Howell scored a dramatic 28-27 win over Hunterdon Central in Toms River to win its first ever Group 5 state wrestling championship.  SSZ has all the big moments and post-match reaction from Pine Belt Arena

Howell 28 Hunterdon Central 27

Jesse Liptzin’s four point majority decision at 106 pounds broke a 24-24 tie and proved to be the difference in the Rebels first state championship on the mat.  The Rebels trailed 24-18 at 220 pounds when Eric Koesseian delivered a dramatic two point takedown in the final second to secure a 4-3 win.  Instead of being down 9 points, the Rebels trailed by 3 at 24-21.  Jake Nash tied the match at 24 with a 7-0 decision at heavyweight setting the stage for Liptzin to take the lead for good.  Plenty of excitement and we’ve got all the highlights and post-match reaction from Toms River:

Howell 28 Hunterdon Central 27

120 pounds: Hunter Graf (HC) technical fall vs. Eli Orford 16-1, 4:00

126 pounds: Peter Nace (HC) defeats Darby Diedrich 8-4

132 pounds: Kyle Slendorn (H) majority decision vs. Pasquale Vizzoni 12-3

145 pounds: Xavier Kelly (H) defeats Bryce Hall 3-2

152 pounds: Kevin Ciersa (HC) majority decision vs. Nick Sulkowski 10-2

160 pounds: Christian Murphy (H) majority decision vs. Chris Taylor 12-2

170 pounds: Shane Reitsma (H) majority decision vs. Dan Furmato 13-4

182 pounds: Julian Hellitag (HC) pins Rashaun Hansford :20

195 pounds: Mike Iodice (HC) pins Danny Schick 3:50

220 pounds: Eric Keosseian (H) defeats Victor LaCombe 4-3

Heavyweight: Jake Nash (H) defeats Angelo Crespo 7-0

106 pounds: Jesse Liptzin (H) majority decision vs. Anthony Romaniello 13-5

113 pounds: Jack Bauer (HC) defeats Luke Rada 6-3