The Emmaus wrestling program continued its drive toward the postseason with a 30-25 win last Thursday at Whitehall. With the victory, the Green Hornets improved to 13-4.
Coach Jim Best’s squad rallied from a 0-9 deficit with solid performances from several wrestlers. Leading the charge back was Jake Gross, who pinned the Zephyrs’ James Hopkins at the 2:48 mark. E.J. Boney followed that with some fine wrestling of his own in the 285-pound match, pinning Ryan Tran in 2:42 to give Emmaus a 12-9 lead.
“E.J. just loves to compete,” Best said of the Emmaus football player and wrestler. “He’s also very coachable.”
Gross is simply having a superb wrestling season, earning a 23-5 record. The postseason awaits.
“Jake is motivated to improve on last season’s postseason results,” the coach said.
But the Emmaus comeback then hit the rocks as Whitehall wrestlers won the next three matches to give the Zephs a 22-12 lead. At this point the Green Hornets got tough. Perhaps no one on Best’s roster is tougher than Logan Armstrong won a 4-3 decision over Dayvion Marshmon at 127 to get things going. Then Chancellor Henry earned a 12-11 decision over Nolan Schmeckenbecher at 133. After a Whitehall victory in the 139-pound match, Emmaus’ Noe Bridges took a 5-3 decision against Trokon Kai at 145.
After a Whitehall forfeit at 152, Jesse Scott took Emmaus home with a tough 3-2 decision over Hudson Saylor at 160.
“Jesse is an experienced and hard-working wrestler,” Best said.
The determined sophomore is having a fine season, securing a 17-8 record as he continues to gain experience. Scott has wrestled at 152 and 160 this season, showing his versatility and value to the program.
Emmaus has two regular season matches remaining. The Hornets travel to Pleasant Valley on Wednesday, Feb. 1 and to Parkland to finish out the regular season on Feb. 7, a match that is slated for after the District 11 team tournament.
The Hornets head into the week as the No. 7 team in the District 11 Class 3A rankings. The top eight teams qualify for team districts, which are slated to begin Saturday, Feb. 4 at Freedom High School.