In the early stages of the wrestling season, several coaches face the problem of transitioning their student athletes into "wrestling shape." Football players that wrestle face an internal challenge to adjust to the physical demands that the winter sport poses.

Both Northern Lehigh's Steve Hluschak and Lehighton's Dan Williams can attest to that fact, yet remain content with their athletes' progress in the correct direction.In Monday night's match-up between the two quality programs, Northern Lehigh outlasted the Indians in the non-league bout, 36-27.Thanks to some tough victories and prevention of giving up bonus points to their opponent, the Bulldogs improve to 2-0 on the year."We started slow last week against Southern Lehigh," Hluschak said. "But we've been getting better the last week at practice, so we're happy to come out here against a quality, well-balanced Lehighton team and get a victory."They've got some good guys throughout their lineup and they don't have too many weak spots. For us to come through against a good, well-coached team, we're always going to be happy about that."Hluschak's humility stole some attention from his own lineup's strength, as the Bulldogs aren't too "weak," either.Brandon Belfonti nabbed a big pin to start the match out at the 160-pound weight class over Dylan Schock collecting early momentum. Ryan Farber outlasted Tyler Cann at 170 for a decision and CJ Young snared a pin at 182 over Eric Scrincosky for the early 15-0 lead.Connor Frey's pin and Wyatt Clements' decision brought the Indians to 15-9. Cameron Kates' pin started a run that extended the Bulldog lead to 30-13 with five bouts remaining.Lehighton's coach Williams could be heard saying, "If we win out, we win!" The notion worked, as Zach Kemmerer and Chris Whiteman both followed with major decisions to narrow it to 30-21.However, the Bulldogs' Ezra Neff decisioned Grant Wetzel which gave the 'Dawgs enough points to at least force a tie.Lehighton's Tegan Durishin followed in the 145-pound class and had the edge, elevating Damian Rodriguez off the mat. The landing's impact caused an injury default, allowing the Indians to cut the lead to 33-27 going into the final bout.Northern Lehigh's Matt Schmall gained a 3-2 swell after one off an escape and a takedown and went on to decision Cody Scherer for the overall team win."We entered the match pretty healthy and we were where we needed to be, but some of these guys still have that adjusting to do," Williams said. "There were a few swing matches that were huge and unfortunately they didn't go our way tonight."PIN POSSE ... There were four pins on the evening, as the Tribe's Connor Frey picked up the quickest in 22 seconds at 195. A trio of Bulldogs - Brandon Belfonti (160), CJ Young (182), and Cameron Kates (285) - also flattened their opponents in the bout.HOLIDAY CLASSIC ... Lehighton and Northern Lehigh have off from matches until Monday, when they both travel to the Bethlehem Holiday Classic to partake in the large scholastic event.PRE-MATCH LAURELS ... Previous to the match, Northern Lehigh head coach Steve Hluschak received a plaque and a rousing ovation for being named the Colonial League Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2014-15.Northern Lehigh 36, Lehighton 27160 - Brandon Belfonti (NL) pin Dylan Schock in 3:16170 - Ryan Farber (NL) dec. Tyler Cann, 3-1182 - CJ Young (NL) pin Eric Scrincosky in 2:35195 - Connor Frey (L) pin Brandon Smith in :22220 - Wyatt Clements (L) dec. Jason Schaffer, 5-3285 - Cameron Kates (NL) pin Xander Smith in 3:38106 - Nate Kemmerer (L) maj. dec. Dan Belfonti, 18-8113 - Seth Fronheiser (NL) dec. Logan Pagotto, 4-0120 - Colton Rex (NL) won by forfeit126 - Zach Kemmerer (L) maj. dec. Chase Ohlsen, 15-1132 - Chris Whiteman (L) maj. dec. Tyler Hargreaves, 18-4138 - Ezra Neff (NL) dec. Grant Wetzel, 3-1145 - Tegan Durishin (L) def. Damian Rodriguez by inj. def.152 - Matt Schmall (NL) dec. Cody Scherer, 6-2.