Feb. 28—PALMER TWP. — In two hours Saturday morning, Pottsville’s Parrish McFarland extended his season another week.
With a pair of decisive victories, the Crimson Tide freshman stormed into the 126-pound finals at the Northeast Regional Class 3A Wrestling Championships at the Charles Chrin Community Center near Easton.
In the finals, McFarland met up with nationally ranked Tyler Kasak (9-0) of Bethlehem Catholic in a rematch of last week’s District 11 final, which Kasak won by technical fall, 16-1 in 4:00. This time, Kasak pinned McFarland in 44 seconds.
“He had an awesome day,” Pottsville coach Gary Keener said of McFarland. “I’m very proud of him. He wrestled very well today.
“He continues to wrestle with confidence, which is what makes champions. If you wrestle with confidence on the mat, you’re not afraid to try moves or go after things.”
By placing in the top four, McFarland (22-3) earned a spot in next Saturday’s Class 3A East Super Regional at Quakertown High School. The top four placewinners at the super regional will advance to the PIAA Championships, set for Saturday, March 13, at the Giant Center in Hershey.
McFarland opened the day by pinning LaSalle College High School junior Sean Herron in 1:27. McFarland also pinned Herron, the District 12 champion, in 1:50 when they met in a dual meet Jan. 23.
In the semifinals, McFarland scored a takedown and three back points in the first period to set the tone for a 10-5 decision over Hazleton Area senior Beck Hutchison, the District 2 champion.
Hutchison escaped in the first period to trail 5-1. McFarland chose bottom for the second period and escaped and added another takedown to extend his lead to 8-1. Hutchison got a reversal to close the gap to 8-3 after two periods. In the third, Hutchison escaped to make it 8-4, but McFarland answered with his third takedown of the bout at the 1:19 mark to boost his lead to 10-4. Hutchison escaped, but McFarland fended him off the rest of the way for the victory.
“It feels pretty good knowing that I made it (to next week),” McFarland said. “Now I have to go back in the room, continue to work hard and make it to the next level.”
Northeast Regional Class 3A Wrestling Championships
At Charles Chrin Community Center
Saturday’s local results
Championship Quarterfinals
126 — McFarland (Pottsville) pinned Herron (LaSalle College HS), 1:27
Championship Semifinals
126 — McFarland (Pottsville) dec. Hutchison (Hazleton Area), 10-5
Championship Finals
126 — Kasak (Bethlehem Catholic) pinned McFarland (Pottsville), :44
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