Last Updated: Wed Feb 05, 2025 - 12:43AM
The WPIAL crowned its 2025 Class 3A and 2A team wrestling champions over the weekend at the AHN Arena at Peters Township High School, and both winners reside in Westmoreland County. Franklin Regional upset Connellsville Area 32-25 to notch the Class 3A gold, while Burrell repeated as Class 2A champs courtesy of a 33-27 triumph against Derry Area.
The No. 2 Panthers captured their third district title at the expense of the top-seeded Falcons. Franklin Regional’s previous crowns came back-to-back in 2014 and 15.
The Panthers (17-0) gained an early advantage, beginning at 189 pounds with a fall by John Montgomery. Henry Patts followed with a decision for FR, Beau Fennick earned a pinfall at 107, and Titus Colangelo claimed a decision at 113 to extend the lead to 15-3. Although Nolan Rice scored a fall for the Falcons (11-2), the Panthers captured two more victories at 127 and 133, as Mike Ruane won via major decision and Chase Smith notched a decision victory. Max Firestine also registered a pin for Franklin Regional, while Ethan Cartwright sealed the win at 172 with a major decision.
As a result, Franklin Regional will open the PIAA Class 3A bracket against the winner of Norwin and Obama Academy on Tuesday.
Top-seeded Burrell continued its dominance on the mat, winning the 19th team title in the program’s storied history, and the 17th in the past 19 campaigns.
Burrell (14-1) built a sizable lead, and fended off a late rally by the No. 2 Trojans. The match commenced at 139 pounds, as Burrell’s Jacob Stewart prevailed via a 4-1 decision against Brett Klim. Julian Bertucci followed with a major decision against Jeremiah Gess, putting the Bucs ahead 7-0. The Trojans (18-3) subsequently gained the upper hand, though, as Mason Horwat won via tech fall, and Ewan Olson prevailed by decision to put DA ahead 8-7. The lead was short-lived, as Burrell’s Ben Catullo won via forfeit. Although DA’s Brady Brown edged Isaac Lacinski via decision, the Buccaneers countered with consecutive falls by Luke Boylan and Ayden Kun at 215 and 285, respectively. Rocco DeCario scored a fall for the Trojans and Matthew Fernell notched a technical fall, but Burrell answered with a decision by Carter Thomas at 121 and a tech fall by Cam Baker at 127 to build an insurmountable lead. Derry Area’s Anthony Mucci won the final bout by tech fall.
Burrell will host the opening round of the Class 2A state bracket on Tuesday, as the Bucs will battle the winner of Penns Valley and Quaker Valley. The Trojans, conversely, will travel to face District 5 Champion Chestnut Ridge on Tuesday.