ANNANDALE — In a night that showcased precision, power, and a program operating at the top of its game, Delaware Valley Regional High School delivered a commanding performance against long-time rivals North Hunterdon High School, claiming a 41-27 victory in a dual meet on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The triumph not only solidified Delaware Valley’s undefeated record at 11-0 but also marked a remarkable milestone for the Fitz coaching family, as head coach Andy Fitz combined his wins with those of his father Vince Fitz to reach an astonishing 600 career victories within the program.
The evening unfolded before a packed gymnasium, with fans buzzing over the anticipation of a matchup that has grown into one of Hunterdon County’s premier high school wrestling rivalries. From the opening whistle, it was clear that Delaware Valley had brought a blend of technical skill and relentless energy that would prove decisive. While North Hunterdon maintained an advantage in takedowns, 31-17, the Lions demonstrated their hallmark dominance on top, securing five pins to seal the outcome. In contrast, the home team struggled to convert their control into falls, relying on technical superiority in only four matches.
Delaware Valley’s approach exemplified the strategic depth that has become synonymous with the program. The night began with a rapid pin at 120 pounds from Tristan Fawthrop, who used a textbook cradle to claim the first fall in under a minute. Though North Hunterdon surged to a 14-6 lead after four bouts, the momentum quickly shifted as Delaware Valley’s wrestlers imposed their will across the remaining weights.
A turning point came in the 157-pound bout, where Hunter Taffera executed a perfectly timed deep half to secure a pin at 3:32, igniting the team’s surge. From there, Marcus Gary’s major decision at 165 pounds set the stage for a remarkable finishing stretch. Olivier Paul (175), Matthew Sencher (190), and Luke Cyphert (215) delivered consecutive pins, each showcasing technical mastery and mental focus. Sencher’s pin, achieved with a cradle in 3:58, earned him the team’s Outstanding Wrestler award, a tribute named in honor of former Delaware Valley standout Dan Hutchins. Sencher described his approach simply: “I knew if I got the cradle I could get the pin. I really wanted it because it kept our momentum going.” Cyphert followed swiftly with a fall in 1:40, rounding out three rapid pins in a single period and underscoring the Lions’ dominance.
Throughout the match, Delaware Valley’s depth and preparation were evident. Even in bouts they lost, the team avoided being pinned, demonstrating resilience and composure. Their ability to recover from early deficits and impose control over the latter half of the lineup highlighted both the skill of the wrestlers and the strategic guidance of the Fitz coaching family. Andy Fitz reflected on the performance: “It’s not something we necessarily work on, but we were dominant on top. I was really happy with the way the whole team wrestled. Even in some of those bouts we lost, our guys did not get pinned.”
Delaware Valley’s success extends beyond the individual matchups. The program has consistently demonstrated its ability to challenge and overcome top competitors in the region. Notably, this victory continues a trend in which the Lions have defeated Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament champions in dual meets, marking the third time in four years they have bested the tournament winner. This consistency reinforces Delaware Valley’s status as a perennial powerhouse in the state’s public school wrestling landscape.
Looking ahead, Delaware Valley’s schedule remains challenging. Their next major test comes against Phillipsburg, a matchup that promises to further define the team’s trajectory this season. For now, however, the focus remains on celebrating both the individual efforts of the wrestlers and the historic milestone achieved by the Fitz family—a testament to decades of dedication, strategy, and a commitment to excellence.
The dual meet also highlighted the blend of tradition and progression within high school athletics in New Jersey, where programs like Delaware Valley prioritize skill development, tactical awareness, and resilience. In doing so, they create not just champions on the mat but an enduring culture of success that mirrors the dedication and care seen in the state’s vibrant high school sports section, reflecting the broader ethos of excellence and quality in all areas of New Jersey life.
Delaware Valley Regional High School and North Hunterdon High School, which are located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Delaware Valley defeated their rivals North Hunterdon with a final score of 41-27 in a dual meet held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The victory helped the Delaware Valley coaching family reach a combined 600 career wins.
Match Summary
| Team | Wins | Losses | OTL | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Valley | 11 | 0 | 0 | 41 |
| North Hunterdon | 4 | 7 | 0 | 27 |
Key Insights
- Dominant Pins: Delaware Valley secured five pins in the match, which proved to be the deciding factor as North Hunterdon had none.
- Coach Milestone: The win was a milestone for the Fitz family, as head coach Andy Fitz and his father Vince combined for 600 career victories with the program.
- Rivalry: The match was a significant rivalry win for Delaware Valley, who avenged a previous regular season loss to North Hunterdon.
Delaware Valley Regional High School 41, North Hunterdon High School 27
120: Tristan Fawthrop (DVR) over Dan Snyder (NOHU) (Fall 0:51)
126: Reid Buzby (NOHU) over Tanner Donaruma (DVR) (MD 16-4)
132: Aidan Yarussi (NOHU) over Julian Bednar (DVR) (TF 0:00)
138: Kieran Raley (NOHU) over Tye Falkenstein (DVR) (TF 19-4)
144: Michael Hasson (DVR) over Matthew Esposito (NOHU) (MD 15-6)
150: Sebastian Dobak (DVR) over Ian English (NOHU) (Dec 10-4)
157: Hunter Taffera (DVR) over Luke Charbonneau (NOHU) (Fall 3:32)
165: Marcus Gary (DVR) over Sebastian Santos (NOHU) (MD 13-4)
175: Olivier Paul (DVR) over Nicholas Romaniello (NOHU) (Fall 1:00)
190: Matthew Sencher (DVR) over Owen Dandeo (NOHU) (Fall 3:58)
215: Luke Cyphert (DVR) over Dajinder Dhillon (NOHU) (Fall 1:40)
285: Anthony DeSimone (NOHU) over Luken Alberdi (DVR) (Dec 4-1)
106: Cayden Wadle (NOHU) over Vincent Rainey (DVR) (TF 21-5)
113: Owen Fol (NOHU) over Jaxon Bingert (DVR) (TF 19-4)
The performance solidifies Delaware Valley’s place among New Jersey’s elite high school wrestling programs, blending technical precision, mental toughness, and a legacy of coaching excellence that will resonate well beyond this single rivalry victory.
