AROUND THE STATE

Remember last year when The Trentonian decided to run a statewide wrestling poll that only includes public schools? This decision looks even better after Delbarton destroyed formerly-undefeated Howell, 58-9, in the championship match of the Jack Welch Duals at Moorestown Saturday. In this match the Rebels won only one bout (by Shane Reitsma) with the other points coming on forfeit.

Anyway, it’s a shame the parochials now dominate the upper tier of New Jersey dual-match wrestling because there’s a tremendous battle going on between the publics for what in years pass would have been for the No. 1 ranking in the state.

In recent results, Howell beat High Point on criteria, North Hunterdon topped Phillipsburg, 3024, Toms River North beat Southern, 28-26, and Phillipsburg beat Toms River North, 29-28. Earlier, Howell beat TR North, 3230.

If you enjoy parity it simply doesn’t get much better than this. It’s also a good thing all these matches are taking place because as previously mentioned, other than Group IV it doesn’t appear like anything major is going to take place at groups.

Looking ahead, Phillipsburg was to have wrestled High Point Saturday in the annual “Back to the Pit Night,’’ but it was snowed out and moved to Jan. 27.

The Hillbillies appear to be getting healthier and should run into North Hunterdon at the Warren Hills Duals Saturday. High Point also has a match looming next week against Southern, which could very well get right back in the mix.

The thing to keep your eye on in Group V is how the seeding shakes out in South Jersey. It’s no secret