This year all eyes will be on the final at 126-pounds where Nick Suriano looks to claim his fourth Beast of the East title; a feat that hasnÂ’t been done since Mark Grey finished the four-year run from 2008-11. But wait for him on the other side is the man ranked right behind him, Luke Karam.

These guys are very familiar with one another with their last meeting coming just a few months ago in the Super 32 final which got a bit chippy in the final seconds. ItÂ’s sure to be an interesting one.

Another match-up to watch out for will be Shane Griffith and Sammy Sasso at 138. Both are very long and lanky wrestlers with Griffith having the advantage.

Newly crowned David Carr will enter his first tournament as the #1 guy and look to defend his new spot at the top against a tough field which includes Quentin Hovis. And like last year, Blair is coming off a runner-up finish at Ironman and will look to regain the winning momentum in Delaware.

Everything gets started at 8:30am ET on Saturday with every mat being broadcast LIVE right here on FLO.

106
Last YearÂ’s Final: Jon Tropea, St. Joseph dec. Matty Parker, Pennridge, 1-0.
5 Years Ago: (103) Darian Cruz, Beth. Catholic dec. Joey McKenna, Blair, 3-1.

Contenders:
#18-Mike Colaiocco, Blair - 5th at Ironman
Gabe Tagg, Brecksville - 8th at Ironman
Kurt McHenry, St. PaulÂ’s - Fargo AA
Michael Kelly, St. Peter - Super 32 Placer
Shane Hanson-Ashworth, Malvern Prep

Commentary:
Mike Colaiocco is coming off a pretty nice 5th place finish at Ironman where he outplaced Tagg who will be one of his biggest competitors this weekend along with Kurt McHenry. Tagg edged out Hanson-Ashworth (1-0) just a week ago as well so if they meet again there are sure to be some fireworks with both guys looking to put up plenty of points this time.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Colaiocco  2. McHenry  3. Hanson-Ashworth  4. Tagg
WillieÂ’s Picks:  1. McHenry   2. Kelly   3. Colaiocco   4. Tagg


113
Last YearÂ’s Final: Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg dec. Danny Moran, Northampton, 3-1.
5 Years Ago: (112) JR Wert, Christiansburg dec. Zeke Moisey, Beth. Catholic, 3-0.

Contenders:

#4-Matty Parker, Pennridge - Returning Runner-up
#6-Patrick Glory, Delbarton - Super 32 Placer, Returning 4th
#20-Jon Tropea, St. Joseph - Returning Champ
Jakob Campbell, Boyertown - King of the Mountain Champ
Carmen Ferrante, Bergen Catholic - USAW Cadet FS AA
Chris Cannon, Blair - 6th at Ironman
Tyson Klump, Nazareth - PA State Champ
Ryan Anderson, Beth. Catholic
Chris Wright, Central Dauphin

Commentary:  Pretty seasoned field here with returning champ Jon Tropea and runner-up Matty Parker looking to make finals appearances again up one weight class. The edge goes to Parker here over the field, but there will be plenty of guys in the way such as Glory, Ferrante and Cannon, who looked good at Ironman and finished in 6th place.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Glory  2. Parker 3. Cannon  4. Tropea
WillieÂ’s Picks:   1. Parker   2. Glory   3. Klump   4. Campbell


120
Last YearÂ’s Final: Nick Suriano, Berg. Catholic dec. Jake Newhouse, Perry, 8-1.
5 Years Ago: Robert Deutsch, Eastern dec. Joey Dance, Christiansburg, 2-1 TB2

Contenders:

#5-Nick Raimo, Hanover Park - Double Fargo Champ
#6-Tyshawn White, Central Dauphin - Super 32 Placer, Returning 3rd
#9-Gerard Angelo, Bergen Catholic - Returning 3rd
#18-Zach Sherman, Blair - Ironman Runner-up
#20-Joey Prata, St. Christopher - National Prep Champ
Julian Chlebove, Northampton - FloNational AA
Daniel Planta, St. PaulÂ’s - National Prep Placer
Caleb Morris, Waynesburg - 3rd at Super 32
Alex Guerrera, Al DuPont
Victor Echeverria, Centerville
Collin Gerardi, Powhatan
Malcolm Robinson, St. Johns
Connor McGonagle, Timberlane
Mark Salvatore, Malvern Prep


