Statewide Review and Preview - January 7

   There were a few major doings around Pennsylvania this past week in wrestling, and there's plenty to look forward to in the near future. Below is some reviewing and previewing.

Still the One
   In a widely anticipated matchup last Thursday, Westmont Hilltop rallied late to beat Forest Hills, 39-29. The Hilltoppers scored a huge pin in the next-to-last bout to secure the team victory. If you didn't see Eric Knopsnyder's recap with video, you can at this link — Westmont stages dramatic rally: Tribune-Democrat.
   While Westmont may not have the names that jump right off the page, the reigning league and district champions have a solid group up and down the lineup. And barring something really surprising, the win by the Hilltoppers sets up a de-facto Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference title match two weeks from tomorrow (January 22 at WH) between unbeatens Westmont and Chestnut Ridge.

Hurricane Force
   I'm guessing not many people had a better night on Friday than Jody Karam, as his up-and-coming Liberty team scored a dramatic 32-30 win over Bethlehem Catholic. The Hurricanes were down 30-17 but won the final four bouts to celebrate.
   There's been no love lost between the Bethlehem schools on the wrestling mat, and even though Jeff Karam is no longer the head coach at Bethlehem Catholic, Jody coming coming out on top this year against a team he couldn't beat when his brother was there has to be extremely satisfying, especially in the manner in which it happened.
   Not only did Liberty stun Becahi, it's been a great week or so for the Hurricanes as they won the team title at their own Bethlehem Holiday Classic, and then also rallied to beat Northampton 32-28 two nights before the dual with their city rivals.
   Prior to those duals last week, Liberty was ranked 45th in the nation by Intermat. Bethlehem Catholic was ninth, while Northampton was listed 38th.
   This will also make for a very interesting District 11-AAA Duals early next month. Only two teams will make the state duals field the following weekend. With Bethlehem Catholic coming back to the pack a little this season and perhaps not as good of a Nazareth team as we've seen in recent years, the re-emergence of both Liberty and Northampton has created a lot of intrigue in the Lehigh Valley.

Class AA Showdown
   A huge match is on tap for tomorrow night as Southern Columbia hosts Muncy in a battle of top three teams in the state according to PA Power Wrestling. Southern, ranked No. 2, hasn't been tested in a dual and also won the Trojan Wars Tournament over the holidays. But the Tigers have been missing a few top-notch regulars from their lineup so that could make this match more interesting. Muncy is ranked No. 3 and has had a couple of closer matchups against Class AAA competition.
   Both teams were state duals medalists last year and looking for more this time around. Southern Columbia was the state runner-up to Reynolds, while Muncy placed fourth.