Southern High School’s wrestling team achieved a significant victory against Howell High School in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 5 semifinals, winning by a score of 33-26. This match, held at Howell High School, featured two highly-ranked teams and was characterized by intense competition and strategic maneuvers, as Southern advanced to the championship match for the eighth consecutive season.
The semifinal clash highlighted Southern’s tactical prowess. The team, which has won three consecutive state championships, managed to win eight out of the fourteen bouts, showcasing their ability to capitalize on critical swing matches. Notable performances included a crucial pin by freshman Anthony Molinaro at 150 pounds, victories by sophomores Henry Zimmerman (138) and Vincent Esposito (165), and a vital win by junior Levi Foote at 215 pounds. The momentum shifted further in Southern’s favor as freshman Jonas Lusker (106), sophomore Cade Collins (120), and senior Anthony Mason (126) secured victories in the final bouts.
Coach Dan Roy expressed the team’s determination, emphasizing their preparedness to face Howell at any point in the tournament. The matchup arose due to power point calculations that placed two top contenders in the same section, resulting in this high-stakes semifinal encounter. Southern’s confidence, bolstered by a recent win over Delsea, was evident throughout the competition. Foote reflected this mindset, describing the match as another stepping stone towards their ultimate goal of a state championship.
Despite their loss, Howell demonstrated resilience. Key contributions from Shane Maghan at 132 pounds, bonus-point victories by Brady Little (157), Tyler Going (175), Tanner Hodgins (190), and Luke Johnston (113), along with heavyweight Vincent Pesina‘s win, underscored their competitive spirit. The outcome was significantly influenced by a coin toss that determined matchups, allowing Southern to strategically position Foote against Howell’s Tim O’Rourke, leading to a pivotal victory.
The match began with Maghan’s victory at 132 pounds, setting the stage for Southern’s impressive surge, which established a commanding lead. Zimmerman’s tactical win at 138 pounds, Attila Vigilante’s swift pin at 144 pounds, and Molinaro’s pin at 150 pounds underscored Southern’s early dominance. This victory not only reflects Southern’s strength and strategic execution but also highlights the intricacies of wrestling and the critical moments, such as the coin toss, that can impact the flow of competition.
Looking ahead, Southern is set to face Kingsway in the sectional final, a matchup that promises to be just as thrilling as the semifinal. This victory at the South Jersey Group 5 semifinals emphasizes the athletic excellence of both teams and the strategic depth that characterizes high-level wrestling.
