The Jackson High School wrestling team has captured four consecutive District 21 championships. Second-year coach Scott Goodale feels his team is poised to win its fifth in a row when the championships kick off Friday at Manalapan High School.
"There’re a couple of very good teams involved in this event," Goodale said. "But I feel we have good depth and balance. We have probably the best balance of any team in the event."
Last week, top-ranked Absecon knocked off Jackson en route to winning the South Jersey Group IV Championship. Jackson, which owns a record of 18-4, proved to be Absecon’s toughest opponent. The Jags lost by just 11 points.
"We captured seven bouts against them," Goodale said. "They won the match on bonus points. They happened to have more pins than we did. We ended up giving them the hardest time."
Goodale doesn’t feel the setback will distract his wrestlers from defending its District 21 crown.
"This group of seniors has won the title every year," Goodale said. "They don’t want to be the group that gives it back. They want to keep the tradition going. They’re pretty determined about taking care of business. We know what we need to do in order to defend our title."
Jackson will enter one wrestler in each of the 14 weight classes. The Jags boast three defending District 21 champions. Kyle Shelly (152 pounds), Jeremy Edwards (171) and John Loff (heavyweight) each won titles last year. In addition, Kevin Shelly (145) was runner-up and Jeff Pascarella (103) placed third.
In fact, Goodale cited the Pascarella-Nick Monochio of Manalapan match as one of the best bouts of the tournament.
"They’ve been on a collision course all season," Goodale said. "This is a very much anticipated matchup. I think it is going to be a great bout. Both kids are very talented wrestlers."
The top three wrestlers from each weight class advance to the regional championships.
"Our goal is to repeat as District 21 champions so that we can go on to the regionals," Goodale said. "I feel we’re in a good position to accomplish that. We need to come focused and ready to wrestle."