North Carroll's Panthers, ranked No. 2 by the Maryland State Wrestling Association, travel to five-time defending 3A-4A state champ Old Mill on Friday night in their fourth annual meeting.
The Panthers (8-0), who wrestle at Centennial on Tuesday, trail the series against Old Mill, 2-1, but won last year's meeting to end a Patriots' dual-meet winning streak that had totaled more than 30 matches.
North Carroll's best wrestlers are Tim Perry (103, 8-5), Ed Davis (112, 12-2), Doug Dell (119, 12-2), Tony Zahn (125, 12-3), Corey Rill (130, 13-1), Tommy Kiler (135, 14-0), Jason Albert (140, 11-3), Eric Hott (145, 12-2), Saidrick Lewis (152, 13-1), Chris Boog (171, 14-0) and heavyweight Bill Beltz (12-3).
Dell and Rill are each ranked No. 4 in by the MSWA, Kiler is tied with Francis Scott Key's Randy Owings at No. 2, and Boog is also ranked No. 2.
"I saw them [Old Mill] win [the Francis Scott Key tournament,] and I think they'll be tough," said North Carroll coach Dick Buerlein, who, like Old Mill coach Mike Hampe, is in his 19th season.
"Just like last year, I think it'll be a very good match."
Chenoweth watch
South Carroll was hammered by North Carroll last week, but the Cavaliers' fifth-ranked Mike Chenoweth continued his winning ways. Chenoweth, who remained unbeaten with his 14th victory and his 12th pin of the season, is the man to beat for the 160-pound county title and has an outside shot at a state crown.
Kenwood's fourth-ranked Chuck Williams is the only other 3A-4A contender who is ranked at 160 pounds.
Pikesville's pride
Pikesville's 33-30 upset over then-No. 13 Kenwood on Tuesday came over a team that two days earlier had edged Riverdale Baptist -- the state's fourth-ranked team -- for the Boys' Latin Tournament crown.
There were key decisions by sophomores Lawrence Davis (heavyweight) and Chad Hipsley (171).
