Timber Creek Wrestling Advances to Sectional Final

There was no drama for the Timber Creek High School wrestling team Wednesday night and that is just the way the Chargers like it.

No. 2 Timber Creek steamrolled No. 6 Shawnee, 62-6, in an NJSIAA South Jersey Group 3 semifinal, setting up a showdown with No. 1 Toms River South on Friday.

Timber Creek got pins from John Amato (106), Brandon Virgilio (126), Brandon Keller (138), Dom Ruggierrio (152), Khari Turner (182) and Schalor Blackshear (220). Robert Shade scored a tech fall at 170, while Ricky Carter and Isaiah DeGuzman won by major decision at 120 and 145, respectively.

Although Timber Creek is seeded below Toms River South and will have to take the hour-and-a-half bus ride northeast, the team is still considered a favorite to win the South Jersey title and Wednesday’s dominance only reinforces that belief.

Timber Creek entered the season with its eyes focused squarely on winning a state title. The Chargers loaded up their schedule with difficult tournaments, including the Beast of the East, in Delaware, and the Virginia Duals. The team has really found its grove over the last few weeks, winning its last 10 matches, with only a pair of opponents coming within 20 points.

Check back with Patch Friday night and Saturday morning to find out how the Chargers fare in their title game.