On paper, the wrestling dual meet between Northampton and Pocono Mountain West appeared to be a complete mismatch. When the two teams squared off last Thursday, appearances became reality.

The Konkrete Kids won 73-0 with every bout finishing as pin or technical fall. Only one bout reached the third period. The Panthers only scored escapes, many of which were conceded by the Northampton wrestler in the pursuit of a tech fall.

But high school sports are about more than just the results in the gym. The evening was also Senior Night for the wrestlers in the class of 2025.

“I always have tremendous respect for the guys who come out for wrestling, come to practice every day and work their tails off and they don’t get the spotlight that the starters get,” explained head coach Joe Provini.

“3 or 4 of these seniors are first- or second-year wrestlers. To come out at the end of their high school careers and to not quit after two days and to stick it out is wonderful. It’s a testament to our coaching staff that makes every kid feel valued,” Provini continued.

“To have them come out with the varsity and warm up and go out for the coin toss, it’s a little thing we can do for all the hard work they put in. I get emotional for Senior Night. To get these kids in your room, they’re like gifts to us. You spend every day with them and then it’s an abrupt ending. I try to live in the moment and soak it up,” he concluded.

Next up for the team is the district duals tournament on Saturday at Freedom High School. The K-Kids will be one of the eight invitees based on their standing in the district power rankings. However, those eight teams will be reseeded by a committee some time Thursday morning.

The K-Kids are likely to be seeded either fourth or fifth and face either Easton or Notre Dame GP in the quarterfinals. If that comes to pass, the winner of the match up will most likely face Bethlehem Catholic in the semifinals for a trip to the finals and an invitation to the state tournament.

The quarterfinals start at 11 a.m.

Northampton 73 Pocono Mountain West 0

107 - Cade Strauss (N) won by tech. fall over Isaiah Santiago (PMW) 17-2 4:36, 114 - Brayden Wenrich (N) won by tech. fall over Tony Bothwell (PMW) 15-0 2:24, 121 - Ryan Marano won by tech. fall over Henry Bothwell (PMW) 17-2 3:15, 127 - Colin Marano (N) won by tech. fall over Anthony De Pasqua (PMW) 17-0 3:15, 133 - Gabriel Ballard (N) pinned Austin Valderrama (PMW) 1:39, 139 - Trey Wagner (N) pinned Kyair Scott (PMW) 1:33, 145 - Carter Chlebove (N) pinned Jahdel Castillo (PMW) 1:14, 152 - Chase Grabfelder (N) pinned Noah Noguera (PMW) 3:26, 160 - Parker Williams (N) pinned Michael Elisseou (PMW) 0:51, 172 - Devlin Chevere (N) won by tech. fall over Josiah Baptiste (PMW) 17-2 2:17, 189 - Colin Turner (N) pinned Jasper Mceachern (PMW) 3:34, 215 - Joell Small (N) pinned Jean Sanchez (PMW) 1:13, 285 - Gavin Grell (N) pinned Jadon Wilkin (PMW) 1:33