The PIAA Class 3A team championship finals had surprise opponents.
While many in the state thought it would be another District 11 (Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton area) final, instead 2026 was dominated by WPIAL teams.
Nazareth and Bethlehem Catholic were ranked Nos. 1-2 in the state by Pa Power Wrestling, but it was Franklin Regional and Norwin that made it to the gold-medal match.
Franklin Regional (22-0) defeated Norwin, 29-24, for the third time in three weeks to claim the title in another intense match at 1st Summit Arena in Johnstown.
Nazareth was beaten by Council Rock South (33-32) by criteria, most wins 7-6.
Franklin Regional defeated State College, 37-23, in the quarterfinals and then Bethlehem Catholic, 37-31, in the semifinals.
Norwin (15-4) edged Connellsville, 29-26, in the quarterfinals and then rolled over Council Rock South, 37-29.
Franklin Regional and Norwin advanced to the finals by winning close matches and having unexpected heroes win matches.
“It takes more than the stars to win close matches,” Franklin Regional coach Matt Lebe said. “It was fun battling Norwin. Both teams respect each other.”
Some of heroes over the weekend were Chase Smith, Max Firestine, Ethan Cartwright, Jordan Perks and Sal Colangelo for the Panthers, while Riley and Tanner Shaffer, Cash Mitchell, and Coleton Klipa helped the Knights’ cause.
Norwin coach Kyle Martin said he would like to see his team make the PIAA tournament an annual trip.
“We still need to learn how to finish big matches,” Martin said. “When he you an opportunity, you need to either get bonus points or prevent them.”
Derry coach Troy Dolan Jr. said he also was proud of his team’s effort.
The Trojans finished fourth and were the top public school in Class 2A behind Faith Christian Academy, Bishop McCort and Bishop McDevitt.
Their three wins in the state tournament were against Penn Valley, Reynolds and Chestnut Ridge.
Franklin Regional won its third PIAA title. The previous came in 2014 and 2015 when the Panthers ended Bethlehem Catholic’s four-year run.
The other WPIAL champions were Canon-McMillan in 2012 and 2013, Connellsville in 2005, Waynesburg in 2021 and Burrell (2A) in 2008.
The only other time two WPIAL teams reached the finals was in 2014 when Franklin Regional defeated Latrobe, 37-23.
Other WPIAL runners-up were Connellsville (2000 and 2004), Shady Side Academy (2A, 2001 and 2009), Trinity (2002), Kiski Area (2003 and 2018) and Waynesburg (2020).
New season ahead
Now that the team portion of the wrestling season is over, it is time for the individual tournaments.
There is no more worrying about getting bonus points or preventing them.
The job is to win and advance.
The Class 3A and 2A boys get underway Saturday at six locations. Action begins at 9:30 a.m. with the top six wrestlers in each weight class from each location advancing to the WPIAL championships Feb.20-21.
The locations are:
Class 3A: Eastern at Norwin, Northern at Butler and Southern at South Fayette.
Class 2A: Eastern at Greensburg Salem, Northern at Keystone Oaks and Southern at Burgettstown.
The girls individual championships are Feb. 21 at Mt. Lebanon.
Moving around
A few wrestlers have changed weight classes:
Penn-Trafford senior Dylan Barrett dropped from 121 pounds to 114, and McGuffey senior Lucas Barr dropped to 133.
Moving up was Franklin Regional sophomore John Montgomery to heavyweight.
Returning is Jefferson Morgan sophomore Brayden Hanning, who has missed the past month with an injury.
An injury will prevent Central Valley senior Antonio Boni (27-2) from participating in WPIALs.
Connellsville news
Senior Zach Franks earned his 100th career victory. … Connellsville’s WPIAL record is 93-41.