Commentary: This could be the toughest weights to win with the five ranked guys and always competitive Daniel Planta. Keep your eye out for Chlebove too. The scrappy freshman was seconds away from being in the FloNational finals last season as an 8th grader and doesnÂ’t shy away from a good battle. Plenty of us will be on the lookout to see if Raimo and White pick up where they left off at Super 32 where Raimo beat him not once, but twice. And each time by a very slim margin. DonÂ’t overlook Sherman, who just finished 2nd at Ironman, and returning 3rd place finisher Angelo. Sherman may be the guy to come between White and Raimo.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Sherman  2. Raimo  3. White  4. Angelo
WillieÂ’s Picks:   1. Raimo   2. McGonagle   3. White    4. Sherman


126
Last YearÂ’s Final: Luke Karam, Beth. Cath. dec. Austin Assad, Brecksville, 7-2.
5 Years Ago: (125) Mark Grey, Blair md. Kyle Casaletto, Southern, 12-3.

Contenders:

Photo: Rob Preston

#1-Nick Suriano, Bergen Catholic - 3x NJ State Champ, 2x Super 32 Champ, 3x Beast Champ
#2-Luke Karam, Bethlehem Catholic - 2x PA State Champ, Returning Champ
#20-Andrew Wert, Central Dauphin - Super 32 Placer
Nick Lattanze, Malvern Prep - National Prep Placer
Danny Moran, Northampton - Returning runner-up
Alec Kelly, St. PeterÂ’s
Vince Andreano, Delbarton
Josh Gobencion, Blair
Matt Marino, Garnet Valley
Michael Doetsch, Severn


Commentary: No reason to beat around bush here. Suriano vs Karam was a great match at Super 32 and could be even better when they meet again. The hostility in that match was felt by everyone watching and will be again this weekend. Suriano also defeated Karam a few years back at the Beast before each of them collected titles a season ago. But they are back in each otherÂ’s way once again and itÂ’s going to be great. ItÂ’s tough to pick, but you have to give the nod to the #1 guy who is looking to collect his fourth straight Beast title.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Suriano  2. Karam  3. Kelly  4. Wert
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Suriano  2. Karam  3. Kelly  4. Wert

132
Last YearÂ’s Final: AC Headlee, Waynesburg dec. TK Megonigal, James Madison, 3-1.
5 Years Ago: (130) Zach Horan, Nazareth dec. Todd Preston, Blair, 4-2.

Contenders:

Photo: Rob Preston

#10 at 120-Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg - Returning Champ
#12-Nick Farro, Delbarton - USAW  Placer, NJ State Placer
PJ Crane, Malvern Prep - Preseason Nationals AA
Wyatt Long, Cumberland Valley - Returning 7th
Chris Foca, Bergen Cath. - Freak Show Champ
Vinny Foggia, Northern Berlington
Imran Heard, St. JohnÂ’s College
Chase Archangelo, Smyrna
Matt Russo, St. Peters

Commentary: Right around this time last year Paetzell was put out for the season with a broken wrist after winning the title over Moran, who is now at 120, with Paetzell packing on the pounds and now in at 132. ItÂ’s sure to be a nice test NJ state runner-up. Since IÂ’m a bit unsure how the transition up to 132 is going IÂ’m going to give the edge to Farro and Crane here.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Farro  2. Crane  3. Paetzell  4. Long
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Paetzell   2. Farro   3. Russo   4. Crane


138
Last YearÂ’s Final: Matt Kolodzik, Blair dec. Zach Elvin, Central D, 5-3.
5 Years Ago: (135) Austin Ormsbee, Blair dec. Jeff Confora, Delbarton, 6-2.

Contenders:

Photo: Rob Preston

#4-Shane Griffith, Bergen Catholic - NJ State Champ, Super 32 Champ
#6-Sammy Sasso, Nazareth - PA State Runner-up, Super 32 3rd
Will Kaldes, Cumberland Valley - Returning 8th
Joey Gould, Beth. Catholic - King of the Mountain Placer
Mark McCormick, Camden Cath. - NJ State Placer
Quinn Devaney, McDonough

Commentary: If thereÂ’s match (besides Karam/Suriano) to get absolutely hyped about itÂ’s the potential one looming here between Griffith and Sasso. Sasso was just a runner-up at King of the Mountain to Pletcher, who he gave a good a serious run for his money. And the last time we saw Griffith was at Super 32 when he took home the belt. This match is going to be an intense scramble-tastic PA vs NJ clash. Will the length of Griffith give Sasso problems or can Sasso out-scramble the state champ from the Garden state.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Sasso  2. Griffith  3. Kaldes  4. McCormick
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Sasso   2. Griffith   3. McCormick   4. Kaldes


145
Last YearÂ’s Final: Travis Vasquez, Delbarton dec.Tyshawn Williams, ABC, 6-4 SV.
5 Years Ago: (140) Devon Gobbo, Delbarton dec. Jacob Crawford, Millbrook, 6-2.

