Chargers Advance to Finals; Tartans Eliminated

The Timber Creek Regional High School wrestling team is ready to once again head up to Toms River South and come home with yet another Group 3 title.

The two teams have become quite familiar with each other in recent years. The squads have met in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 3 finals the last two years, with the Chargers winning both bouts. Victories by Timber Creek and Toms River South Thursday night assured there would be another rematch.

No. 3 Timber Creek defeated No. 6 Hammonton 53-18, in the semifinals, while No. 1 Toms River South scored a 57-9 win over Cherry Hill West. When the two teams met last season, the Indians hung with the Chargers for much of the match until Timber Creek’s top wrestlers helped the team pull away for a 38-18 win.

While the Chargers gear up for another appearance in the finals, the Tartans of Highland saw their season come to a close Wednesday.

No. 3 Highland was only able to muster four wins in 14 matches against No. 2 Clayton/Glassboro, falling 36-22 in the Group 2 semifinal. Joe Rodano (138) and Tom Nolan (160) each recorded pins, while Nick Theisen (132) and Josh Clark (120) scored tech falls for the Tartans' only points.

Highland will now turn its attention to the individual portion of the season, which begins next week. The Tartans have several wrestlers that should show well at districts and find their way through to regions.