Henderson’s Delaney pins Lucerne to become one of 17 local semifinalists

FRANCONIA >> West Chester Henderson’s Killian Delaney knew the objective was to keep the foot on the gas.

What he didn’t expect was how short of a burst he’d actually need.

Paired with Council Rock North’s Luke Lucerne in the 120-pound quarterfinals of the Class 3A Southeast Regional, Friday, Delaney converted a quick shot into a cradle and decked the former state medalist in 33 seconds.

“I know (Lucerne) likes to underhooks and he likes to slow me down,” Delaney said. “I knew what he wanted to do. I got in on a single and he hung his head and I got the cradle.”

Lucerne won both bouts against Delaney last season, but the third time was the charm for the Henderson junior, as he was one of 17 locals to reach the semifinals.

Due to some winter weather, the start Saturday was pushed back to 10:30 a.m. at Souderton High. The first round of consolations will be first with the semifinals tentatively slated for noon. The finals are still set for 6 p.m.

Henderson’s Sammy McMonagle (113 pounds) joined Delaney in the semis. Those who reached the semis have three chances to win one more match to qualify as a top-five finisher to the PIAA tournament.

The last local to punch his ticket to the semis was Kennett’s Collin Watson, who used a 5-3 decision over Spring-Ford’s Sean Brogan.

“I felt like I was underestimated,” said Watson, who faces Garnet Valley’s Coltin Deery next. “Everyone thought I was going to lose, but I came here to prove myself.”

This is the stage to make a name for oneself, and Downingtown East’s Spencer Uggla (160) continues to do that this postseason. Hot off a title at the West sectional, Uggla won two on Friday, the second by major decision over North Penn’s returning seventh-place state medalist, Patrick O’Neill.

Uggla jumped out to a 5-0 lead with what’s become his trademark move the last two weeks, the lateral drop.

“I don’t think they expect it,” said Uggla, who faces Strath Haven’s John Crawford in semis. “I hit it hard and hit it 100 percent and go for it. I had nothing to lose against a kid who took seventh at states. No one expected me to win.”

Also in the semis from Downingtown East are Keanu Manuel (106) and Lukas Richie (132). Downingtown West also has three — Dom Findora (106), Max Hale (170) and Chase Mielnik (182) vying for the finals.

West Chester East’s Corey Celenza (126) and Andrew DiBernardo (170) are a win away from returning to Hershey, while West Chester Rustin sophomore Josh Viarengo (126) used an overtime win to put himself in the same position.

Pitted against Strath Haven’s Chase Barlow, the Outstanding Wrestler from the South sectional last week, Viarengo scored a takedown in sudden victory and will face top-seeded Colton Jordan of Neshaminy next.

“I’m pretty proud of myself,” Viarengo said. “I think I turned a corner and have really built my confidence up again. I’m ready to go get the next win and get to states.”

Coatesville’s Nate Lucier (113), Unionville’s Tyler Mousaw (182), Great Valley’s Ethan Seeley (195), Conestoga’s Paul Pelham (220) and Oxford’s Sam Blevins (285) make their push to be finalists Saturday afternoon, as well.

Those in the first round of consolations will have to win four bouts, Saturday, to claim a spot to states. Oxford’s Brandon Sheffield (138) is one of those after a 4-2 loss to Methacton’s Kibwe McNair in a brutal first-round matchup. There’s a decent chance the two square off again in the consi semis.

Avon Grove’s Nick Barnhart (145) dropped an overtime decision to Pennridge’s Evan Widing and he will need three wins in consis to make a return trip to Hershey.

Team Standings (top 10)

1. Council Rock South, 81.5; 2. Spring-Ford, 45; 3. Owen J. Roberts, 35; 4. Council Rock North, 34.5; 5. Downingtown West, 30.5; 6. Neshaminy, 29.5; 7. Downingtown East, 29; 8. Quakertown, 20.5; 9. Souderton, 19; 10. West Chester Henderson, 18

Semifinal matchups

106: Hauserman (CR North) v. Findora (Downingtown West); Waterman (CR South) v. Manuel (Downingtown East)

113: Mendez (CR South) v. Lucier (Coatesville); Reynolds (Spring-Ford) v. S. McMonagle (WC Henderson)

120: K. Delaney (WC Henderson) v. England (William Tennent); Cope (Quakertown) v. Hanson-Ashworth (CR South)

126: Jordan (Neshaminy) v. Viarengo (WC Rustin); Ricchini (CR South) v. Celenza (WC East)

132: Richie (Downingtown East) v. Kahn (CR South); Martin (Neshaminy) v. Fuss (Harry S. Truman)

138: Williams (Souderton) v. McNair (Methacton); McGill (Spring-Ford) v. Petrucelli (Owen J. Roberts)

145: Robinson (CR North) v. Woloshyn (CR South); Tamburrino (William Tennent) v. Widing (Pennridge)

152: Erb (Neshaminy) v. Showaker (CB South); Sheehy (CR North) v. Mancini (Owen J. Roberts)

160: Crawford (Strath Haven) v. Uggla (Downingtown East); Quinn (Owen J. Roberts) v. Colajezzi (CR South)

170: Hale (Downingtown West) v. Smith (Spring-Ford); DiBernardo (WC East) v. Lledo (Lower Merion)

182: Milano (Spring-Ford) v. Mousaw (Unionville); Gilch (CR South) v. Mielnik (Downingtown West)

195: Seeley (Great Valley) v. Fennell (Wissahickon); Miller (Boyertown) v. Stolfi (Souderton)

220: Catka (Sun Valley) v. Brosko (Marple Newtown); DiSanto (Plymouth Whitemarsh) v. Pelham (Conestoga)

285: Deery (Garnet Valley) v. Watson (Kennett); Blevins (Oxford) v. Bramwell (Ridley)