Magaldo Headed to Sunday's Finals

Update 5:35 p.m.: Mike Magaldo will face Troy Heilman, of South Plainfield, Sunday for the 120 lb. championship.

Magaldo earned the berth after topping North Bergen's Anthony Giraldo, 4-2 in overtime.

Heilmanhas been a challenge for Magaldo this season, winning in their regular season matches.

The championship matches begin at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Mike DeVito's bid to climb back into the final rounds ended with a loss in the second round of wrestlebacks to Mike Paskas, of Rutherford, 4-3.

Update: 11:30 a.m.: Mike DeVito lost a close match to Nick Gravina, of Northern Highlands, 4-3 in the 145 lbs. section. Thanks to his earlier wins, he's qualified for the wrestlebacks.

Update 10:30 a.m.: Mike Magaldo faced Zack Hertling, of Ocean Township, Saturday morning and won, 5-2. He faces Anthony Giraldo, of North Bergen, next.

Original story:  Two of ' three wrestlers at the state championships in Atlantic City advanced through the first rounds today.

Junior Matt Coppola, who advanced to the semifinals last year, fell to Dylan Thorsen, from Belvidere, at 132 pounds, by a score of 3-2 in the first round.

Meanwhile, senior Mike DeVito defeated Withler Marcelin, of Ocean Township, 5-4; and Antonio Mancella, of Oakcrest, 10-5. He'll face the winner of a bout between Franklin's C. Goshkagarian and Nick Gravina, of Northern Highlands.

Matt Magaldo defeated Juan Alorro, Cresskill, 12-1; and Jared Staub, of Hamilton, 10-0. He faces High Point's Michael Derin on Saturday.

Warren Patch will continue to follow the progress Watchung Hills' wrestlers through the tournament.

WHWA President Marc Hayward provided updates on the wrestlers' progress from Atlantic City.