Howell, Paulsboro making cases for public school supremacy

With The Trentonian’s various team and individual wrestling rankings now up and running, it’s not too early to point out how it seems like certain things never change.

At the top of that list is the fact with No. 1 Bergen Catholic’s recruiting continuing to spin completely out of control — do the Crusaders really think anyone is impressed with their collection of all-star talent? — the only real drama concerns which is the No. 1 public school team in the state.

On this front, things are already heating up after Paulsboro stormed to the championship of the Newton Duals on Saturday by beating Hanover Park, 4020, after Hanover Park had beaten South Plainfield, 40-27.

At this point the two best public teams in the state would appear to be Howell and Paulsboro. They, of course, met at the seasonopening Paulsboro Tournament with Howell winning eight weights as opposed to Paulsboro’s four.

It’s true Cough City was missing one of its transfers from Collingswood — remember when Paulsboro always used to whine about Ralph “The Renegade’’ Ross’ transfers at Highland — but eight weights to four sounds pretty convincing to us.

Still, the Paulsboro propaganda machine is already in full gear, which is kind of ironic when you consider a year ago it managed to get itself ranked ahead of Howell in the Coaches Poll by claiming it actually accumulated more team points at its own tourney than the Rebels. (There are no official team points kept at the Paulsboro Tourney.)

What Paulsboro conveniently failed to mention Chris Lanciano, top, is a member of Hopewell’s wrestling team, which is ranked fourth is our area ratings.

last year was it had more than one wrestler in some of the weights, and it added in the point totals of everyone it entered.

Just call it Paulsboro’s version of the new math.

Make no mistake about it, Paulsboro is good. It appears to have fixed its upperweight problems and the transfers have solidified its middle. Still, there’s no reason it should be ranked ahead of Howell, even though in at least one state poll it is.

There were other repercussions as well from what transpired at the Newton Duals.

For openers, it really took the steam out of the South Plainfield at Howell match in two weeks. Furthermore, South Plainfield just didn’t look like its usual physical self and even though Group III is far from formidable, it might be a bit vulnerable in Toms River.

As for Hanover Park, its first eight or so weights

are impressive, but when it comes to its upperweights, not so much. As such, if a team such as High Point can crack Hanover Park down below, then Group II might also prove to be up for grabs.

1. Hunterdon Central (9-0)

2. North Hunterdon (7-2)

3. Rancocas Valley (6-0)

4. Hopewell Valley (7-4)

5. Cherokee (6-2)

6. Northern Burlington (1-3)

7. Delran (5-0)

8. Voorhees (8-5)

9. Delaware Valley (3-3)

10. Robbinsville (7-1)

11. Bordentown (5-4)

12. Allentown (10-4)

13. Cinnaminson (4-1)

14. Pennsbury (6-5)

15. Trenton (6-1)

16. Seneca (5-1)

17. Hightstown (8-3)

18. Burlington Township (5-2)

19. Pemberton (5-4)

20. Ewing (4-5)

Highlight Matches