Jason Jones of Saucon Valley was rocking and rolling his way to a 7-0 decision.
Many local wrestling fans must be shocked by what happened Wednesday night up at Northwestern Lehigh. Not shocked by the fact that the Panthers won, but shocked by the final score. In dominating fashion, Saucon Valley crushed the Tigers by a heavily lopsided score of 66-6.
Some local media preseason scouting reports suggested Northwestern was going to challenge the four-year Colonial League supremacy of Saucon Valley. But, by winning 13 of the 14 bouts, the Panthers brushed this Tiger challenge aside with relative ease. This was a statement win for the Panthers. The 2016-2017 Saucon Valley Panther wrestling team is, once again, for real.
Nate Kehs picking up points for his team.
The Panthers picked up six pins on Wednesday night. Dane Druckenmiller (106), Paul Miller (126), Nate Kehs (170), Jarrett Hirschbeck (182), Stephen Good (195) and Devin Fontanez (220) all scored falls for the Panthers. Four of the falls came in the first period.
Saucon Valley also cashed in on forfeit points awarded to Nick Rosengrant (113) and Trey Polak (285).
Nate Kehs puts his Tiger opponent down for six at 170.
The Panthers also picked up bonus points from Dane Csenscits (152). The powerful freshman used five takedowns and eight near fall points to earn a 19-3 tech-fall over senior Tyler Derr.
Paul Miller wasted little time getting his pin at the 126 pound bout.
More bonus points came to Saucon thanks to junior Angelo Mahaffey (138) and his major decision of the Tigers Will Dellicker. Mahaffey used three takedowns and was able to turn Dellicker three times to run up a 15-1 decision.
Justin Kyra getting back points to secure his victory.
Panther sophomore Josh Jones (120) battled to a 5-3 victory over Northwestern senior Bailey Wehr, who last year finished fourth at the District XI tournament and was a 2016 PIAA regional qualifier. After a scoreless first period, Wehr chose to start the second period from the bottom, but could not get out. Jones hit Wehr with a bar tilt to the tune of five near-fall points. Jones held on for a 5-3 final.
At 132 Saucon sophomore Justin Kyra earned a decison over junior Colin Rex with a strong third period. Kyra started on bottom and quickly escaped. He then took Rex down and turned him to his back for three near-fall points. Kyra left the mat with a 6-1 decision over a tough opponent.
Sophomore Josh Jones on his way to a good win against the Northwestern Lehigh Tigers.
Up Next: The resurgent Wilson Warriors come to Saucon Valley Tuesday, Jan. 10. The Warriors are 3-1 in Colonial League and have been putting up some impressive numbers. Their only defeat is a 37-30 Week One loss to undefeated Bangor. It could be a classic!
Good luck Panthers, the Source is with you!
Varsity “wrestlers of the match”: Justin Kyra and Josh Jones
Sophomore Justin Kyra
Sophomore Josh Jones
Junior High “wrestler of the match”: Nick Bortz
Junior high wrestler of the match 8th grader Nick Bortz
The Panther Junior High wrestling team was victorious against the Tigers 51-27.