UPPER DUBLIN >> A senior-powered group continues to make its mark on the mats at Upper Dublin.
The Cardinals pinned down another victory on Wednesday night, this time overcoming a challenge from its area rival Hatboro-Horsham, to reach closer to the school record for wins in a season.
“Half the team is seniors. We’ve all been together – when we were in middle school we went undefeated,” said Upper Dublin’s Gus Platt. “So all the people on that team are juniors and seniors now.”
Said Platt: “We wanna get 20 wins as a team and break the school record. We have five matches coming up this weekend so if we win those, we’re good.”
Platt, part of that special senior class for Upper Dublin, won by decision at 172 pounds to help the Cardinals pull away to a 39-17 victory over the Hatters in the Suburban One League Liberty Division match at UD.
Upper Dublin watches the action during its match with Hatboro-Horsham. (Kev Hunter/MediaNews Group)
The Cardinals raised their overall record to 15-2 and improved to 2-1 in the division, as they aim to take their momentum with them when they head to the Golden Bear Tournament Saturday at Upper Moreland.
Hatboro-Horsham watches the action during its match with Upper Dublin. (Kev Hunter/MediaNews Group)
The Hatters are now 3-6 on the season and 1-2 in the division, with a trip to the Coal Cracker Invitational at Lehighton coming up on Friday.
Hatboro won back-to-back matches by major decision at 133 and 139 pounds – courtesy of Aidan Morrison and Chris Staub – to forge an 14-9 lead.
But then the Cardinals made their move, winning the next five bouts to build a commanding 33-14 edge.
Senior Gus Platt pulled out a win at 172 pounds to help Upper Dublin beat Hatboro-Horsham on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (Kev Hunter/MediaNews Group)
Platt battled to a 4-3 decision over Joey Palmeri at 172, part of that key stretch for the Cards.
“In the first period, I wanted to make sure I got the take-down,” Platt said. “I did a solid job riding him once I was on top. I escaped pretty easily – we’ve been drilling that a lot at practice. So once I got out, I knew I could just stay away from him and be able to get the win.”
Gavin Rockey followed with a pin at 189 to put the win on ice for the Cardinals.
Upper Dublin huddles after its win over Hatboro-Horsham. (Kev Hunter/MediaNews Group)
Upper Dublin is in the seeding meeting for district duals and is coming off an impressive 5-0 finish at the Chichester Classic.
“Our confidence is boosted so we’re on a roll,” Platt said. “We’re hoping we can carry that through for the rest of the season.”
Platt, also a cross-country runner, spoke of the rivalry with Hatboro-Horsham: “It’s always good to beat Hatboro. We’re pretty close to them. Their cross country team beat us but it’s good to beat them for wrestling.”
Upper Dublin 39, Hatboro-Horsham 17
107: Jake Evans (UD) pinned Keith Toll, 1:03; 6-0.
114: Ryan Allgeier (HH) dec. Zach Gallagher, 5-2; 3-6.
121: Benny Staub (HH) dec. Caden Cerminaro, 9-3; 6-6.
127: Joseph Sirianni (UD) dec. David Jensen, 4-1; 9-6.
133: Aidan Morrison (HH) major dec. C.J. Ambrose, 12-4; 10-9.
139: Chris Staub (HH) major dec. Dan Gorman, 10-2; 14-9.
145: Elias Abebe (UD) dec. Orion Newell, 13-11; 12-14.
152: Austin Pendleton (UD) pinned Jayden Dayton, :35; 18-14.
160: Tom Clayton (UD) pinned Nasir Samuel, 4:15; 24-14.
172: Gus Platt (UD) dec. Joey Palmeri, 4-3; 27-14.
189: Gavin Rockey (UD) pinned Jack Donnelly, 1:33; 33-14.
215: Andy Alameda-Guzman (HH) dec. Noah Morganstin, 8-2; 17-33.
289: Philop Roll (UD) won by forfeit, 39-17.
