Bethlehem Catholic High School dominates early action in District 11 Class AA wrestling tournament

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

The Bethlehem Catholic High School wrestling team is not done yet.

Coach Jeff Karam and his dominant Golden Hawks currently sit in first place with 108 team points and 11 wrestlers still in the hunt for district gold after the first day of the District 11 Class AA wrestling tournament Friday at Freedom High School.

Darian Cruz (106), Randy Cruz (132) and Elliot Riddick (170), who are three of Becahi's seven top-seeded wrestlers, are leading the charge for Becahi with five falls combined in the first two rounds. Anthony Lombardo (113), Zeke Moisey (120), Zane Heller (126), Richy Cruz (138), Ryan Todora (145), Jose Ortiz (182), Josh Alpha (220) and Ben Bunce (285) will be joining them in the semifinals.

Pen Argyl isn't far behind. The Green Knights have 91 points and eight wrestlers in the semifinals. J.D. Rabenold pulled off an amazing upset in the 152-pound quarterfinals by pinning top-seeded Ty Schoffstall of Tri-Valley in 3:19. Top seeds Mike Racciato (138), Matt Williams (113), Dylan Evans (182) and Kirby Mutton (285) also are in the semifinals for Pen Argyl.

Racciato, who is a returning state champ, has been dominant with two first-period falls. He will meet Catasauqua's Vinny Pellechia in the semifinals. Evans will oppose Becahi's Ortiz in what should be a grueling match for both competitors.

The Green Knights' Ryan Lobb who entered the tournament with a 4-12 record as the 19th seed, fought his way through the first day with a bundle of surprising wins. He won three matches, including a pin of Lehighton's third-seeded Anthony Farole in 1:31. Lobb followed with a 6-4 decision over No. 6 Denny Jalonski of Schuylkill Haven to launch him into the semifinals against Ty Herzog of Northern Lehigh.

Saucon Valley is in fourth place with 70 points and four behind Tri-Valley. Junior 195-pounder Ray O'Donnell hasn't spent much time on the mat yet. He collected two falls in a total of 25 seconds and is looking to continue the trend against fourth-seeded Matthew Maurer of North Schuykill.

Panthers junior Brody Bisson, the 10th seed at 126, recorded a pair of upset victories over seventh-seeded Dillon Masington of Palmerton and second-seeded Anthony Calantoni of Wilson en route to the semifinals.

Bryan Israel (120), Paul Sloand (132), Travis Buddock (160) and Matthew Ehritz (285) round out the Panthers' championship field.

Pius X freshman Jonathan Manning (113) and junior Jon Raso (132) will face Josh Evans of Palmerton and Saucon Valley's Sloand in the semifinals.

Wilson's lone semifinalist Jaryd Flank still remained undefeated after defeating Palmerton's Daniel Russo and Lehighton's Jacob Hoats at 106. Palisades' Justin Marsh will meet Buddock in a Colonial League semifinal matchup at 160.

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