Match of the Year

There’s no doubt what shapes up as the regular season match of the year involving an area team. Get ready for Phillipsburg at Hunterdon Central Wednesday night.

In addition to control of the Skyland Conference, this match has statewide implications. Should Hunterdon Central as expected meet Howell in sectionals, you will be able to compare how the Red Devils did against the Shore team as opposed to how they fared against P-Burg.

There has been some finger pointing as to why Phillipsburg and Howell were unable to arrange a regular-season match, but that’s another story for another

time.

On paper Central has a real shot in this one, although keep in mind it also thought it was in a good position last year against the Liners before suffering a disappointing loss.

It certainly figures to be close. It’s easy to identity a host of weights where each team will be favored, but what isn’t clear is what will happen up top. If one team controls the upperweights, it will win the match.

On the subject of Hunterdon County wrestling, it’s a shame a couple of upperweights decided not to the wrestle for North Hunterdon. The Lions lost to Raritan by only one point Saturday and are clearly on the rise under first-year coach and former Warren Hills wrestler Chris Hrunka, with some promising young talent on the way from the seventh and eighth grades. Wednesday: Phillipsburg at Hunterdon Central; Bordentown at Cinnaminson Friday: Rancocas Valley at Delran. Saturday: Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tourney at Phillipsburg; Robbinsville, Northern Burlington at Howell quad.