Who will be top varsity newcomer in region?

I've been planning on taking a look at the top rookies in our area, and since Pa. Power Wrestling just released its Top 50 freshmen, I figured now was as good a time as any.

Districts 5 and 6 are well-represented in the rankings, which include both AA and AAA classes.

A look at some names to know:

Robby Patrick, Ligonier Valley – The younger brother of Josh and Justin, he is the top local wrestler in the rankings, as he checks in at No. 6 statewide. He's bigger than his older brothers, as he projects as a 145-pounder, and he's more accomplished at this point in his career with a FloNationals Middle School championship and two Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling titles to his name. He'll definitely be one to keep an eye on this season, as Pa. Power Wrestling projects him as a state qualifier. Breaking in at 145 as a freshman is much harder than in the lightweights – as he found out going 1-2 at the Super 32 this weekend – but it wouldn't surprise me to see him on the podium in Hershey in March.

The Fab Five, Westmont Hilltop – After a fantastic run in the late 2000s, the Hilltoppers have been relatively quiet in the postseason the past few years. That could change very quickly. The co-op with Bishop McCort should pay huge dividends this year, as Carnell Andrews, No. 7 in Pa. Power Wrestling rankings, is a now a Crimson Crusher instead of a Johnstown Trojan. The same goes for No. 17 Anthony Walters. Westmont's own Josiah Jones is No. 43, giving Matt Beaujon's team a staggering three of the state's top-50 ranked freshmen.

Like Patrick, Andrews has two PJW and one FloNationals Middle School championships to his name. He's projected as a 126-pounder and a state qualifier.

Walters finished third at PJWs last year and won a FloNationals Middle School championship. He's projected as a 170-pounder and state qualifier.

Jones took fourth at PJWs last season and, like Andrews and Walters, was a FloNationals Middle School champ. He suffered a serious knee injury in the summer and won't be in the lineup for the first part of the season. If he can return from the injury and get in shape for the postseason, expect him to be a regional qualifier at 220 pounds.

Westmont's freshmen class has more than just the big three, as Clayton Dorian finished sixth at PJWs at 112 last season. He should give Andrews a great practice partner in the 126 range and give Beaujon plenty of flexibility in creating dual-meet matchups, not to mention another young stud.

Throw in Derrick Christie, a PJW qualifier for Ferndale who will suit up for the Hilltoppers, and Westmont's freshman class has to rank as one of the best in the state. Christie should make an immediate impact at 106. I've been told that he's made big strides over the past few months and could be a darkhorse in the region.

Trent Hidlay, Mifflin County – The younger brother of Hayden Hidlay is a six-time PJW medalist, including a runner-up finish in 2014, when he lost to Ligonier Valley's Robert Patrick. Pa. Power Wrestling projects him as a state qualifier at 138 or 145. He went 2-2 at 145 in the Super 32 this weekend.

Justin McCoy, Chestnut Ridge – Not that the loaded Lions need much help in the lightweights, but this talented freshman should provide it. He's finished third (2014, '12), second ('13) and first ('11) at PJWs and is projected as a 113- or 120-pound state qualifier by Pa. Power Wrestling. My local sources saw him more as a 126-pounder, but that could be just to start the season. Either way, he'll make an immediate impact for coach Greg Lazor and should make a strong postseason run.

Terrell Williams and Austin Barber, Greater Johnstown – Even without Andrews and Walters, new Trojans coach Will Harris will be able to inject some young talent into the lineup. Williams is a sophomore who finished second at 147 at PJWs last year while Barber is a freshman who placed eighth at 157. It will likely be harder for them to reach regionals this season after Johnstown dropped from AAA to AA, but both have the talent to do so.

Campbell twins, Cambria Heights – Mike Eckenrode, who is now sharing the head coaching role with Steve Makin, will get a nice bump in the form of sophomore twins Huntur and Bryce Campbell. Huntur, who likely will be a 106-pounder this season, finished fourth at 92 pounds at PJWs while Bryce, a projected 113-pounder, was a qualifier at 97 pounds.

I'm sure there are some other up-and-coming youngsters that I don't know about, especially in the eastern half of District 6. Who should have been included on my list? Let me know (hopefully in a polite way) in the comments section along with some reasons why.