Howland grabs early advantage

The Boardman and Fitch teams are in third and fourth place.
AUSTINTOWN -- With 96 points, the Howland School wrestling team took the early lead in the Division I Sectional tournament following Friday's matches at Fitch High School's gymnasium.
Kenston was in second place with 85 points.
Boardman was third with 72.5 and Fitch fourth with 62.5. The tournament resumes this morning at 9 and the finals are set for 5 p.m.
Jordan Sainato of Fitch and Brad Battison of Howland, both sophomores, reached the semifinals in the 103-pound class.
Also earning semifinal berths were Howland's: Kyle Leek, 112; Tyler Rubeisch, 119; Steve Wall, 125; Greg Ryan, 130; Cody Leek, 135; Adam Rubesich, 145; Zack Adgate, 171; Mike Kreatsoulas, 189; Kyle Gantz, 215; and Reese Mowery, 275.
Unbeaten Tony Jameson (32-0) took his first step in returning to the state tournament as moved into the 119-pound semis.
Joining him were Nick Bodnar, 140; Brian Weidenthal, 145; and J.J. Pandewicz, 160.
Reaching the semifinal round from Boardman were: Jim Liggitt, 112; Mike Rosa, 125; Bob Creadore, 130; Anthony Wills, 135; Nick DeMarinis, 152; Zac Vallos, 160; Brad Creadore, 189; and Justin Powell, 215.
Brookfield early leader
ROOTSTOWN -- The Brookfield High School wrestling team was leading the Division III sectional tournament heading into today's semifinal and consolation matches.
Championships are set for 6 p.m.
The Warriors had scored 69 points during two rounds of competition Friday at Rootstown High School.
Garrettsville Garfield was in second place with 60.5. Jackson-Milton was third with 55 and Warren JFK was fourth with 51.
Reaching the semifinals for the Warriors were: Tristan Thompson, 119 pounds; Justin Miller, 125; Richie Osberg, 130; Brad Harnett, 135; Lonnie Kolat, 160; Josh Matthews, 171; and Aaron Piezgay, 215.
Santino Pizullo of Jackson-Milton pinned Joe Balles of Mogadore in 2 minutes, 24 seconds to earn a semifinal berth.
The Bluejays' Matt Mascioll, 112; Joe Skaggs, 135; Ben Dierkes, 140; Nick Tomaino, 145; Mike Wiseman, 152; Bart McGee, 160; Dan Clawson, 215 and Jeff Yaratch, 275 also reach the semis.
Athletes from Warren JFK who wrestled there way into the semifinals were: Conor O'Brien, 125; Kyle Mariani, 130; Sean O'Brien, 140; Tom Mariani, 145; Jim Bluedom, 171; Phil DeCapito, 215; and Mark Pliess, 275.
South Range's Nick Sheetz had a first-round bye which gave him a spot in the semifinals.
The Raiders' Andrew Padach, 130 also advanced as did teammates Nathan Daugherty, 135, and Tommy Shives, 160.