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Nothing could disguise the truth. The Montville Mustangs were simply outwrestled by a better team in the state Group III finals. Perennial power Phillipsburg took charge right away and cruised to its 16th state title, dominating the Mustangs by a 52-6 score. The loss brought an end to the dual-meet portion of what has been the best wrestling season in Montville's school sports history.
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Things started badly at 152 pounds as Nick Pare used a cement job to pin Vinnie Lizza in the first period. Montville 160-pounder Shane Parcel came through with an 8-6 decision, but Greg Barnish lost a tough one at 171 pounds. Two more Phillipsburg pins followed before Billy Mulligan scored a 12-6 decision at heavyweight for the Mustangs.
That would be Montville's last bout win. The Mustangs kept a few bouts close, such as Mike Polizzi at 112 and Mike Intile at 135. But most of the remaining wrestling matches were easy Stateliner wins, including four major decisions. P'burg also recorded an unexpected pin at 130 pounds: Montville's Cody Phillips rallied from behind in the third period with two takedowns, but as he went for a third to tie the score in the final seconds, Matt Lane caught him and turned him to his back for the fall.
The loss ends Montville's season at 22-2. The year had many highs, including the Mustangs' first-ever wrestling sectional title and their first league title in three decades. Before the Phillipsburg loss, Montville scored one more victory in the morning in the semifinal match when it defeated Brick Township, 30-26. In that match, the Mustangs raced out to a 19-0 lead before Brick closed to within 22-17. But major decisions by Matt Armbruster and Cody Phillips iced the victory with two bouts to go.
"It was a great ride," said Montville coach John Krip. "I guess if we were going to lose a match this is the one you want to lose in the state finals. But I would like to have won."
The Mustangs will now prepare for the individual state tournament, beginning with District 2, coming up this weekend at Lenape Valley High School. -- Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now
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