Whenever Liberty and Freedom meet in any sport, it’s always a big deal.

When both teams hit the wrestling mat Wednesday night at Freedom, there will be more on the line than just bragging rights.

The winner of Wednesday’s matchup will move ahead in the EPC standings and have the right to wrestle for either third or fifth place in Saturday’s EPC championship day at Easton Area Middle School.

The loser will have settle for a bout in either of the seventh, ninth or eleventh place bouts Saturday. With the results and seedings for EPC Saturday not being complete until Thursday, we won’t know for sure who will be wrestling who, but both coaches know this match holds significance for how meaningful this weekend will be.

“This match has more at stake simply for postseason momentum and putting ourselves in a good spot for District Duals,” said Freedom head coach Dante Terenzio. “More importantly, we need to gain some confidence after a couple tough losses to Easton and Parkland. A win over Liberty would do exactly that.”

Freedom (15-3) have dropped three of their last four matches and a bounce back win over Liberty (12-4) would give them some momentum again.

Liberty head coach Brandon Hall enters his first bout in this series as leader of the Hurricanes after years heading Freedom’s program. He’s no stranger to the significance of what this match means, especially this time around.

“Biggest match of the year so far for both teams,” said Hall. “There’s the obvious cross town rivalry but this also determines where both teams can finish in the EPC. And with two duals left, it also will just about set each teams seed for team districts.

“It basically seems like a match where the winner is a lock to wrestle for third or fifth place in Saturday’s tournament and four through eight in the district power rankings are close, so this dual will heavily impact where we enter districts at.”

Both coaches expect a lot of emotion to be on display, but Hall also knows it’ll take smart wrestling to win.

“There’s always a lot more emotion in a dual like this compared to all the others throughout the season,” said Hall. “The kids know each other very well. Some are friends. There always seems to be one kid that steps up and surprises everyone each year in this rivalry.”

Terenzio echoed similar sentiments.

“I’m sure both teams will be ready to roll on Wednesday,” he said. “I expect Liberty to be fired up, and I expect our guys to match that intensity. Should make for a fun, exciting atmosphere.”