Contenders:

Photo: Rob Preston

#1-David Carr, Massillon Perry - Ironman Champ, Super 32 Champ
#6-Quentin Hovis, Seton Catholic - Super 32 4th
Andrew Merola, Blair - Fargo AA
Stephen Maloney, Beth. Catholic - KIng of the Mountain Placer
Justin DeMicco, Brecksville - Returning 8th
Kevin Budock, Good Counsel - 3x National Prep Runner-up, 2x Ironman Placer
Ryan Peters, Timberlane
Cole Karam, Beth. Cath
Phil Conigliaro, Belmont Hill

Commentary: Carr looked great during his championship run at Ironman. He pushed the pace against Jarod Verkleeren in the final and had Verkleeren on his heels. If he maintains that same pace thereÂ’s no one keep up with him. Hovis will put up a fight in the finals, but itÂ’s all Carr here.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Carr  2. Hovis  3. Budock  4. Maloney
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Carr   2. Hovis   3. DeMicco   4. Budock


152
Last YearÂ’s Final: Jordan Kutler, Blair dec. Pat Duggan, CV, 3-2
5 Years Ago: (145) Nick Hodgkins, Wyomissing dec. Blake Roulo, Matoaca, 4-2.

Contenders:
#10-Eric Hong, Kiski Prep - National Prep Champ, Ironman 3rd
John Manning, Blair - UT State Champ
Hunter Bolen, Christiansburg - Returning 4th, Super 32 Placer
Felix Belga, Cumberland Valley - Escape the Rock Runner-up
TK Megonigal, James Madison - Returning Runner-up
Josh Stillings, Pennridge - Escape the Rock 7th
Nico OÂ’Dor, Elyria - Ironman Placer
John Errico, Brunswick

Commentary: Hong has had it a bit tough lately with losses at Journeymen, Super 32 and Ironman, but here heÂ’s got the edge over the field. OÂ’Dor gave both Megonigal and Hong all they could handle last week too so I wouldnÂ’t be surprised to see him make a little noise and pull off an upset.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Hong  2. Bolen  3. Megonigal  4. Belga
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Hong   2. Errico   3. Megonigal  4. Bolen


160
Last YearÂ’s Final: David McFadden, DePaul dec. Corbin Allen, 4-2.
5 Years Ago: (152) Lorenzo Thomas, PCC dec. Eric Morris, Wyom Sem, 2-1.

Contenders:

#7-Kyle Bierdumpfel, Don Bosco - 3x NJ State Finalist (1x Champ)
#14-Ryan Karoly, Blair - Fargo Champ, Ironman 5th
Austin Hiles, Brecksville - Ironman 8th, Fargo AA
Chris Hisey, Malvern Prep - Prep State 3rd
Creed Lumpp, Christiansburg - Returning 8th
Kyle Cochran, Paramus - USAW Cadet FS Placer
Quentin Miliken, Cumberland Valley
Garrett Tingen, Fauquier
Garrett Neff, Good Counsel

Commentary: Look for an all New Jersey final with Bierdumpfel and Karoly here. Karoly took a tough loss at Ironman to top-ranked Alex Marinelli and finished 5th. IÂ’m not sure he will have what it takes to handle Bierdumpfel this weekend either.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Bierdumpfel  2. Karoly  3. Hisey  4. Cochran
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Bierdumpfel  2. Karoly   3. Cochran   4. Hiles


170
Last YearÂ’s Final: Fox Baldwin, Kis dec. Kenny Long, HC, 11-0.
5 Years Ago: (160) Jason Luster, PCC dec. Cody Allala, Hopewell, 4-3 SV.

Contenders:

Photo: Rob Preston

#5-Mikey Labriola, Beth. Catholic - Returning 7th, King of the Mountain Champ
#7-Joe Grello, Bergen Catholic - Returning 7th, UWW Cadet FS Runner-up
#8-Brandon Dallavia, Blair - Ironman 3rd
#18 at 160-AJ Pedro, Exeter - Journeymen Placer
Spencer Carey, DePaul Catholic - USAW Jr. FS Placer
Stephen Blanchard, Pennridge
Nick Giantonio, Christiansburg

Commentary: Labriola has the advantage over the rest here, but itÂ’s not a huge one. Grello, Dallavia and Pedro are all worthy opponents that can keep up. But when itÂ’s all said and done Labriola will snag the title over Dallavia in a 1-2 point win.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Labriola  2. Dallavia  3. Grello  4. Pedro
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Labriola   2. Dallavia   3. Grello  4. Carey


182
Last YearÂ’s Final: Myles Martin, McD dec. Dylan Wisman, Millbrook, 6-4.
5 Years Ago: (171) JM Staudenmayer, Plymouth dec. Scott Gibbons, Archbishop, 4-2.

