The Absegami High School wrestlers may be down, but they are not out.
The Braves have been disappointed with their performances as of late, including dropping two matches on Saturday against Kittatinny and Collingswood.
However, a win Monday night against Lenape in the Group IV South quarterfinals will change their mood.
The No. 3 Braves host the No. 4 Indians, 7 p.m. in Galloway.
"I think we can pull it together and make a good run," Absegami 215-pounder Kevin Stadtmueller said.
The two squads scrimmaged each other before the season, but that was almost two months ago, and not much can be gained from the experience.
Both squads wrestled and lost to Collingswood and Christian Brothers Academy, although Absegami scored more points than Lenape against their common opponents.
Like all wrestling meets, the winner will be decided on the mat by the team who piles up more wins and bonus points, and by saving points anywhere it can.
"We match up pretty good with them. I think we can beat them," Absegami coach Shawn Scannell said. "We have to wrestle the match, but on paper it looks like we can beat them. They are very tough, well coached, and in shape. They are a competitive team. It's just like Collingswood (Saturday), it's going to be a close match."
It may come down to matchups. The following are possible matchups:
103
Lenape's Nicholas Dannenfelser (13-13) will most likely be awarded a forfeit.
112
Lenape's Austin Wright (23-5) vs. Absegami's Brandon Goldberg (15-10).
Goldberg will try to pull off a win, but if he can't he will need to stay off his back and limit bonus points.
119
Lenape's Danny Kennedy (16-8) vs. Absegami's Mike Jiampetti (22-6).
Jiampetti has gotten stronger as the season progressed. This could be one of the key matches of the night.
125
Lenape's Zach Ubaldini (13-4) or George Petaccio (4-4) vs. Absegami's Gavin Guglielmi (14-12)
Ubladini returned to the team this season after taking last year off, but hasn't wrestled since Jan. 24.
130
Lenape's Connor Gardner (15-12) vs. Absegami's John Willette (13-14)
The Indians may have Gardner at 125 depending on matchups.
135
Lenape's Joe Amoriello (10-13) vs. Absegami's Frank Malloy (0-4)
Both teams have switched wrestlers in and out of this weight class throughout the season.
140
Lenape's Craig Middleton (5-16) vs. Absegami's Nate Ross (23-6)
Ross can be bumped from this spot, but he has full advantage over any Lenape wrestler at his weight.
145
Lenape's Michael Young (0-13) vs. Absegami's Anthony Tamburelli (1-21)
Tamburelli just returned from a shoulder injury.
152
Lenape's Wesley Decker (11-11) vs. Absegami's Chris Hahn (21-7)
Hahn has the edge, and the Braves will be looking for bonus points.
160
Lenape's Matt Jolly (12-14) vs. Absegami's Deonde DeGGennaro (9-18)
Winnable match for either wrestler. Whoever loses wants to limit the damage on the scoreboard.
171
Lenape's Conor Wasson (22-4) vs. Absegami's Alex Gong (23-5)
Arguably the main event of the night.
189
Lenape's John DiBiase (20-4) vs. Absegami's John Carr (5-19)
DiBiase is one of the Indians' top wrestlers. Will be interesting to see if he bumps up to face Kevin Stadtmueller at 215.
215
Lenape's Tyler Medina (15-7) vs. Absegami's Kevin Stadtmueller (24-2)
Stadtmueller is among the top 215-pounders in South Jersey. Medina could get bumped up to heavyweight if the situations calls for it.
285
Lenape's Doug Gilbert (10-5) vs. Absegami's Steve Schwartz (23-4)
Whoever Schwartz faces, he will be the favorite.
