Wrestling notebook: Franklin Regional to face PIAA tournament favorite

By: Paul Schofield
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 | 4:44 PM

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The Franklin Regional wrestling team advanced to Thursday’s second round of the PIAA Class 3A tournament by rolling over City League champion Obama Academy, 69-6.

Now the Panthers (20-1) face the team that is favored to win the state tournament, District 1 champion Council Rock South (14-1). Veteran coach Matt Lebe said just qualifying for Hershey was huge.

“This team responded well after losing a tough match to Connellsville,” Lebe said. “We got huge wins from Mike Ruane (114) and Troy McClelland (215). This team was prepared. It was a super team effort, and it’s a credit to them and the coaching staff.”

Council Rock South’s only loss came to the top team in Class 2A, Faith Christian Academy, 49-15.

The Golden Hawks are led by junior Gavin Cole (32-6) at 160 pounds, senior Connor Lenahan (32-8) at 114 and senior Bekhruz Sadriddinov (32-3) at 172.

The Panthers are led by seniors Tyler Kapusta (33-4) at 127 and Juliano Marion (31-5) at 189.

“We have a perfect combination of good seniors and then a good group of freshmen who just work hard,” Lebe said. “The guys will enjoy going to Hershey, and we’ll have a goal in mind.”

The Panthers won back-to-back PIAA titles in 2014 and 2015. Their overall record in the PIAA tournament is 13-1. They finished third in 2013. This is their fourth trip to Hershey.

Connellsville is making its ninth trip to the state tournament. The Falcons won in 2005, and their overall record is 14-11. They have been in the finals three times.

The Falcons (13-2) face the District 3 third-place team, Wilson, which defeated Quakertown, 38-23, on Monday in a first-round match.

Connellsville coach Bill Swink said there wouldn’t be much of a celebration after defeating Trinity as his wrestlers turned their focus to the state tournament.

The Falcons are expected to get sophomore Landon Lynn (114) back after he missed the past two weeks with an injury.

Trinity (11-1) tries to rebound after its tough loss. The Hillers will face District 4 champion Selinsgrove (10-3). This is the Hillers’ second appearance in the state tournament. They lost to Easton in the 2002 finals.

After winning its 18th WPIAL Class 2A title, Burrell will face District 2 champion Honesdale (12-2) in the PIAA tournament.

This is the Bucs’ 21st appearance in the tournament. They won in 2008, they have placed third four times and their overall record is 39-32.

“We know what’s ahead with all the private schools,” Burrell coach Josh Shields said. “Our goal is to reach the top four. I’m confident we’ll perform at our best.”

Burgettstown is making its fourth appearance. It will face District 9 champion Clearfield (15-1).

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Class 3A Top 5

1.Council Rock South (14-1); 2. Central Mountain (9-0); 3. Bethlehem Catholic (12-1); 4. Easton (18-2); 5. Gettysburg (21-1).

WPIAL: 9. Connellsville (13-2), 10. Trinity (11-1) and 13. Franklin Regional (20-1).

Schedule: 6 p.m.: Franklin Regional vs. Council Rock South and Trinity vs. Selinsgrove; 8 p.m. Connellsville vs. Wilson.

Class 2A Top 5

1.Faith Christian (8-1); 2. Bishop McCort (15-0); 3. Notre Dame-Green Pond (11-1); 4. Bishop McDevitt (15-0); 5. Reynolds (18-0).

WPIAL: 9. Burrell (14-2) and 10. Burgettstown (15-1).

Schedule: 2 p.m.: Burrell vs. Honesdale; 4 p.m.: Burgettstown vs. Clearfield.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.