The Cranford High School wrestling team won four of five close match-ups and dimmed Hopewell Valley’s hopes in a 41-21 thrashing in the Group 3 semifinal round on February 9. Next would be a showdown with Delsea, the South Group 3 champs, who crushed Wayne Valley, 56-8, in the other semifinal.

Beginning in the 150-lb class, Owen Woodruff recorded the first of five straight Cougar victories when he defeated Jett Branagh, 7-3. Dylan Jones squeaked by Konrad Haugeto, 7-6, at 157-lbs. Jordan Chapman pinned Ethan Barker in 2:30 at 165lbs. Marcus Nock (175-lbs) topped Adam Rise, 8-5, and Joey Acinapura pinned Guisseppe Panzitta in 3:50 at 190-lbs.

At 215-lbs, Hopewell Valley’s Narsi Didi nipped Jake Ulicki, 3-2, then Cougar Louis Kruk (285) edged Jon Trainer, 6-4. Cougars Mike Daly (106) pinned Said Rahmani in 3:05 and Joey Tona (113) claimed a 10-0, majority decision over Dean Meissner.

Hopewell Valley won the next two bouts with Dylan Hersh (120) pinning Brandon Colon in 1:11 and Rex Peters (126) pinning Ryan Petschow in :30. Cougar Luke Scholz grabbed a 16-4, majority decision over Luke Caldwell at 132-lbs then Hopewell Valley’s Isaac Miller pinned Brandon DiPaolo in 5:05 at 138-lbs. Cougar Alex Muller (144) edged Mike Kennedy, 4-2.