Manalapan hosts Howell
in showdown on Saturday
Both teams undefeated
in dual meets
There is a special air of anticipation surrounding Saturday night’s Shore Conference A North Division Manalapan-Howell wrestling match.
First, the match needs no hype. These two teams have dominated the division for quite some time, and that alone means that there are championship implications even though it is still early in the season.
Second, some of the state’s finest wrestlers will be on display in a big-match atmosphere. Howell’s Zac Cunliffe (119) was third in the state last year and 34-1 for the season, and Manalapan’s Dan Hilt (112) finished in the fifth/sixth position at the state finals. Add to that returning District 21 champions such as Manalapan’s Mike Gaeta (135), and Howell’s Matt Ingrassia (160) and Scott Kirk (171), and the quality that both teams put on the mat is extraordinary.
The rivalry and the individual talent would be enough to make this another must-see match; however, this year’s tilt match has every chance to be special because of the quality of the two teams. They are good, really good, and are among the 10 best teams in the Shore easily, with both having the chance to be outstanding. But only one can win on Saturday.
Manalapan made a case for itself by winning the Neptune Classic at the start of the season and producing five individual winners in Nick Manochio (103), Hilt, Sean Burns (130), Gaeta and Brenden Provow (145). The Braves backed it up by stunning state-ranked South Brunswick in a dual-meet romp in Manalapan that certified their credentials.
Howell, the two-time defending A North champion, made a strong statement in its first dual match of the season at Point Pleasant Borough. The Panthers beat the Rebels last year and returned 10 starters, but Borough was no match this year. Howell flexed its muscles and ripped through the Panthers, 54-9. If there were any doubts about Howell’s strength, that match erased them.
Like any big match, this will come down to who can stay off their back and avoid getting pins, and who wins the toss-up matches.
With Manochio and Hilt, the Braves have an edge at the lower weights, but Howell counters with Zac Cunliffe and his brother Rod Cunliffe at 119 and 125.
Both teams are very strong in the middle weights, and both coaches, John Verderosa at Manalapan and Howell’s John Gagliano, will be looking to get the best possible match-up for their respective teams. One of the strengths of both teams over the years has been their depth.
The Braves have Burns, Gaeta, Joe Anastasio (140), Provow and Dan Becker (152) in the middle. Howell relies on Danny Sabba (130), Josh Woodward (135), Eric Nomikos (135) and Mat Metta (145). These weight classes should produce some exciting matches.
Howell has the edge in the upper weights with Ingrassia, Kirk, Brian Farrington (189/215), John Yard (189) and Jesse Manna (heavyweight).
Dominick Lipariti (160) and Evan Sliwoski (215) are the Braves’ top threats up top.
With both teams in Central Jersey Group IV and headed for the Shore Conference Tournament later in the season, this may not be the only meeting between these two teams. But it will be the only meeting with first place in A North on the line.
Starting time for the Jan. 5 match is 6:30 p.m