On February 8th the SJR wrestling team punched their ticket to the Non-Public A state championship for the second straight year with a 40-18 win over the 3 seed St. Peter's Prep.
The match started at 120 pounds with a 11-6 win decision win for Michael Bautista, in the next match Vincent Paino came away with a close 3-1 decision at 126 pounds, and at 132 pounds Adrian DeJesus had a pin in the second period to make the score 12-0 in favor of the Green Knights. The next 3 matches the Green Knights lost all by decision.
Now with the score 12-9 with 6 matches done and 8 to go Frank DiBella was up at 157 pounds. DiBella delivered to help extend the lead with a 5-2 decision win, the Marauders won the next match however with a 6-5 decision win. The Green Knights would continue to go on a run with 5 straight wins. At 175 Ryan Burton won via pin, AJ DiGiovanni won with another pin, Kaleb Jackson won a 11-3 major decision, Rocco Dellagatta had a pin in the second period, and Charlie Espositio won with a 5-0 decision. The match closed out with a forfeit in favor of St. Peters to lock up a rematch with Delbarton in the State finals for the chance to go back-to-back.
“It’s an exciting feeling, as a team we are confident and well prepared for this match. It’s something that we have been looking forward to all year” said Junior Vincent Paino on the rematch vs Delbarton
“Its awesome, I think we left some stuff on the table and we are ready to take it all with a new team, we are feeling good about it” added Ryan Burton
Delbaton has been at the top of NJ since the season started. The Green Wave have been undefeated against New Jersey opponents this year, with a 16-4 record. They are coming off a 70-6 win vs St. Joseph Metuchen in the quarter finals round and a 49-13 win over CBA in the semi-finals round.
The Green Knights will look to defend their State title at 1:30 PM at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 11th.