The Verona wrestling team traveled to rival Montclair on Friday night, and knocked off the Mounties 49-18. The win puts the Hillbilly squad one step away from their second league title in as many years.
The match started at 112 lbs. where freshman Paul Scully moved up a weight class to secure a 7-1 decision. A fall by Bobby Hildebrandt at 119 lbs. put the Hillbillies up 9-0. Montclair got pins in the next two matches to retake the lead 12-9. The teams traded victories in the next two weight classes to give Montclair an 18-15 lead.
But the strength of Verona’s upper weight lineup was about to assert itself, reeling off eight straight wins in a row. The highlight of this run was a rematch of the Essex County final at 189 lbs. where Colin Farawell and Donte Bellamy did battle. After a close, hard-fought win in the County final, Farawell completely dominated the rematch, securing a major decision by a score of 12-1.
Also winning Friday night for Verona were Mike Randall, Tom Cundari, team Captain Craig Cundari, Taylor DellColle, Frankie Greco, Joe Festa, Anthony Parra and Nick Esposito. Verona will now square off with Millburn where a victory will give Verona the league championship. No date has been set for this match, which was originally postponed due to weather.
The photos in this story were taken by VHS student Adrian Amador.
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