The Whitehall wrestling team knew that the start of the season would bring some tough competition, and that’s been the case so far for the young Zephyrs.

It started with a match against Freedom which was 11-9 last year and included a 54-24 win over the Zephs for one of those victories. This year the Zephyrs won five matches, but some tough decisions in two close bouts kept them from toppling their Eastern Pennsylvania Conference foes, losing to the Patriots 44-24.

The Zephs received bonus points from freshman Jaden Youwakim at 120, who pinned Darius Grant in 1:35. Head coach Tim Cunningham indicated that Youwakim was someone to watch after some impressive middle school accomplishments, and the frosh picked up where he left off by getting six points in his first varsity dual meet.

Noah Rex won a gritty decision at 126, edging Andrew Youwakim 3-1.

At 170, Jesiah Davis was another bonus point winner for the maroon and gold, pinning Darryl Shands in 0:55.

Izak Bright also showed his opponent the rafters, decking Phuoc Phung in 0:29. His win came at 220.

The fifth win came at 195 when Marwan Rajha defeated Max Marrero 10-5.

Both Rafat Yacoub (182) and Luis Arzola (152) wrestled strong matches, losing by three and four points, respectively.

It was an improvement from last season when the Zephs surrendered bonus points in nine matches to the Pates, all by fall. This time it was six bouts and two of those were major decisions.

The Zephs then faced Parkland in their second dual meet of the season. It was another tough match and they lost 59-9.

Youwakim continued to impress, getting his second consecutive pin over an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference opponent. He decked Brandon Kassis in 5:35.

Also winning for the Zephs was Rex, giving him two wins on the season. He defeated Mason Lansenderfer 7-0 for his second win in a row.

Cunningham knows that all that time in the wrestling room is paying dividends.

“We are making improvements as a team and the wrestlers are working hard,” said Cunningham. “We need to continue to work on scoring points no matter who we are wrestling.”