Delsea Dominates, Defeats Two Top-20 Teams at Saturday’s Quad

by NJ Athletics

Delsea Wrestling sent a clear message to the rest of New Jersey with a commanding showing defeating No. 10 Paramus Catholic and No. 14 St. Joseph (Metuchen). The Crusaders showcased depth, resilience, and a knack for winning toss-up matches, solidifying their place as a powerhouse in the state.

Match 1: Delsea vs. Paramus Catholic

The Crusaders kicked off the day with a decisive 44-23 victory over Paramus Catholic, winning critical matchups and key toss-ups.

  • Highlight Match: Riley Boos vs. Abe Zaretsky
    In a clash of state qualifiers, Riley Boos edged out Zaretsky in a gritty 1-0 decision. Boos’ defensive skill and mental toughness in the final moments proved to be the difference, setting the tone for Delsea’s day.

  • Key Performances

    • Amari Vann recorded a technical fall (18-3) over Joseph Pellicci.
    • Jamar Dixon notched another dominant technical fall (17-2) at 150 pounds.
    • Joel Anderson and Greg Sawyer secured bonus-point wins to keep the momentum in Delsea’s favor.

Match 2: Delsea vs. St. Joseph (Metuchen)

In the afternoon session, Delsea took on a formidable opponent in St. Joseph (Metuchen) and emerged with an impressive 46-20 victory. The Crusaders won most of the toss-up matches and displayed their versatility against the Falcons.

  • Highlight Matches

    • Greyson Pettit vs. Julian Arango (113 lbs): Pettit’s 5-3 decision was a nail-biter that showcased his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
    • Gage Summers vs. Ivan Rego (126 lbs): Summers earned an 8-6 decision in a closely contested bout, swinging the momentum in Delsea’s favor.

  • Standout Performances

    • Alex Grippo delivered a lightning-quick pin (1:08) at heavyweight.
    • Salvatore Marchese and Greg Sawyer added back-to-back technical falls to extend the lead.
    • Reid Lightfoot capped the match with a pin (3:18), emphasizing Delsea’s dominance in the upper weights.

By defeating two top-20 teams in decisive fashion, Delsea has established itself as a serious contender for postseason accolades. The Crusaders’ ability to win toss-ups and collect bonus points in key moments makes them a tough matchup for any team in New Jersey.

As the season progresses, Delsea’s depth and consistency will be their greatest assets. With performances like these, they’ve shown they’re not just competing — they’re dominating.

We caught up with Coach Maxwell to hear more about their season thus far and what to expect going forward. "It's been a battle everyday in that room and every time our guys step out it shows. Coming here and taking down two great opponents feels good but we have a lot more ahead... this group is looking to repeat as champs and then bring that momentum over to Atlantic City."

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