Big week coming up for Howell matmen
Alot will be at stake for the Howell High School wrestling team this week. Tonight, John Gagliano's Rebels will grapple with Ocean Township in a non-conference barnburner among the No. 9 and No. 10 teams in the state that will determine seeding for the Shore Conference Tournament that starts at the end of the month.

Last winter, Cody Fobes' sudden-death victory over the Spartan's Zac Coulas fueled a 26-3 run that led the visiting Rebels to a 36-22 win after trailing 19-10.

Ocean, 7-0, would no doubt like to return the favor tonight. The Spartans are ranked 10th, one spot behind the Rebels.

Both teams, of course, are loaded. The Spartans have Coulas (130) back along with proven winners like Nick Menditto (152), Mike Berardesco (119), Andrew VanDyke (140) and JP Palandrano (125).

Howell counters with Fobes (135) a state runner-up last year, Joey Langel (119), Jason Eckloff (160), Harry Turner (215) and Mike Bonfig (heavyweight).

The Rebels have the edge up top with Turner and Bonfig. Both teams, though, are strong in the lower and middle weights. This will create a chess match for the coaches, Gagliano and Ocean's Ken Hoff, as they look to get the best match-ups for their teams.

Overall balance throughout the line-up has made Howell a perennial state power recently, and the Rebels will be looking for that to make the difference tonight.

Last night, the Rebels were at Christian Brothers Academy for a big A North Division test. Having dispatched Freehold Township, Colts Neck, Middletown North and Manalapan, the Rebels are 4-0 in the division.

Howell handled Manalapan, 58-6, as well as Keansburg, 69-9, on Saturday to improve to 7-1.

With a win at CBA, the Rebels could all but secure the A North crown for a third straight year. Saturday, Howell is at Middletown South (10 a.m.) for a divisional contest. Their final A North match is Jan. 16 at home to Marlboro.

Over the holiday break, Howell won the Roselle Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. Joey Esposito (103), Langel (119), Fobes (135), Matt Woodward (171) and Turner (215) were the team's individual champions.