In his first varsity match, Saucon Valley junior, Jared Harka (220), pins his Pen Argyl opponent in 2:32.
Starting their 2017-18 journey on Wednesday night for a 6th consecutive Colonial League title, the Panthers first stop was at Pen Argyl. Prior to Saucon Valley’s recent dominance, the Green Knights were the last Colonial League opponent to claim the Colonial League wrestling title (2012). Rich with wrestling history and tradition Pen Argyl figured to be a formidable obstacle to clear so early in the season. Last year the Panthers defeated the Green Knights 64-12. This year Pen Argyl was able to close the gap……..a little.
Saucon sophomore Braydyn Lugardo (170) helped his team with this impressive take down to a pin.
The Panthers won 10 of the 14 matches against the Green Knights on Wednesday night in their Colonial League opener. Seven of those 10 victories were by fall. (So.) Kevin Dyer (120), (Jr.) Josh Jones (126), (Sr.) Jason Jones (145), (So.) Thomas Spirk (160), (So.) Braydyn Lugardo (170), (Jr.) Jarrett Hirschbeck (195) and (Jr.) Jared Harka (220) all won with pins.
Senior Angelo Mahaffey (152) and sophomore Dane Csencsits (182) were also awarded six points each courtesy of two Pen Argyl forfeits.
Saucon Valley piled up more points with Thomas Spirk’s (160) fall in 5:48.
The bonus points piled up a little more for Saucon as (Jr.) Justin Kyra (138) used six takedowns and a handful of near-fall points to run up a 17-4 major-decision over Pen Argyl’s Antonio Reto. The end result was a 58-21 Panther victory.
Justin Kyra (138) converted this takedown and five others on his way to a 17-4 major-decision over Pen Argyl’s Antonio Reto.
Coach’s Quote: “I thought the kids wrestled pretty well. It was great to see Kevin Dyer fight through adversity and get a pin in the third period after being down the entire match.”
UP NEXT: The Saucon grapplers will take a weekend roadtrip to the University of Delaware to participate in the “Beast of the East” tournament. “The Beast” is one of the toughest wrestling tournaments in the nation!
The Panthers will then return home for Colonial League action Tuesday night (12/19/17) against Salisbury. Junior High kicks things off at 6 p.m. with the Varsity scheduled to follow at 6:40 p.m. The Panthers continue their quest for a sixth consecutive Colonial League title!
Kevin Dyer
Coach Shirk named sophomore Kevin Dyer “Wrestler of the Match” for his come-from-behind 3rd period pin of Pen Argyl’s Kaden Fox while wrestling up in the 120 weight class. Keep up the hard work, Kevin!
Junior High Score: Saucon Valley 73, Pen Argyl 18. Freshman, Alex Bortz was recognized as “Wrestler of the Match” by the junior high wrestling staff. Great job, Alex!
Good luck Wrestlers, the Source is with you!
