After suffering just its second loss of the season to Exeter/West Greenwich on Jan. 26, the Johnston High School wrestling team came back strong last Thursday with a 47-14 victory over Moses Brown. The Panthers won seven of the 10 contested matches and picked up two forfeits on the way to their 12th victory of the season.
Josh Ribezzo, Justin Caparco, Joe Pecchia and Chris Gelardi all had pins for the Panthers, while Marc Conte won by tech fall. Isaiah O’Brien and Mike Caparco won their matches by decision.
On the heels of that win, the Panthers also delivered a strong showing over the weekend at the Smithfield Invitational, where they had six place-winners, including two champs. Justin Caparco won the title at 145, with pins all the way to the finals and a 5-3 overtime victory over Ponaganset’s Joshua Noury in the title match. Conte also won his weight class, beating Toll Gate’s Dave Navilliat 3-1 in a close semifinal match before pinning Smithfield’s Adam Branch in the finals.
Pecchia added a second-place finish at 160, Jesse Ribezzo finished third at 113, Mike Caparco took third at 120 and Tim Tedesco finished fourth at 126.
Johnston was slated for a dual meet against Ponaganset on Wednesday before hosting Lincoln on Thursday. The dual-meet season concludes Monday when Johnston visits Smithfield to take on the Sentinels – who are undefeated at 13-0 – and PCD/Juanita Sanchez.
Johnston will then compete in the Division II championship on Feb. 17 and 18 at Smithfield, before the state tournament on Feb. 24 and 25 at the Providence Career & Technical Academy.
(Sun Rise photos by Leo van Dijk / rhodyphoto.com)
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