DuPage County wrestlers start strong
CHAMPAIGN - The terrific DuPage County trio of Neuqua Valley's Jake Boumans, Wheaton North's Quinn Nelson and Naperville Central's Jackson Punzel would be the first to admit that David Ferrante is the man to beat at state at 170 pounds.
And while Ferrante (42-2) looked superb in his lone match on Day No. 1 of the Class 3A tournament at State Farm Center, Boumans, Nelson and Punzel were just as dominant as their rival from Huntley.
Boumans (38-3), Nelson (31-3) and Punzel (40-3) advanced into the 8:30 a.m. Friday quarterfinals almost with ease to get closer to each other in the 7:30 p.m. semifinals.
"Quinn is a man on a mission but very careful about taking one match at a time because anything can happen and will," said Falcons coach Travis Cherry.
Nelson is on a collision course with Ferrante in the semifinals should he send off Jake Viloria (31-14) of St. Rita. Boumans and Punzel are on the same path if they get past their opponents in the quarterfinals.
"Ferrante is the man to beat, and this weight class is real tough, especially at the top end, but I feel that (if) Jackson gets to his offense, he will be the guy to beat in the end," Neuqua Valley coach Mike Mucha said.
Glenbard North's Abe Assad (42-1) showed no ill effects from his upset loss to Jon Halvorsen of Maine South in his sectional final a week ago following his impressive effort recording a pin in his first-round match.
The same could be said for reigning state champions Jack Stiles (152 pounds) and Peter Christensen (195) from Montini, who are a stunning 88-2 overall after their two victories.
Teammate Fidel Mayora, No. 2 in the state behind No. 1 Trevor Chumbley of Marmion, was flawless in his lone appearance on the first day and will take on No. 3 James Pierandozzi (30-4) of Plainfield South.
Downers Grove North junior Brad Rosen (126 pounds) was near unstoppable during his 18-1 technical fall win, sending him up next against No. 3 Travis Ford-Melton, the three-time medal winner from Marian Catholic.
Metea Valley 182-pounder Josh LaBarbera and Garrett St. Clair of Waubonsie Valley are still alive in the front draw. However, the St. Francis dynamic duo of Michael D'Orazio (132 pounds) and Danny Skold (285 pounds) find themselves in wrestle-backs after each lost their quarterfinal bouts.
No. 2 DeMarco Lee of Lake Park will meet St. Clair in the quarters. The senior defeated a quality opponent on Thursday in Brady Fisher of Yorkville.