Wrestlers to look for at Quakertown

Local wrestlers take another step on the way to the PIAA Tournament with the District 1 Class AAA Central Tournament at Quakertown High School on Saturday.

Here’s a quick glance at what to look for:

106

Quakertown’s Josh Stahl is one of just four returning regional qualifiers from the SOLA, and he split with Doug Zapf last season in two meetings. Zapf won the second, 8-3, at regionals. They’ll be favored to meet in the finals. Avon Grove’s Jordan Howards is on Stahl’s side, while West Chester East’s Corey Celenza is up top with Zapf.

113

For the second straight year, Plymouth Whitemarsh’s Marco DiBattista enters districts with one loss on the season. Downingtown East’s Lukas Richie gave him his second loss last winter, as DiBattista was unable to advance. Richie is favored to get to the finals from the top, though Octorara’s Seth Hoopes is there also. DiBattista will likely have to get past West Chester Henderson’s Killian Delaney in the semifinals.

120

For the second straight week, Henderson’s Jake Reid is the lone senior in the bracket, and he’s the favorite. The SOLA sends two freshmen, Quakertown’s Zack Lewis and Upper Moreland’s Chris Walker, as its top two seeds. One would think a Ches-Mont finals rematch between Reid and Octorara’s Liam Babauta is very possible, but we’ll see what fight the youngsters have.

126

Undefeated Jason Amy of Upper Moreland looks to give Rustin’s Brett Kaliner a run if they meet in the finals. Kaliner has a pair of wins over Amy, both coming as freshmen in the district tournament. WC East’s Tommy Luke and Kennett’s Gerhardt Reiter hope to get first cracks at Amy on the bottom half of the bracket.

132

This weight looks like a good chance of a sweep for the Ches-Mont with a quartet of sophomores coming in from the SOLA. Much like last week, the health of Kennett’s Drew Massetti is the biggest question mark, but he should at least be able to advance. Unionville’s Jake Taylor and West’s Nick Lilley appear destined for another tight semi bout.

138

Another young group from the SOLA is here, led by Hatboro Horsham’s Brad Mallon. He’ll likely have to get by Downingtown East’s Connor Birzes and West’s Alex Murta to see the finals. Rustin’s Tyler Kaliner looks like a safe bet from the top half, though Coatesville’s Ryan Dellicompagni showed improvement a week ago.

145

Many people think August Gershwin could be a postseason dark horse, but Cheltenham’s light schedule makes it a hard read. Gershwin is 29-1, but is just 2-5 against Ches-Mont foes the previous three district tournaments. Avon Grove’s Nick Barnhart should get a crack at him in the semis, and undefeated Brent Windle of Coatesville will likely be waiting in the finals.

152

West’s Max Hale did himself a favor reaching the Ches-Mont finals last week, setting himself up opposite of Coatesville’s Chase Stephens. Hale could see Wissahickon’s Nick Senderling in the semis, though Hendersons’ Ray Martin could give Senderling a go in the quarterfinals. Rustin’s Dan Labus is up top with Stephens.

160

This is the SOLA’s deepest weight, with Upper Dublin’s Mason Novak and PW’s Zach Wakefield. They are appear to fit the mold of solid, but not spectacular, similar to the Ches-Mont’s crop. Wakefield has Octorara’s Scott Burridge first, with Rustin’s Collin Hurley likely waiting in the semis. Below, Novak has Unionville’s Tyler Mousaw and West’s Gio Angelini to tangle with.

170

Oxford’s David Cox is the big favorite, and has WC East’s Andrew DiBernardo on his half. Opposite, PW’s Tommy DiSisto is a returning regional qualifier and should get West’s Joe Shafer in quarters. Shafer is looking to bounce back from a disappointing fourth-place at leagues. Octorara’s Ryan Sharpless hopes to stay hot on DiSisto’s side.

182

Avon Grove’s Kevin Edwards should have a smooth trip to the finals, where he’ll be favored. Hatboro’s Jalen Edwards is the SOLA’s top seed but he will have some traffic to get to the finals, namely, Coatesville’s Sean McBride. If Oxford’s Tim Davis can win his pigtail to get to Jalen Edwards, he owns a 9-2 decision from back in December.

195

Quakertown’s Noah Wood could be a good barometer for how West’s Cole Zapf handles his bump up to 195 this postseason. Wood has a tougher path to the finals, though, with Downingtown East’s Josh Wileczek and Sun Valley’s Hunter Catka on his side. With Zapf, Rustin’s Andrew Lamberjack always makes things difficult.

220

This is a tough weight to gauge. Unionville’s Mike Maguire all but gave away his finals match against Coatesville’s Alex Raimondo, pitting him in the bottom half of the bracket with PW’s Nick Sudell. Maguire lost handedly to Sudell, twice, last year at districts, and a third bout may happen in the semis. Up top, Raimondo and West’s Chris Madanat are the biggest threats.

285

Great Valley’s Ryan Cavanaugh announced his arrival to the scene with a league title last week. He’s up top with Downingtown East’s Brendan McGinley, and the two had a one-point overtime bout a week ago. Avon Grove’s Josh Walls is on the other half, along with Hatboro’s pin-specialist, Nick Chapman.