Well, the big night is almost here: Westmont at Bedford. It's usually the match of the year and, depending on how Somerset does this season, it very well could be again. Last year, Westmont beat Bedford 39-23 on the way to the LHAC title. Repeating will be a tough feat though, especially at Bedford.
Here's last year's box score
Westmont 39, Bedford 23
152-Stephen Popchak, WH, maj. dec. Cody Yingling, 13-5.160-Josiah Koontz, B, pinned Corbin Nulton, 4:34.
171-Brian Gibbons, B, maj. dec. Sam Patrick, 19-5.
189-Ryan Burnheimer, WH, maj. dec. Mike Brett, 13-0.
215-Jacob Krupa, B, maj. dec. Don Shovestull, 14-2.
285-Josh Duplin, WH, pinned Justin Easter, :43.
103-Ryan Easter, B, pinned Stephen Zipf, :24.
112-Garrett Thomas, B, dec. Logan Blackburn, 3-0.
119-Josh Polacek, WH, maj. dec. Caleb Grimes, 18-5.
125-Travis Kushner, WH, maj. dec. Shayne Rininger, 11-3.
130-Mike Walsh, WH, maj. dec. Chris Wilson, 12-0.
135-Tanner Hough, WH, pinned Andrew Miller, :50.
140-Ian Helsel, WH, maj. dec. Zach Dudek, 16-5.
145-Tanner Patton, WH, dec. Tanner Williams, 4-3.
Westmont won nine of the 14 matches in that one, but three of the wrestlers responsible for those wins (and 14 team points) have graduated. Bedford lost just one winner (and four team points). Take away those team points and it's 25-19. Throw in the fact that the matchups seem to favor Bedford this year, and I'd make them the favorite.
Yes, the Bisons struggled in their opener, beating North Star 34-31, while Westmont rolled over Cambria Heights, but Bedford was without Jacob Krupa and forfeited 220. Rumor is that Krupa, who was injured during football season, has been cleared to wrestle tonight. The question is whether or not he'll have the stamina to repeat his major decision of Don Shovestull.
I think Bedford's lightweights are too strong for Westmont to overcome. The Hilltoppers could win it with an upset or two, but my prediction is 37-26 Bedford.
What are your thoughts? Feel free to make a prediction in the comments section below.
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