A-K Valley Class 2A wrestling preview: Knoch’s Owen Layhew set to make program history

By: Josh Rizzo
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 3:32 PM

Owen Layhew will likely knock off two Knoch wrestling historical milestones before Christmas. The Knights’ 145-pound senior will be pursuing plenty of history as he attempts to navigate his way back to the WPIAL final.

There will be several Class 2A wrestlers in the Alle-Kiski Valley pursuing lofty goals this season.

Layhew, who is 79-32 with 36 pins in his career, is one win from tying the Knights’ record for most pins and most wins. He is on track to be the first Knoch wrestler to hit 100 wins.

“I think it’s amazing,” Layhew said. “I’m a part of the history of a young program, and all these kids are asking me different questions.”

Eric Green, a 2018 graduate, has the career mark for most wins, finishing with a record of 80-37. Elise Reese, a 2021 graduate, finished with 37 pins.

Knoch’s first season as a program was in 2006.

Layhew said he is comfortable giving answers to youth wrestlers.

“I feel like I can give a good answer,” Layhew said. “If I don’t know something, I’ll ask my coaches what they think is best. I’m grateful for the opportunities they’ve provided me with.”

Knoch coach Josh Orris said the Knights are hoping to continue to show improvement this season. The Knights finished second in the section and made the WPIAL playoffs.

Knoch lost to Greensburg Salem in the preliminary round 41-29.

“We have four starters coming back,” Orris said. “We have a lot of new kids in the lineup. We should be close to filling out the lineup. In double-A, that helps.”

Layhew said he is hoping to find a way to qualify for the state tournament. After finishing as the WPIAL runner-up, Layhew lost his first two matches at regionals.

“I feel like I’m pretty aggressive,” Layhew said. “If I feel like I need to improve in one area, I’ll work with my practice partner and we’ll roll around in that position to see what works and what doesn’t.

Burrell should once again be in the mix to defend its WPIAL team crown. The Buccaneers collected their 19th championship, and second consecutive, by beating Derry. Burrell got a boost in the offseason when it added Valley transfer Antonio Perkins.

Perkins (145 pounds) placed fifth in the WPIAL last season and was eighth at regionals. State qualifiers Carter Thomas (127), Julian Bertucci (139) and Ben Catullo (160/172) will also return for the Bucs.

Burrell’s Cam Baker (127/133) is a two-time state qualifier but didn’t wrestle in the postseason last year because of injury.

Highlands returns WPIAL champion Javeon Chambers (107), who finished seventh at states last season.

Radyn Thomas (114) won 25 matches for Valley last season and finished sixth at WPIALs. Juzeff Betts (133) led the Vikings with 27 wins and placed eighth at districts.

Riverview will return 152-pound junior Alex Wylly, who led the Raiders with a 27-11 record and was a WPIAL qualifier last season.

Tags: Burrell, Highlands, Knoch, Riverview, Valley