Franklin Regional wrestling coach Matt Lebe knew Wednesday’s nonsection match against Moon would be close.
And even though two of his veteran wrestlers took defeats and one is out with an injury, the No. 1-ranked Panthers (4-0) showed why they will be tough to beat come February.
Pins by Titus Colangelo (127 pounds), Cohen Buccicone (145), Mike Ruane (160) and Kaydon Ferrell (215) powered the Panthers to a 33-25 victory.
It was the second consecutive close match for the Panthers. They defeated Trinity, 34-33, on criteria. Moon was coming off an impressive tournament at Chartiers-Houston. The Tigers (1-1) won the team title and had five champions.
The Panthers also got a huge win by Chase Smith at 139 when he defeated PIAA qualifier Cael Yanek, 8-3.
“It was a great team victory,” Lebe said. “It was as tough as I expected. They are a great team, and they have a bunch of good individuals up and down the lineup.
“We knew it was going to be a challenge for us, and I am just really proud of our guys to be able to get the job done throughout the match without Beau (Fennick).”
Fennick, a PIAA qualifier, is out with an injury. Lebe expects him to return in January.
Moon took advantage of Fennick’s absence at 114 pounds and built a 15-0 lead after three matches.
The Panthers responded with pins by Colangelo and Buccicone and decisions by Sal Nassif and Smith.
“Chase’s win was huge,” Lebe said. “It was a match between two wrestlers ranked high in the state. That was a good one to get.”
The match was scoreless after one period, but Yanek escaped for a point. That’s when Smith went on the attack.
He hit a slow single for a three-point takedown and 3-1 lead. In the third period, Yanek allowed Smith an escape and Smith continued his attack and got a second takedown to secure the win.
“We split last year,” Smith said. “Cael is a pretty good wrestler and a good opponent. It is always a good match. Max (Firestine) and Ethan (Cartwright) took tough losses, but we had other guys step up.”
Moon’s Zach Regotti edged Firestine, 5-3, at 152 by getting an early takedown and tie the score, 18-all. Ruane got a quick pin (36 seconds) for the Panthers, but Moon’s Liam Costa, a PIAA qualifier, defeated Cartwright, 4-1, at 172 and Michael Olszewski (189) gave Moon a 25-24 lead with a major decision.
But a pin by Ferrell (215) and a 1-0 win at heavyweight by John Montgomery secured the victory.
“I believe in our team,” Moon coach Michael Muraco said. “We just went out there and competed. We embraced the challenge. I loved it. I am glad we were able to wrestle this match.
“I am proud how we wrestled, and there were some great matches. Cael lost a tough one, but Zach and Liam came through. This type of match will help us in a month.”
Moon will host its duals tournament Saturday. Franklin Regional heads to Point Pleasant, W.Va., for a duals tournament.
“Our goal is to get better every week,” Lebe said. “Max and Ethan will be better from this because of their work ethic. They are competitors.
“I am also pleased how Kaydon wrestled. Injuries slowed him down last year, but he’s back and I am glad he came out. He was successful in Junior Olympics.”