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Wrestling Teams to Watch

Timber Creek: The Chargers look like the best team in South Jersey and a strong challenger to Group 3 rival South Plainfield for the top spot in the state rankings. Leading the way is junior Brandon Keller (36-5 and Region 8 title at 125 last season) along with senior Ricky Carter (14-4 and Region 8 title at 112), senior Bryce Shade (33-7 and Region 8 title at 140), junior Blaze Shade (35-4 at 152) and junior Greg Webb (32-3 and Region 7 title at heavyweight for Paul VI last season).

Timber Creek: The Chargers look like the best team in South Jersey and a strong challenger to Group 3 rival South Plainfield for the top spot in the state rankings. Leading the way is junior Brandon Keller (36-5 and Region 8 title at 125 last season) along with senior Ricky Carter (14-4 and Region 8 title at 112), senior Bryce Shade (33-7 and Region 8 title at 140), junior Blaze Shade (35-4 at 152) and junior Greg Webb (32-3 and Region 7 title at heavyweight for Paul VI last season).

Camden Catholic: The Irish are loaded at the lower and middle weights with defending state champion T.J. Miller (43-0 at 135) setting the pace. Juniors Chad Walsh (40-6 at 119), Aaron Lambert (27-12 at 130), Frank Varallo (29-11 at 140) and Jeff Miller (23-14 at 215) have a lot of experience.

Paulsboro: The Red Raiders are rebuilding a bit with perhaps three or four freshmen in the lineup. They have top sophomores in lightweights John Gentile (33-7 and Region 8 title at 103) and Juan Rivera (21-10 at 119) and a strong senior in Nick Knauer (22-13 at 130). Watch out for freshman Ron Gentile.

Delsea: The Crusaders return a lot of talent, led by senior Curt Delia (35-6 at 135), juniors John Hennelly (29-3 at 112) and Dylan Dobzanski (32-9 at 140) and sophomores Bryan Dobzanski (30-6 at 189) and Jesse Swope (19-7 at 103).

Haddonfield: The Bulldogs will challenge for Colonial and Group 1 honors behind seniors Rob Schlitt (29-3 at 160), Carson Stack (35-4 at 189) and Whitten Oswald (20-11 at 140).

West Deptford: The Eagles have top lightweights in seniors Evan Zuzulock (24-8 at 119) and Tyler Kaminski (27-6 at 112) plus a strong middleweight in junior Rory Bonner (24-10).

Pennsville: The Eagles will be led by senior middleweights Monty Krough (31-5 at 145) and Colton Newsome (29-8 at 140) along with senior John Ecret (27-12 at 125).

Clearview: The Pioneers have a top sophomore in John Van Brill (41-4 at 112) and also feature junior Connor Donahue (18-5 at 160) and seniors Dan Cornew (31-5 at 135) and George Skibinski (22-10 at 140).

Absegami: The Braves look strong behind seniors Alex Gong (32-7 at 171), Mike Jiampetti (30-9 at 119) and Nate Ross (30-8 at 140).

Collingswood: The Panthers have a top lightweight in senior Tony Giancola (32-7 at 103) and top middleweight in junior Alex Irwin (26-9 at 145).

Buena: The Chiefs have a top wrestler in junior Billy Ward (40-3 and Region 8 title at 119) plus junior Dillon Berghof (33-6 at 130) and seniors Justin Pierotti (27-9) and Noah Repko (26-11 at 215).

St. Augustine Prep: The Hermits are led by senior Joe Esposito (31-5 at 125) and juniors Tom Gattinella (28-6 at 103) and Tyler Sentman (22-12 at 145).

- Phil Anastasia