The RED And BLACK Wrestling: Week 1 (May 2nd-8th )

This week featured a lot of duals within the CHSAA. A total of 6 teams competed this weekend and we had some close and dominating duals. I will be taking a look at each of these duals as well as assigning a “Match of the Dual”. This takes a look at the best or most exciting match that took place in the dual. So, let’s discuss the events and get right into the news!

Let’s start off with the Kellenberg Firebirds. On May, 5th the Firebirds opened their season with a dominating victory over St. John the Baptist as the dual ended in a 62-9 victory for the Firebirds. The Firebirds are the returning CHSAA State Dual Champs so it is without surprise that they are starting their season of spectacularly and in dominating and convincing fashion. Kellenberg has been on the come up for quite some time now with what some may say last year as a “Surprise” victory at the Dual championships. But Kellenberg is looking to prove that last year was no mere fluke by taking out another team we saw last year challenge many teams, St. John the Baptist. Kellenberg was a top contender in the team title at last year’s CHSAA State Tournament falling short with a 233.5 team score behind team champs Chaminade’s 259.5. Kellenberg will be looking to capture that crown this year and I think they have the firepower to do so.

Match of the Dual: Darius Abdulhaqq (St. John the Baptist) vs Omar Reyes (Kellenberg): 13-9 Decision

Monsignor Farrell had a string of bad luck this week with 2 cancelled dual meets due to the rain. But there is a light at the end of every tunnel as the Lions were able to end their week on a good note. Monsignor Farrell faced Fordham Prep on May 6th, and dominated the dual. The Lions took out Fordham Prep in a dominating 60-9 final score. The Lions have been contenders for team titles in both the CHSAA State Duals as well as the CHSAA State Tournament. The Lions finished amongst a three-way tie for second after falling to the Kellenberg Firebirds in a close dual and ended their season with a fourth place team finish in the CHSAA State Tournament. Even though they finished fourth they finished with four CHSAA State Champs, most of any team in the tournament. Monsignor Farrell is looking to be a dangerous threat this year for team titles in both the CHSAA State Duals and CHSAA State Tournament.

Match of the Dual: Mike Mulkerrins (Monsignor Farrell) vs Vaughn Johnson (Fordham Prep): Pin 5:00

Last but not least Xavier battled Holy Trinity this week in a very close bout. The Knights took on the Titans in a very close dual resulting in a 33-30 final score with the Knights taking the win. The whole dual was back and forth and many guys stepped up to the plate and challenged Xavier. Xavier is a team that can’t be overlooked this year as they still have some heavy hitters on their lineup. Between returning CHSAA State Finalist Devon Diaco, returning CHSAA State Champ Elias Emery, and a returning Jack Geyer who unfortunately suffered injuries sidelining him at the CHSAA State Tournament, the Knights are looking to do some damage this season, and I think they can be top contenders. Do not sleep on Xavier as on Friday May, 14th The Knights and the Farrell Lions will dual and there will be some very interesting matchups. The Knights are the underdogs in this season and I think that they will be challenging or even taking home some wins against some of these teams. With a studded returning lineup, the Knights without a doubt will be putting their guys back on the podium.

Match of the Dual: Elias Emery (Xavier) vs John Escobar (Holy Trinity): 5-1 Decision