REMATCH? Don Bosco’s Kyle Bierdumpfel and Bergen Catholic’s Nick Suriano could see each other in today’s dual meet in a rematch of the Bergen County Holiday Tournament. Suriano won the first bout in double overtime.
A preview of what to look forward to in North Jersey high school sports on Wednesday, Jan. 30. All content below is written by each sport’s respective beat writer(s).
WRESTLING
Greg Schutta will be at Bergen Catholic for the highlight match of the night as feature Don Bosco (10-4, 2-0), No. 2 in the North Jersey Top 25, faces top-ranked Bergen Catholic (15-1, 3-0) with the Big North United title and No. 1 ranking in North Jersey on the line. Bergen Catholic, ranked No. 2 in every state poll, is coming off a huge win on the road at Bound Brook Saturday and has won 15 straight since an opening week loss to unbeaten and top-ranked South Plainfield. Bosco, ranked in the Top 10 in most state polls, is finally fielding its full lineup and has won nine straight since a disastrous quad sweep at the hands of state-ranked Jackson Memorial, High Point and Long Branch. They are coming off a huge 29-25 upset of St. Peter’s last week. This match has no shortage of star power as Bosco is led by Kyle Bierdumpfel (106), returning state placewinner Luis Gonzalez (120), Luke Farinaro (170), returning state champ Razohnn Gross (195) and Zach Chakonis (220). BC is led by Beast of the East and Super 32 champ Nick Suriano (106), Tyler Casamenti (113), Laurien Anghelina (138), returning state champ Johnny Sebastian (182), Christian Jenco (195), and Carmine Goldsack (285). Suriano and Bierdumpfel could meet in a rematch of their Bergen Holiday Tournament final, won by Suriano in 2 overtimes. But don’t be surprised to see Bierdumpfel bump up to face Casamenti instead. Keep and eye on the matchups at the upper weights where BC looks to have a bit more flexibility than Don Bosco. This could be where the match is won.
Brian Giuffra will be covering Passaic Valley at West Milford in a Big North Independence league match that could determine the winner of the league. Passaic Valley is currently leading the league standings and could clinch their first division title since 2005. They are led by county runners up Anthony Cruz (106), Tom Dunphy (132) and Nick Armagno (152) and finished in fourth place behind West Milford at counties. The Highlanders are coming off a loss to Wayne Valley, another league foe, and a third place finish at counties. They’ll be looking for big performances from Dylan Kaine (145), Pat VanDuyne (160), Rich DiZenzo (170), Shane Conlon (182) and county champ Will Wenzel (285).
Three other division titles could be clinched tonight. Clifton could clinch the Big North Liberty Division title with a victory over Kennedy. Unbeaten River Dell could clinch the Big North Patriot Division title with a victory over Westwood. And Becton/Wallington could clinch the NJIC Division 1 title with a victory over Lodi.