Scott’s Knights continue
to roll, face tough week
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA
Staff Writer
The Old Bridge High School wrestling team faces a stiff test this evening when it competes at Shore Conference power Ocean.
Coach Ken Scott’s team, 7-1, appears ready for the challenge. The Knights’ lone loss came at South Plainfield, 34-21, and the team has improved steadily since squeaking out a 33-32 triumph over J.P. Stevens, Woodbridge, in the season-opener. Old Bridge is coming off a 36-24 win on Saturday at Southern Regional in which Steve Fallon, Ryan McIntosh, Vinny Iodaci and Charlie Fradella scored pins.
"The guys have been stepping it up a little with each match, but they’ll have to step it up a little further to get by this week," said Scott, whose Knights will meet Toms River North, Wall and Brick in a quad match at Wall on Saturday.
Old Bridge has been especially strong in the lower weight classes. Fallon, a freshman who competes at 103 pounds, has done a solid job in compiling an 11-4 record. Seniors John Pagnotta and Justin Obruzniak, who compete at 112 and 119 pounds, are 11-4 and 13-1, respectively. Mike Vandervalk (135) is 12-3 and Mike Caruso (140) is 7-1. In addition, sophomore Andrew Goldman (125) has five wins to his credit.
In the middle weights, Iodaci (152-160) has returned from a knee injury to go 6-0, Len Crowther (152) is 8-2 and Mike Maiello (160), currently sidelined with a knee injury, is 6-6. In the upperweight classes, Fradella (215) is 9-3, Frank Lillis (HW) is 7-5, and Joel Scarano (171) is 6-7.
"We’ve had some injuries, and sometimes I don’t think we’ll ever have our full lineup out there, yet the guys are finding ways to win," Scott said. "That’s good, because it won’t be getting any easier."
The Knights will host Edison on Monday in a match originally set for last Tuesday that was postponed by snow, and powerful Bergen Catholic comes to visit on Feb. 11. From there it will be on to the post-season tourneys. Pagnotta, Obruzniak and Iodaci are among the favorites for District 20.