Thursday Thoughts from Hershey

   As Chestnut Ridge gets ready for consolation action, here's a couple thoughts on the loss to Boiling Springs in Thursday's first round:

   The coin toss was huge. This meant a great deal in this matchup, and Boiling Springs winning it meant the Lions were going to have to beat the Bubblers without dictating key matchups. Ridge coach Greg Lazor was hoping to get Morgan Deremer on A.J. Kostyak and Josh McGill against Nick Kostyak. That said, McGill wrestled well in a 10-7 loss to A.J., who is a returning state qualifier. Not having the flip hurt at the end as well, as the Lions would rather have put Justin McCoy on Cole Wetzel and Levi Hobson on Zach Martin. If Chestnut Ridge wins the toss, the Kollin Myers victory over Aaron Burkett might not have meant as much.

   I thought even in not having the matchups, Chestnut Ridge fared well up top, down 18-14 when the lineup flipped over. I agree with Lazor sending Cody Brown at 106. Brown was someone you thought could get bonus and he did with a quick pin. Burkett had a good first period against Myers, but it was all Myers in the second and third, as he scored two sets of back points. I thought Boiling Springs was slightly favored at 126, and Tristan Hanshaw got a major there that put the Lions up against it with three to go.

   Chestnut Ridge should not have much trouble with Lake Lehman this morning. Lake Lehman is expected to have two forfeits as well. After that, the Lions draw the Huntingdon-Reynolds loser. Reports say Huntingdon's Collin Glorioso may have an injury. You have to figure the Bearcats go all in, with Glorioso and/or Jacob Oliver taking the mat against the Raiders. I think that's the only way Huntingdon can get to the semifinals. If Huntingdon doesn't win, do they sit either or both in a consolation match against Chestnut Ridge, a match that won't mean as much given the individual district tournament is just a week away.