A quintet of instant classics for fans.
(in chronological order)
Northampton at Phillipsburg, Jan. 2, 7 p.m.
Could this be the last time an old East Penn Conference visits The Pit? It would be sad if it was so, but it may be (P’burg is at Parkland and Easton this season), making this a must-see. The Konkrete Kids’ light- and middle-weights will give the Stateliners a stern test.
North Hunterdon at Voorhees, Jan. 7, 7 p.m.
The last time this classic arch-rivalry took place at Voorhees a veteran wrestling writer who has attended hundreds of matches said the Vikings’ gym was the loudest he had ever heard. That’s how intense this matchup will be. Records don’t matter – the fire will be there.
Howell at Phillipsburg, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.
You don’t think the Stateliners have had this one circled since Howell handed P’burg its sole loss last season? The Pit will be a madhouse. Expect a tense, tight match with few bonus points and lots of excitement.
Voorhees at Delaware Valley, Jan. 20, 7 p.m.
This is a stand-in for all the intra-Hunterdon County matches, some of the best atmospheres for wrestling you’ll ever see. While all four venues offer smashing action in county matches, the Terriers may be the best with a student section second to none and passionate community support. If you can’t make this one, pick one of the others – you really cannot go wrong.
Belvidere at North Warren, Jan. 29, 7 p.m.
All that is at stake here is neighborhood bragging rights and local supremacy, but that’s enough to fill the gym and fire up everybody involved. Both teams are in a rebuilding phase, so the match will likely be more competitive than last season’s Belvidere blowout, and could be a good place to see future standouts emerge. This is one of those Friday night matches that the Hunterdon/Warren area has been packing gyms with: attention Pennsylvania.
Brad Wilson may be reached at bwilson@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradwsports. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook.