After taking home its first district title since 2009 and advancing a program-record eight wrestlers to the Northeast AA Regional, the program managed to one-up itself the following weekend. A collective team effort at the Magic Dome this weekend culminated in its first regional title in program history, as it sent a program-record six wrestlers to the PIAA state tournament.

“A lot of history being made within the program. Ultimately, I’m super excited for this team and this group of kids,” said Montoursville head coach Matt Yonkin on the accomplishment. “They’re creating a legacy and putting their niche into the history books of Montoursville wrestling.”

Both outings are indicative of the team’s expanding depth and considerable improvements across the board. Though its four returning state qualifiers from last season played a huge role in the team’s dual and tournament success, this wouldn’t have been possible without its regional newcomers.

That group was headlined by junior Landon Morehart, who went into his first appearance at regionals and prospered, claiming gold at 285 despite a lofty path to the finals. Others that had success in their first regional outings included Blaize Vogel and freshman Hayden Harvey, who took fourth and fifth at 133 and 145 respectively.

Manny Stoltzfus of Montgomery breaks the grasp of Bryce Pequignot of North Penn during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“That kid is really exciting and he’s really coming into his own,” said Yonkin when discussing Morehart. “I feel like we’re hitting our peak. We’re doing some of our best wrestling at the biggest time of the season and that’s important.”

All four of its returning state qualifiers finished in the top-three, with David Kennedy fore fronting that group with a regional gold at 127.

Kennedy carried his dominance through sectionals and districts into his first two bouts, securing back-to-back first-period pins on his way to the finals. And although Bloomsburg freshman Anthony Barra made things interesting for him there, the Warrior gained cushion midway through the third and ultimately came out on top to secure his first regional title.

“I think the first time we wrestled, I wasn’t too nervous and when he came at me, I was able to match his energy and capitalized on it,” said Kennedy on his rematch against Barra. “This time, he didn’t come at me as much and I had to chase him, really get my shots and work him good.”

Rounding out its success from the event were second-place showings from Gage Wentzel at 152 and Cole Yonkin at 215 and a third-place one from Teli Bobotas at 107 rounds, as the team put forth five top-three showings and four finals appearance. It heads into states with a lot of momentum.

Manny Stoltzfus of Montgomery takes down Bryce Pequignot of North Penn during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“Confidence is high heading in,” said Yonkin. “Winning a regional title puts a smile on everybody’s face and will translate into good, fun practices and workouts. We’ll be ready.”

Similar to last weekend, the Warriors produced just enough cushion to overcome considerable efforts from other District 4 teams.

Montgomery came just ten points shy of surpassing them in team points, advancing a program-record five to states and capping off the evening with a tournament-high four first place finishes.

Along with its three D4 champions in Brandt Harer (133), Conner Harer (160) and Caden Finck (172), sophomore Manny Stoltzfus also took home gold at 107, earning the first regional title of his career. Junior Coy Bryson rounded out the team’s advances with a fourth-place finish at 189, as the Red Raiders head into states with plenty of representation.

“Five-for-six and we were three seconds away from qualifying all six guys,” said Montgomery head coach Denny Harer when discussing their success. “Really proud of our guys. This is the most Montgomery has ever sent to the state tournament, so we’re excited.”

David Kennedy of Montoursville takes Anthony Barra of Bloomsburg to the mat during their match at 127 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Warrior Run comfortably took bronze, advancing four wrestlers to states and attributing one first-place finish from Cameron Milheim at 152. Canton and Sullivan County each advanced three, Loyalsock advanced two and South Williamsport, Muncy, Hughesville, Milton and Lewisburg advanced one to states, rounding out a large group of area representation.

The PIAA state tournament is set to kickoff at 9 a.m. on Thursday. With plenty of talented area wrestlers in attendance, it should be an incredible event.

TEAM KEY (38 teams): Athens – ATH; Benton – BEN; Berwick – BER; Bloomsburg – BLM; Blue Ridge – BR; Canton – CAN; Central Columbia – CC; Elk Lake – ELK; Greater Nanticoke Area – GNA; Hanover Area – HAN; Honesdale – HON; Hughesville – HU; Lackawanna Trail – LT; Lake Lehman – LL; Lewisburg – LEW; Line Mountain – LM; Loyalsock – SOCK; Mid Valley – MV; Midd-West – MW; Mifflinburg – MIF; Milton – MIL; Montgomery – MTG; Montrose – MON; Montoursville – MTV; Muncy – MUN; North Penn-Liberty – NPL; Scranton Prep – SP; Southern Columbia – SC; South Williamsport – SW; Sullivan County – SUL, Towanda – TOW; Troy – TROY; Tunkhannock Area – TNK; Valley View – VV; Warrior Run – WR; Western Wayne – WW; Williamson – WIL; Wyoming Area – WYMA;

CONSOLATION

ROUND 1

David Kennedy of Montoursville and Anthony Barra of Bloomsburg tie up during their match at 127 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

107: Andrew Kapec, SUL, pinned Rowen Humphrey, SC, :35; Taylor Daniels, TNK, maj. dec. Taylor Daniels, 16-5. 114: Porter Hall, MTG, dec. Angelo Hill, MV, 8-1; Tanner Vanderpool, TOW, dec. Ivan Baker, SOCK, 14-12. 121: Connor Novakowski, WYMA, maj. dec. Brayden Clarke, LT, 19-6; Ty Locke, MIL, maj. dec. Landon Michaels, LEW, 14-2. 127: Kyle Winter, BER, pinned Jacob Walsh, TNK, 3:38. Kayvan Shams, SW, pinned Lucas Persun, ATH, 2:42. 133: Evan Maneval, MW, pinned Hunter Hunsinger, ELK, 2:52. Lane Kenamond, MIF, pinned Karson Sipley, ATH, 4:11. 139: Dylan Brokenshire, BEN, won by forfeit; Alex Hosler, CC, dec. Kile Hartman, HU, 5-3. 145: Josh Kishbaugh, BER, pinned Gavin Morcom, WW, 4:41; Holden Ward, CAN, dec. Cooper Robinson, ATH, 5-1. 152: Jacob Guerriero, BER, pinned Kenyan Slater, TROY, 2:26; Owen Cummings, WIL, won by forfeit. 160: Sam Persun, SW, dec. Wesley Weller, VV, 8-4; Conor Knight, HU, dec. Eli Butler, WR, 8-3. 172: Grant Yount, MW, dec. Owen Kleinman, MTV, 2-0.* Chase Wenrich, LEW, dec. Jimmy Mitkowski, LL, 8-3. 189: Joel Landry, HON, pinned Jimmy DeAndrea, BER, 2:58; Coy Bryson, MTG, maj. dec. Maxim Johnson, LM, 11-3. 215: Liam Carroll, BER, pinned Kaylix Douglas, LT, :33; Cale Bastian, MIL, pinned Bryce Hackenburg, MW, :55. 285: Nate Obrzut, WYMA, pinned Evan Funk, HON, 1:32; Jude Bremigen, SC, dec. Stone Allison, WR, 3-1.

QUARTERFINALS

107: Taylor Daniels, TNK, pinned Ethan Noe, HAN, 1:33; Andrew Kapec, SUL, dec. Brice Woodruff, BR, 5-1. 114: Porter Hall, MTG, pinned, Marcello Caminiti, WW, 1:56; Carmen Malt, BER, pinned Tanner Vanderpool, TOW, 1:29. 121: Connor Novakowski, WYAM, pinned Sam Eisele, HON, 2:42; Ty Locke, MIL, dec. Alex Cordts, MON, 12-7. 127: Kayvan Shams, SW, maj. dec. Landon Morcom, WW, 12-1*; Kyle Winter, BER, pinned Jacob Walsh, TNK, 3:38. 133: Sawyer Keller, BER, maj. dec. Evan Maneval, MW, 11-2; Liam Farley, WW, dec. Lane Kenamond, MIF, 8-2. 139: Tyler Winter, BER, pinned Dylan Brokenshire, BEN, 3:32; 145: Richie Leslie, VV, maj. dec. Josh Kishbaugh, BER, 10-2. Holden Ward, CAN, pinned Garet Fowler, LT, 2:38. 152: Jacob Guerriero, BER, won by forfeit; Owen Cummings, WIL, maj. dec. Duke Martin, HON, 11-2. 160: Sam Persun, SW, inj. def. Braylon Hawkins, BER, 4:36; Conor Knight, HU, dec. Isaac Ryan, LT, 7-5. 172: Grant Yount, MW, dec. Camryn Higgins, VV, 7-3; Chase Wenrich, LEW, dec. Demetrius Douglas, LT, 11-4. 189: Joel Landry, HON, dec. Reilley Kirkutis, LL, 4-1; Coy Bryson, MTG, maj. Dec. Landen Baker, ELK, 3:36. 215: Liam Carroll, BER, pinned Levi Landry, HON, 3:54; Logan Paris, SP, pinned Cale Bastian, MIL, 3:53. 285: Nate Obrzut, WYMA, pinned Seth Raymer, GNA, 2:08; Max Shnipes, SP, pinned Jude Bremigen, SC, 2:18.

SEMIFINALS

107: Teli Bobotas, MTV, maj. Dec. Taylor Daniels, TNK, 11-2; Andrew Kapec, SUL, maj. Dec. Jack Gramly, MIF, 7-4. 114: Mason Vanderpool, ATH, pinned Porter Hall, MTG, 5:14; Derek Warman, HAN, maj. dec. Carmen Malt, BER, 10-0. 121: Chase Shaner, HU, dec. Connor Novakowski, WYMA, 7-2; Brayden Pequignot, NPL, dec. Ty Locke, MIL, 5-0. 127: Kruz McCusker, SUL, dec. Kyle Winter, BER, 5-2; Ben Straub, MIF, dec. Kayvan Shams, SW, 6-0. 133: Blaize Vogel, MTV, maj. dec. Sawyer Keller, BER, 11-2; Jackson Maby, BR, pinned Liam Farley, WW, 1:46. 139: Landen Wagner, LEW, inj. Def. Tyler Winter, BER, 3:15; Matthew Almedina, MV, pinned Jake Leslie, WW, 3:39. 145: Riley Vanderpool, TOW, pinned Richie Leslie, VV, 3:37; Holden Ward, CAN, dec. Hayden Harvey, MTV, 5-2. 152: Dalton Schadel, LM, pinned Jacob Guerriero, BER, 1:36; Tyler Barletta, WW, dec. Owen Cummings, WIL, 6-2. 160: Braden Vincenzes, SOCK, dec. Sam Persun, SW, 3-0; Mason Avery, HON, dec. Conor Knight, HU, 4-2 SV. 172: Grant Yount, MW, dec. Cole Shupp, WR, 7-6; Joey Giannetti, HON, maj. dec. Chase Wenrich, LEW, 13-1. 189: Kaden Rodarmel, SOCK, maj. dec. Joel Landry, HON, 17-8; Coy Bryson, MTG, dec. Micheal Davis, CAN, 2-1 TB2. 215: Connor Parker, WR, pinned Liam Carroll, BER, 2:20; Louis Paris, SP, dec. Caleb Nason, ATH, 2-1. 285: Aiden Hidlay, CC, dec. Nate Obrzut, WYMA, 4-3; Ryan Casella, SW, won by opponent disqualification.

David Kennedy of Montoursville tries to get control of the action against Anthony Barra of Bloomsburg during their match at 127 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

CHAMPIONSHIP

SEMIFINALS

107: Bryce Pequignot, NPL, dec. Teli Bobotas, MTV, 7-3; Manny Stoltzfus, MTG, dec. Jack Gramly, MIF, 7-3. 114: Brock Rothermel, LM, tech fall Mason Vanderpool, ATH, 19-4 4:00; Lyle Vermilya, CAN, maj. dec. Derek Warman, HAN, 8-0. 121: Colton Wade, SUL, maj. Dec. Chase Shaner, HU, 15-5; Bradley Wagner, MIF, tech fall Brayden Pequignot, NPL, 20-4 5:13. 127: David Kennedy, MTV, pinned Kruz McCusker, SUL, 1:15; Anthony Barra, BLM, dec. Ben Straub, MIF, 4-2. 133: Brandt Harer, MTG, tech fall Blaize Vogel, MTV, 28-11, 3:32; Max Wirnsberger, WR, dec. Jackson Maby, BR, 4-2. 139: Matthew Smith, MW, dec. Landon Wagner, LEW, 3-2; Nolan Baumert, LM, dec. Matthew Almedina, MV, 7-0. 145: Reagan Milheim, WR, dec. Riley Vanderpool, TOW, 9-2; Mason Barvitskie, SC, maj. Dec. Hayden Harvey, MTV, 12-0. 152: Cameron Milheim (WR) dec. Dalton Schadel, LM, 9-4; Gage Wentzel, MTV, tech fall Tyler Barletta, WW, 16-1 4:24. 160: Conner Harer, MTG, tech fall Braden Vincenzes, SOCK, 21-5 2:18; Hudson Ward, CAN, dec. Mason Avery, HON, 4-0. 172: Caden Finck, MTG, dec. Cole Shupp, WR, 8-2; Alex Hoffman, MIL, dec. Joey Giannetti, HON, 3-2. 189: Garrett Garcia, SC, pinned Kaden Rodarmel, SOCK, 3:29; Mason Higley, TOW, pinned Micheal Davis, CAN, 1:13. 215: Austin Johnson, MUN, pinned Connor Parker, WR, :21; Cole Yonkin, MTV, maj. dec. Caleb Nasen, ATH, 9-1. 285: Sawyer Robinson, TOW, dec. Aiden Hidlay, CC, 4-3; Landon Morehart, MTV, dec. Ryan Casella, SW, 3-2 SV.

FINALS

5TH PLACE

107: Jack Gramly, MIF, pinned Taylor Daniels, TNK, 4:57. 114: Carmen Malt, BER, dec. Porter Hall, MTG, 6-2. 121: Ty Locke, MIL, pinned Connor Novakowski WYMA, :53. 127: Kyle Winter, BER, won by forfeit. 133: Liam Farley, WW, dec. Sawyer Keller, BER. 139: Jake Leslie, WW, won by forfeit. 145: Hayden Harvey, MTV, tech fall Richie Leslie, VV, 15-0 4:25. 152: Owen Cummings, WIL, tech fall, Jacob Guerriero, BER, 15-0 4:57. 160: Sam Persun, SW, dec. Conor Knight, HU, 5-4.172: Cole Shupp, WR, won by forfeit. 189: Joel Landry, HON, won by forfeit. 215: Caleb Nason, ATH, pinned Liam Carroll, BER, 3:24. 285: Nate Obrzut, WYMA, won by forfeit.

3RD PLACE

107: Teli Bobotas, MTV, dec. Andrew Kapec, SUL, 7-2. 114: Mason Vanderpool, ATH, pinned Derek Varman, HAN, 1:38. 121: Chase Shaner, HU, dec. Brayden Pequignot, NPL, 4-2. 127: Ben Straub, MIF, dec. Kruz McCusker, SUL, 5-4. 133: Jackson Maby, BR, dec. Blaize Vogel, MTV, 6-4. 139: Landen Wagner, LEW, dec Matthew Almedina, MV, 1-0. 145: Riley Vanderpool, TOW, dec. Holden Ward, CAN, 5-2. 152: Dalton Schadel, LM, pinned Tyler Barletta, WW, 2:43. 160: Braden Vincenzes, SOCK, dec. Mason Avery, HON, 3-1; 172: Joey Gianetti, HON, won by forfeit. 189: Kaden Rodarmel, SOCK, dec. Coy Bryson, MTG, 3-2 TB2. 215: Connor Parker, WR, pinned Louis Paris, SP, 1:51. 285: Ryan Casella, SW, dec. Aiden Hidlay, CC, 5-3.

1ST PLACE

107: Manny Stoltzfus, MTG, dec. Bryce Pequignot, NPL, 5-2. 114: Brock Rothermel, LM, pinned Lyle Vermilya, CAN, 1:16. 121: Bradley Wagner, MIF, dec. Colton Wade, SUL, 5-2. 127: David Kennedy, MTV, dec. Anthony Barra, BLM, 9-5. 133: Brandt Harer, MTG, maj. Dec. Max Wirnsberger, WR, 13-4. 139: Matthew Smith, MW, dec. Nolan Baumert, LM, 3-1. 145: Mason Barvitskie, SC, dec. Reagan Milheim, WR, 3-1. 152: Cameron Milheim, WR, dec. Gage Wentzel, 3-2. 160: Conner Harer, MTG, pinned Hudson Ward, CAN, :39. 172: Caden Finck, MTG, dec. Alex Hoffman, MIL, 5-2. 189: Garrett Garcia, SC, dec. Mason Higley, TOW, 3-1. 215: Austin Johnson, MUN, pinned Cole Yonkin, MTV, 3:07. 285: Landon Morehart, MTV, pinned, Sawyer Robinson, TOW, 4:50.

Brandt Harer of Montgomery and Max Wirnsburger of Warrior Run wrestle during their match at 133 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Brandt Harer of Montgomery and Max Wirnsburger of Warrior Run fight for control during their match at 133 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Mason Barvitskie of Southern Columbia and Reagan Milheim of Warrior Run shake hands after their match at 145 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. Barvitskie won. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Cameron Milheim of Warrior Run and Gage Wentzel of Montoursville size each other up during the first seconds of their match at 152 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. Milheim won the match. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Cameron Milheim of Warrior Run and Gage Wentzel of Montoursville fight for points in the final seconds of their match at 152 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. Milheim won the match. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Conner Harer of Montgomery gets Hudson Ward of Canton onto his back and pins him during their match at 160 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Conner Harer of Montgomery wins his match against Hudson Ward of Canton at 160 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Caden Finck of Montgomery controls the action as he wrestles Alex Hoffman of Milton during their match at 172 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Austin Johnson of Muncy and Cole Yonkin of Montoursville wrestle during their match at 215 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. Johnson won. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Austin Johnson of Muncy pins Cole Yonkin of Montoursville during their match at 215 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Landon Morehart of Montoursville wins his match against Sawyer Robinson of Towanda at 285 pounds during the PIAA AA NE Regional Championships at Williamsport High School Saturday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette