Coach: Tom Gallione (13th Season)

Last year’s record: 17-8

Key Returners: Bradley Zirlin (Jr. 113; 15-15 in 2017), Jake Averna (Jr. 113 13-15), Robbie Natelli (Sr. 120-126; 33-7, District 1 second in 2017), James Allmers (So. 138; 8-9), Nolan Shields (Sr. 124-132; 18-16), Matt Beyer (Jr. 138-145; 37-4, D1 first, Region 1 third), Tommy Chiellini (Jr. 145-160; 11-0), Stephen Soravilla (Jr. 145-152; 16-12) Jake Prusha (Sr. 152-160; 16-13), Will Morris (Sr. 160-170; 26-8), George Dvoynos (Sr. 195; 13-5 D1 third), Casey Lewis (Sr. 171-180; 31-8, D1 first, R2 fifth)

Key Losses: Rob Arloro (145; 1-1 in 2017)

Key Newcomers: Sean Sheehy (So. 132), Luke Petaccia (Fr. 145-152), Tyler Pizzi (Fr. 120),

Strength of team: The Indians have all 14 of their starters from last season returning and have a very balanced core (Arloro was projected to be a starter last year after sitting out the mandated 30 days in transferring from Don Bosco, but his season ended due to injury after he wrestled just two matches). The team has a lot of wrestlers at the 152-182 weight classes and PV can mix and match at these spots when necessary. Also, PV has a strong group of wrestlers that will compete in the lighter weight classes.

Areas needing improvement: PV has a bit of an issue where multiple quality wrestlers are in the same weight class. Gallione still has to figure out who will slot in at every weight class, especially at 195 pounds and up, which is where the Indians had some problems last year.

Outlook: PV compiled a 17-8 record during the 2016-2017 season after heavily improving from their 9-8 season a year before. What could be the next step? PV should be in the mix for its first-ever state sectional title. Sparta and Montville appear to be the other schools to be reckoned with in North 1, Group 3. Last year, the Indians qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 11 years but lost in the first round to River Dell, which lost a significant amount of starters to graduation this year. PV also looks forward to another shot at Old Tappan which could decide the league title. Beyer and Chiellini, also a Don Bosco transfer whose season also ended abruptly due to injury, combined for 48 individual wins and form a nice one-two punch.

Individually, four Indians finished within the top three of their respective weight class in last year’s District 1 Tournament — Natelli, Beyer, Dvoynos, and Lewis. Chiellini would almost certainly would have advanced as well. Beyer then took third in Region 1 to earn his first trip to the NJSIAA State Individual Tournament in Atlantic City. There’s no reason to think that Beyer shouldn’t return there this year along with a teammate or two. Chiellini had a strong shot last year if he wasn’t derailed by his injury, Natelli has had the misfortune of being in deep weight classes the last two seasons, and Lewis always has the capability of making a deep run. It’s also not out of the question for one or more of them to reach the podium in AC and place in the top eight.

Coach’s Comment: “I think this is a group that has worked hard from where they started three, four years ago. And I think all that hard work hopefully will show this season. I think last year was a good stepping stone, [we were] 17- 8, we made the sections. We didn’t win the league, it was tough, but we were right there. And I think that was a little preview of what this group can do, if healthy. I think they’re ready to go, I think they’re excited about what they can accomplish this year,” Gallione said.