Peters Township wrestling stays atop Section 2B after taking down Mt. Lebanon

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | 10:45 PM

Peters Township had a chance to put a stranglehold on its sub-section Wednesday when the Indians matched up against Mt. Lebanon in a Class AAA, Section 2B match.

The Indians handled their business and defeated the Blue Devils, 48-23, in the sixth annual Match for a Marine.

“We got some big pins to start the match at 220 and 106. We set the tone right then and there,” Peters Township coach Jason Carpetta said.

The fundraiser benefits Sgt. Doug Vitale, a former Kiski Area wrestler, who lost both of his legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device.

After Mt. Lebanon’s Luke Stout narrowed the deficit 33-23 with a 7-4 decision over Brandon Matthews at 160 pounds, Peters Township’s Luke Mary knew he had to wrestle a smart match to bring home the win for the Indians.

That is exactly what Mary did as he defeated Regis Wintermantel, 4-0, 170.

After earning a takedown early in the first period, Mary took a 2-0 lead into the third period. Even though he was getting frustrated with his inability to take down Wintermantel, Mary thought of his team first and earned two more points off a reversal to seal the victory for the Indians.

“I was getting frustrated that I wasn’t able to turn him on top. I was close a couple times. I knew I needed to get a decision to get the win for the team,” Mary said.

“I didn’t want to put that in jeopardy by letting up and trying to score points. I just wanted to get the win and get out of here.”

The Indians (4-0, 4-0 Section 2B) jumped out to a 27-12 lead after pins from Shane O’Connell (220), Luca Attanucci (106), Bryce Wilke (113) and Dononvan McMillon (132).

In the 120-pound bout, Will Kail earned a 7-5 decision for the Indians after beating Mt. Lebanon’s Darvish Kapitonov in sudden victory.

Nathaniel Hoaglund put the Blue Devils on the board with a pin of Grant Nelson within the first minute of the 285-pound match. Sean McKinney (126) earned the second pin for Mt. Lebanon.

The Blue Devils (4-2, 2-2) closed the gap to 27-20 after major decisions by Mark Kanton (138) and Jackson Gray (145).

“We won five of the matches, and we were in a couple more. But I think the intensity level fell on their side a little more, and I think that was the difference in those matches,” Mt. Lebanon coach Marc Allemang said.

“We have to be a little more aggressive and a little bit more physical to finish.”

However, Coltin Jezioro responded back for the Indians with a pin of Mt. Lebanon’s Michael Riley at 4:44 in a bloody bout at 152.

After Mary’s win at 170, the Indians earned two more pins by Jeff Markert (182) and Mason Russell (195).

Andrew John is freelance writer.

Tags: Mt. lebanon, Peters Township