Tigers Claw Past Panthers For Trip To States

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For the fifth time in the last six seasons, the North Allegheny wrestling team is headed to the PIAA Team Tournament. The Tigers defeated the Franklin Regional Panthers, 32-25, in the WPIAL third-place consolations after narrowly falling to Canon-McMillan in the WPIAL semifinals, 34-28.

Against the Panthers, NA led 28-15 before Franklin Regional cut the score to 28-25 with one bout remaining. With a trip to states on the line, senior Zach Stedeford earned a 13-2 major decision over James O’Neill to extend the North Allegheny’s season.

The Tigers received one win by fall courtesy of senior Eric Hong who quickly disposed of Stave Yaniga in 46 seconds. For his effort, Hong was named the Wright Automotive Wrestler of the Match. The Tigers also received victories from Jacob Downing (113), Nick Marcenelle (126), Jake Hinkson (152), Jacob Fritsch (195), and Derek Devine (285).

Against Canon-McMillan in the semifinals, the Tigers led 25-19 with four bouts to go. However, the Big Macs earned three consecutive victories, two of which by fall, to claim the win and advance to the WPIAL finals to face Kiski Area. The Cavaliers won the WPIAL title by defeating Canon-McMillan, 41-21, for their first WPIAL title since 2003.

By defeating Franklin Regional in the WPIAL third-place consolation, the Tigers earn the right to face the Carrick Raiders, the Pittsburgh City League champions, in the preliminary round of the PIAA tournament on Monday night at 6:00 p.m. For a look at the Class AAA PIAA bracket, click here.

Wrestling Match Summary: NA vs. Franklin Regional

WeightWrestlersScore
152Jake Hinkson (NA) dec. Max McCann (FR)8-2
160Dan Contraguerro (FR) dec. Jon Hoover (NA)1-0
170Eric Hong (NA) pinned Steve Yaniga (FR)0:46
182Peter Klein (FR) dec. Jared Kramer (NA)4-2
195Jacob Fritsch (NA) maj. dec. Safan Rahim (FR)8-0
220Jake Woodley (NA) wbf
285Derek Devine (NA) dec. Eric Festa (FR)7-0
106Mason Spears (FR) dec. Frederick Junko (NA)7-5
113Jacob Downing (NA) dec. Zach McCann (FR)4-3
120Colton Camacho (FR) wbf
126Nick Marcenelle (NA) dec. Mark Prucnal (FR)3-0
132Nate Smith (FR) maj. dec. Will Baierl (NA)13-4
138Spencer Lee (FR) wbf
145Zach Stedeford (NA) maj. dec.13-2

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Wrestling Match Summary: NA vs. Canon-McMillan

WeightWrestlersScore
145Jake Hinkson (NA) maj. dec. Dimitri Pihiou (CM)12-3
152Gerrit Nijenhuis (CM) wbf
160Jon Hoover (NA) dec. Stefen Richer (CM)6-3
170Eric Hong (NA) wbf
182Blaze Kansco (CM) maj. dec. Jared Kramer (NA)12-3
195Bryan Milligan (CM) dec. Jacob Fritsch (NA)9-3
220Jake Woodley (NA) wbf
285Brendan Furman (CM) pinned Derek Devine (NA) 4:34
106Frederick Junko (NA) dec. Jacob Gardner (CM)5-0
113Jacob Downing (NA) dec. Ken Hayman (CM)6-1
120Logan Macri (CM) pinned Jiatian Qu (NA)2:41
126Anthony Matrangelo (CM) dec. Nick Marcenelle (NA)2-0
132Matt O'Block (CM) pinned Will Baierl (NA)3:18
138Zach Stedeford (NA) dec. Tim Hritsko (CM)6-2