New Jersey Wrestling Titans Clash Once Again for Non Public A Title
In an electrifying matchup between the top two wrestling teams in the state, fans were treated to a spectacle of high-level competition, where every move decision can make the slightest difference in victory. It's been a year since these last two saw each other where St. Joe's pulled off an astonishing victory in last year's matchup. But this time around, Delbarton was out to prove a point.
Delbarton has been on the national scene this year with a big performance at Beast of the East and competitive matches against powerhouses in Wyoming Seminary and Blair. The Green Wave found comfort under the lights, and this time was no different.
The battle commenced with Vincent Lee of Delbarton claiming a victory by forfeit due to an injury to Aiden Schlett at 215 pounds, setting an early advantage. However, the 285-pound bout brought the crowd to its feet as Rocco Dellagatta executed a calculated 7-3 decision over Delbarton's Connor Martin, in a hard fought battle that would define the day's competition.
As the weight classes progressed, the technicality of the matches intensified. Cameron Sontz notched a major decision for Delby with a 13-4 score, while Johnnathon McGinty answered back with an 8-0 major decision of his own, showcasing the level of competition present. Delbarton went on to win back to back matches with Daniel Jones and Ryan DeGeorge bring the score to16-7 after six bouts.
The 132-pound bout saw Adrian DeJesus secure a hard-fought 4-2 decision, underlining the close margins that separated these elite athletes. After the St. Joe's win, Delbarton kicked it up a notch with three in a row. Jayden James looked dominant at 138 with a 10-3 victory that included a series of quick and well timed takedowns. Trevor Jones and Gabe Logan also picked up tough wins over top ranked wrestlers in James Sloan and Zach Ballante. In doing so the Green Wave were able to take a 15-point lead to commend the match.
Two of the more anticipated bouts came at 165 and 175 where Delbarton's two returning state champions were poised to put their skill on display. At 165 Alessio Perentin absolutely dominated his opponent. The returning champ scored takedown after takedown showing a relentless amount of skill and what seemed to be infinite cardio. After about 15 takedowns, Perentin picked up the tech fall sealing the deal for Delbarton. 30-13 with only two matches left.
Although the match was considered a victory, the bout at 175 was poised to be electric. Returning state champ of Delbarton, Louis Cerchio itched to take on the #1 ranked wrester of the 175 weight class, Ryan Burton. Cerchio suffered an early season loss to Burton at Beast of the East. The match seemed to be an equal fight until Burton picked up the first takedown and held on to get some riding time before Cerchio's escape. The second period intensified as Cerchio escaped from starting position to tie the match 2-2. As both wrestlers attacked, defended, and pushed the pace, it wasn't towards the end of the period where Burton picked up another takedown to build a lead. As the third period started, Cerchio knew he had no time to waste as he looked for an early attack. Burton kept his composure and was able to find angles with an over hook that lead to an astonishing pin.
The meet concluded with both teams knowing they had been part of something special, a match that will be remembered for its technical prowess and the heart displayed by all athletes involved. As the dust settles, the wrestlers from both teams can hold their heads high, having contributed to a legacy of excellence that will inspire the future of New Jersey Wrestling.