Contenders:
#6-Michael Beard, Malvern Prep - National Prep Placer, Ironman 3rd
#13-Kyle Gentile, Pennridge - Escape the Rock Champ
Brandon Kui, DePaul Catholic - NJ State Placer
Drew Peck, Chambersburg - Super 32 5th
Gregg Harvey, Boyertown
TJ Allen, Hanover
John Borst, Sherendo

Commentary: Despite the seven slots of separation between Beard and Gentile in the rankings, they are very close nonetheless. As you can see, Willie and I are split on who we think will take this one. IÂ’m going with Beard because of how he performed at Ironman where he defeated Traxler to place third. Beard should carry that momentum into Delaware to get the win.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Beard  2. Gentile  3. Harvey  4. Peck
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Gentile  2. Beard   3. Harvey   4. Kui


195
Last YearÂ’s Final: Matt Correnti, Holy Cross dec. Tyler Love, CHS, 12-7
5 Years Ago: (189) James Cox, SPP default Dauwd Hicks, Plainfield

Contenders:

Photo: Rob Preston

#3-Chase Singletary, Blair - Ironman Champ,
#4-Ben Darmstadt, Elyria - Ironman 3rd
#8-Kevin Mulligan, Bergen Cath. - NJ State Champ
#19-Rashon LuSane, Malvern Prep - Ironman 7th
#20-Kevin Snyder, Good Counsel - 2x National Prep Placer
Jeff Allen, Amherst County - USAW GR Plaver
Logan Rill, Mount St. JoeÂ’s - MD State Placer
Jay Aiello, Westfield

Commentary: Singletary looked good as he captured the Ironman title and got some revenge over Chris Dietrich. HeÂ’s riding high and that should carry him into the final against Mulligan, however, thatÂ’s where his run will end. Mulligan is tough and even though I see him coming out on top, it will certainly not be easy. Darmstadt had a tough time with Singletary and that could happen again at the Beast.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Mulligan  2. Singletary  3. Darmstadt  4. LuSane
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Mulligan   2. Singletary   3. Snyder   4. Darmstadt


220
Last YearÂ’s Final: Andrew Dunn, Beth. Cath. dec. Patrick Grayson, Colonial Forge, 3-2 UTB.
5 Years Ago: (215) Kyle Snyder, Good Counsel dec. Matt Idelson, Garnet Valley, 3-0.

Contenders:

#2-Jordan Wood, Boyertown - Super 32 Champ, PA State Champ
#9-Matt Correnti, Holy Cross - Fargo AA, Returning Champ
Zane Black, The Phelps School - National Prep Placer, 2x Ironman 6th
Robert Winters, Colonial Forge - Ironman Placer
Nick Mosco, Blair
Eddie Sternad, Brecksville
Michael Carfagno, St. Joseph

Commentary: Wood is the leader of pack here. Correnti will give him a run, but he wonÂ’t have enough juice to unseat the PA State Champ.

HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Wood  2. Correnti  3. Black  4. Sternad
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Wood   2. Correnti   3. Winters   4. Black


285
Last YearÂ’s Final: Bo Spiller, Solanco md. Saul Wilkins, GHS, 11-2.
5 Years Ago: Brooks Black, Blair dec. Terrance Jean-Jacques, Haverhill, 1-0.

Contenders:
#11-Eric Chakonis, Don Bosco
#15 at 220-Seth Janney, Malvern Prep - PA State Runner-up
Neil Putnam, Blair - Ironman 3rd
Tommy Killoran, Boyertown - Super 32 Placer
Niko Camacho, Beth. Catholic - King of the Mountain Champ
Mansur Abdul-Malik, St. Vincent Pallotti - Ironman Placer
Kyle Nothnagel, Phillipsburg

Commentary: After competing at 220 a week ago, Janney is up at heavyweight this week. Maybe heÂ’s trying to save the rematch with Wood until states once again this year. The field here is going to be a tough one to navigate for each guy. Camacho just captured a King of the Mountain title so it will be nice to see what he can do if he makes it all the way to Chakonis.


HolmesÂ’ Picks: 1. Chakonis  2. Camacho  3. Abdul-Malik  4. Killoran
WillieÂ’s Picks: 1. Chakonis   2. Camacho  3. Janney   4. Killoran