The Delsea Regional High School wrestling team poses with its trophy after its 54-12 triumph over Ocean City in the South Jersey Group 3 final at Delsea Regional High School in Franklinville, New Jersey on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. Tommy Maxwell/D2 Sports Network
FRANKLINVILLE - The Delsea Regional High School wrestling team captured its 14th straight sectional crown with a 54-12 triumph over Ocean City in the South Jersey Group 3 final on Wednesday night.
The Crusaders won the first eight bouts and earned bonus points in seven of them. Greyson Pettit (106 pounds), Amari Vann (113) and Gage Summers (120) each won via pin. Blaise Verdino (126) followed up with a 10-2 major decision and Zavier Stokes (132) pinned his opponent in 31 seconds. Matt Montalto-Summers earned an 8-2 decision at 138 and Michael Stokes pinned Ocean City's Logan Fearnhead in five minutes and 18 seconds.
Jamar Dixon won his match, 16-0, via technical fall at 150 pounds. The triumph established a 42-0 lead for Delsea.
The Red Raiders reached a sectional final for the first time in school history. All-South Jersey linebacker Nick Layton earned a 7-3 decision against Delsea's Greg Sawyer to improve his record to 25-0. Tommy Grimley (157) and Talon Fischer (165) also earned victories via decision for Ocean City.
Salvatore Marchese responded for the Crusaders with a pin at 190 pounds before Alex Grippo won via forfeit at 215. Ocean City's Clifford Dirkes concluded the match with a 3-1 decision against Jose Berrios in the 285-pound bout.
The Crusaders (17-4 record) will face Wayne Valley in the state semifinals and are two wins away from their third consecutive Group 3 state title.