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Southern Rams Dominate Howell, Advance to Semifinals

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. -rams-dominate-howell-advance-to-semifinals.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 23:00 GMT by app.com
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

MANAHAWAKIN, NJ - February 17th, 2026 - The Southern Regional High School wrestling team is riding a wave of momentum after a decisive 44-21 victory over Howell High School in the NJSIAA South Group 5 quarterfinal match held Monday night. This win propels the Rams into the semifinals, where they will face a tough Washington Township squad, bringing them one step closer to a potential state championship.

While the initial report focused on the scoreline, a deeper look reveals a team built on consistent performance across all weight classes, particularly a powerhouse showing in the lower weights. Coach Rich Patterson's strategic game plan and the wrestlers' meticulous execution were key to the victory, as acknowledged by Howell's coach, John Peters. This isn't simply about winning matches; it's about dominating from the opening whistle and setting a tone that opponents struggle to overcome.

The Rams' victory wasn't a fluke. It's the culmination of years of dedicated training, rigorous conditioning, and a strong wrestling culture within the Southern Regional High School. The program has consistently produced top-tier wrestlers, and this year's team appears poised to make a serious run at the state title. The focus on developing a well-rounded team, not relying solely on a few star athletes, is a hallmark of Patterson's coaching style.

Monday's match saw eight Southern wrestlers secure victories, a testament to the team's depth. Victories from Mike DeLucia (106), Jason Miller (113), Matt Gural (120), and Alex Rodriguez (126) in the lower weight classes established an early lead that Howell couldn't overcome. These wrestlers aren't just winning; they are often dominating their opponents, scoring quick points and demonstrating superior technique. The early lead is psychologically damaging to opponents, forcing them to wrestle from behind and potentially making risky moves.

Beyond the lower weights, Tom Johnson (138), Brian Thompson (152), Kevin Jones (170), and Mark Williams (220) also contributed crucial wins for Southern. This balanced attack showcases the team's ability to score points across the entire weight spectrum. While Howell managed victories through Steve Davis (145) and Anthony Peterson (195), these were insufficient to stem the tide of Southern's dominance.

The upcoming semifinal match against Washington Township promises to be a significant challenge. Washington Township is known for its physicality and strong upper-weight wrestlers. Analysts predict a particularly intense battle at 195 and 220 pounds, mirroring the strengths of both teams. Southern will need to replicate the intensity and execution displayed against Howell, and perhaps even elevate their game to overcome a formidable opponent.

Coach Patterson and his staff have been studying Washington Township meticulously, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. He expects a tactical showdown, emphasizing the importance of strategic matchups and minimizing mistakes. "We respect Washington Township, they're a very good team, but we're confident in our ability to compete and win if we wrestle our match," Patterson stated. The team is focused on maintaining their composure under pressure and executing their game plan with precision.

This year's Southern wrestling team isn't just about individual accolades; it's about collective success. The team's chemistry is palpable, and the wrestlers support each other both on and off the mat. This camaraderie creates a positive and competitive environment that fosters growth and resilience. Many believe this team spirit will be a deciding factor in the semifinals and beyond. The community is rallying around the team, with increased attendance at matches and a surge in school spirit.

Should Southern prevail against Washington Township, they will advance to the championship match, where they will face either the winner of the other semifinal. The state championship final is slated for February 28th at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The Rams are determined to bring the state championship trophy back to Manahawkin for the first time in over a decade.