However, for Montgomery senior Brandt Harer, it’s become the norm, with the two-time state champion having more first-period tech falls on the season that any other win. Heading into the PIAA Class AA Wrestling Championships, he had more than 30. And on Thursday at the Giant Center, he added another to the catalog.

After logging an immediate takedown to start against No. 12 Greyden Gustas (Reynolds), Harer wouldn’t let him back up, turning him on four separate occasions through the next two minutes of action to rack up 17 unanswered points just before the first-period whistle blew. With that 17-0 tech fall, the Red Raider made it four straight state tournaments to see him advance to quarters.

“I’ve been in a lot of first-period tech falls this year, that’s just kind of been my thing,” said Harer. “Just getting the takedown and my top work’s really strong, so just keep working on that. I’m feeling great, proud of how I’m wrestling.”

“Just believing in myself, believing in my training. I feel that nobody works as hard as I do in the practice room and plan is to keep doing the same thing,” he added on his consistency landing first-period tech falls.

Trace Furman of Montgomery jumps away from the shot by Victor Bonus of McGuffey during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

With a potential final matchup against Bo Bassett on the horizon, some might expect Harer to be looking ahead to Saturday. But matches like that indicate the opposite, as the senior remains focused on taking things one match at a time.

“I got through that match, so now I’m looking at my next opponent,” said Harer. “Whoever I have then, that’s who I’m worried about. I’m just staying focused on the present and not looking into the future.”

Harer was one of two Red Raiders to advance to championship quarters, joining sophomore Gabe Oberheim, who had an exciting start to his own run. Muncy freshman Chase Boozer also took home a first-round victory in his PIAA debut, moving on to quarters at 139.

Making his PIAA debut as a sophomore, Oberheim endured a battle against No. 7 Cody Householder (Brookville). They’d trade takedowns between the first and second period, as the match went into the third tied at 4-4. There, Oberheim would channel his inner Harer, dominating on top and securing eight back points to pull off the 12-4 major decision.

“That kid that he wrestled was tough, and he wrestled great,” said Harer on Oberheim’s performance. “He battled, gutted it out and I’m super happy for him. I just hope he keeps on improving.”

Branden Eisenhour of Montoursville tries to avoid the shot by Riley Crandall of Faith Christian during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Oberheim wasn’t the only area athlete to have a strong PIAA debut, with Muncy freshman Chase Boozer – ranked No. 7 in the state – shutting out No. 11 Carter Kinard (Trinity) in route to a 5-0 decision. His points came from an early reversal in the second and a match-sealing takedown late in the third.

Warrior Run rounds out the area’s quarterfinalists, with three-time PIAA finalist Reagan Milheim and two-time PIAA medalist Max Wirnsberger each advancing, winning by first-period pin and second-period tech fall respectively. They’ll be joined by teammates Chase Wirnsberger and Noah Johnson in Day 2 competition, who each kept their runs alive with consolation wins.

For Montgomery, it did see three of its wrestlers – Liam Seeley (121), Carden Wagner (127) and Trace Furman (152) – endure elimination, going 0-2 to close out their Day Ones. But the trio has plenty to be proud of in making it this far, and their teammates will look carry Montgomery’s representation forward into Friday’s quarterfinals.

Gabe Oberheim of Montgomery reaches back for the leg of Cody Householder of Brookville during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Cameron Baker of Burrell gets Carden Wagner of Montgomery to his back during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Gage Wentzel of Montoursville takes down Brayden Lisowski of Penns Valley during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Gage Wentzel of Montoursville wins his match against Brayden Lisowski of Penns Valley during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Brandt Harer of Montgomery wins his match against Greyden Gustas of Reynolds during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Hayden Harvey of Montoursville tries to take down C.J. Pensiero of Bishop McCourt during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Hayden Harvey of Montoursville tries to drag C.J. Pensiero of Bishop McCourt back onto the mat during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Kaden Kleinman of Montoursville tries to spin away from the attack by Carter Katus of Burgettstown during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette