It's do-or-die time in the high school winter sports season. Livingston's wrestling team knows that well.
Hoping to sustain the momentum from a third-place team finish in the Essex County Tournament, the fourth-seeded Lancer grapplers will host fifth-seeded Passaic Tech in the North I Group IV quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA wrestling tournament today at 7 p.m.. Perenial state powerhouse Phillipsburg awaits the winner.
The Lancers (8-8) can't overlook Passaic Tech (12-5), though. The Bulldogs captured the Passaic County title just over a week ago by holding off Lakeland, 154.5-154. With four individual champions —Kevin Manthi (103 pounds), Bryant Lighty (130), Pelal Deeb (135) and Lucas Broughton (171) - Passaic Tech a than formidable opponent.
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The key for Livingston will be to score as many points at the 112 and 145 pound bouts with county champions Jason Estevez and Brandon Bright. Estevez, only a freshman, captured his county title by defeating the defending region champion, Belleville's Justin Colon, for the second time this season.
Ultimately, Livingston should prevail if they stick to their principal of wrestling hard for six minutes and staying out of pins.
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The Lancer boys basketball team still has a chance to qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament, and they must play well this week.
Despite falling short of a .500 record at Saturday's (Feb. 5) cut-off date required for state qualification, Livingston (7-9) can still receive an at-large bid if less than 16 teams fail to meet the .500 criteria.
The Lancers will face Caldwell, West Essex and Morristown this week.
Games to Watch
1. Boys basketball at home vs. Caldwell - 2/9: The Lancers look to avenge a heart-breaking defeat at the hands of Caldwell in the preliminary round of the Essex County Tournament, a game which they lost 49-47 at the buzzer. Game at 7 p.m..
2. Boys fencing away vs. Millburn - 2/9: No. 10 Livingston faces the seventh seed in the opening round of the NJSIAA tournament, at 6:30 p.m.
3. Boys bowling - 2/13: NJSIAA tournament, Jersey Lanes, Linden, 9 a.m.
