By BRIAN CUNNIFF
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – One of the most anticipated regular-season bouts lived up to its hype Wednesday evening.
Ocean City High School’s wrestling team scored a comfortable 50-24 victory over Middle Township, but the final bout of the evening featured two of South Jersey’s best in their weight class.
In the end, Raider junior Charley Cossaboone prevailed with a comeback effort in the featured bout at 150 pounds. He scored an escape point in the final seconds of the third period before recording a 6-1 sudden victory after taking down Middle’s Alick Killian and scoring three near-fall points in overtime.
The two wrestlers, who could meet again in the region tournament, exited the match with identical 13-2 records.
Jacob Melini (106), Aiden Leypoldt (120), NIck Leyton (157) Sam William (175) and Aiden Fisher (Hwt.) each won by fall for the Raiders. Other Ocean City winners included Dominic Morelli (126), Liam Culpit (132), Mason Afanador (138) and Clifford Dirkes (165).
Adrien LaBoy (144) and Max Adelizzi (215) each won by fall for Middle. Connor Rowlands (113) and David Giulian (190) both picked up wins via forfeit.
Middle (4-3) is next in action Thursday afternoon against Penns Grove before competing in a quad at Vineland on Saturday.