central Group 1 features a strong top tier, but the bracket projects toward a finals showdown between Delaware Valley and Manville.
Delaware Valley enters the tournament as the #1 seed, and rightfully so. The Terriers come into the tournament undefeated, at 19-0. They have been extremely impressive all season and hold key wins over top programs like Phillipsburg and North Hunterdon. Del Val currently holds the #13 spot in our Top 20 rankings.
Manville will also be putting their undefeated streak on the line, as they enter the tournament with record of 26-0. Although they haven't faced any Top 20 programs, they were still able to takeout some solid teams throughout the season, Union and South Plainfield standing out the most. Although Delaware Valley has the more impressive resume, it is hard to count out a team who has yet to taste defeat this season.
Prediciton: Delaware Valley over Manville
South
South Group 1 appears to be one of the more open brackets in the group, with several teams showing the capability to put together a championship run. Unlike sections with a clear runaway favorite, this field sets up for a scenario where matchup advantages, lineup decisions, and in-dual momentum could ultimately determine which program emerges on top.
Paulsboro enters as the #1 seed with a 12-6 record. They hold key wins in their section, taking out the #2 Audubon 37-33, and #3 Woodstown 48-34. Paulsboro holds the momentum going into this sectional tournament
Audubon has been solid this season, holding a 16-7 record, including a 40-30 win over #3 Woodstown. Their loss against Paulsboro was very close and they gave up 12 points from forfeits, something to note if they potentially meet again.
Woodstown is another team that has an opportunity to make a run. Led by the #2 ranked wrestler in the state, Mateo Vinciguerra, the Wolverines can make some noise if they are able to avenge either of their losses to Paulsboro and Audubon
Pennsville and Schalick are also some names that can possibly make some noise in this section, as they also hold close losses to some of the higher seeded teams. A swing match or two going their way, and this bracket can easily be flipped on it's head.
Prediction: Paulsboro over Woodstown
North 1
North 1 Group 1 still features a clear top tier, but the path to the finals is shaping up in an interesting way. While two teams entered the bracket with top-two seeds, the #3 seed appears to be positioned more favorably and has a more realistic path to a finals berth, especially with the #2 seed having struggled significantly in head-to-head matchups against the top team this season. As a result, this section sets up for a potential chalk-versus-sleeper scenario rather than a true 1-vs-2 collision.
Emerson Boro is the favorite in this bracket, coming in as the #1 seed. They had a tough schedule and hold some close losses to notable programs like Cedar Grove and South Plainfield. Fortunately, they hold 2 dominant wins over the #2 seeded Pompton Lakes. That would put them in a good position to take home the section, should they meet again in the finals.
Kittatinny, while a lower seed and overall worse record, has had some impressive performances this season, even with having the toughest schedule in this seciton. They hold a razor thin 1 point loss over a solid Hanover Park, and hold a win over Ridge, who is 18-7 even with their tough schedule. The potential semi-finals match between Kittatinny and Pompton Lakes will be interesting to say the least.
Prediction: Emerson Boro over Kittatinny
North 2
North 2 Group 1 shapes up as one of the most balanced sections in the group, with three teams separating themselves as legitimate title contenders. Each brings a different lineup profile and path to victory, and depending on matchups and in-dual momentum, any one of the three could realistically emerge with the sectional crown. Expect tight duals and very little margin for error throughout this bracket
Cedar Grove sits atop of this bracket as the #1 seed with a 17-6 record. They hold some impressive wins over respectable programs like Brick Memorial, West Essex, Bridgewater-Raritan, and #2 seeded Hasbrouck Heights. Cedar Grove looks to continue working their way to a sectional title.
Hasbrouck Heights only carries 3 losses on the season, one by way of a close 41-33 loss to Cedar Grove. As they #2 seed, they have the potential to avenge their early season loss, which will result in the Aviators become the North 2 sectional champions.
Hanover Park is an interesting team in this bracket and they have the opportunity to really shake things up. Although they are 12-7, Hanover Park has had some tough breaks on scheduling, 3 of their losses coming by way of Top 20 ranked programs. Led by state ranked wrestlers Nick DiFrancescantonio and Joey Monticello, Hanover Park looks to use that star power, as well as their experience facing top competition, to propel them to a sectional finals appearance.
Prediction: Cedar Grove over Hanover Park