Joey Carpenter missed last year's post-season after losing the wrestle-offs at 106 pounds. The Upper Perkiomen sophomore, who has jumped up two weight classes, is showing increased strength and confidence, according to head coach Steve Adam.

            "Joey is very hungry," Adam said. "He wants the shot to advance through a couple rounds."

            Though he lost the 120-pound bout in a 45-24 victory over Pope John Paul II on Dec. 19 in the Pioneer Athletic Conference, Carpenter (7-5) seems poised to make a post-season run. Adam says his wrestler has adapted to his new weight class quicker than expected.

            "Joey has certainly exceeded my expectations in that respect," the coach said.

In the lopsided victory over the host Panthers, Mike Milkowich (126) scored first-period fall over Andrew Yachcovelli. Daulton Dunlap (195) held on for a 12-11 victory over Jacob Rau. Gavin Marks (132), Keaton Durning (138), Zach Rozanski (145),  Nick Petolicchio (285) and Matt Martin (113) each won by forfeit.

            Carpenter got caught in a reversal early in the second period and was pinned by Matt Valukh, a Pope John Paul II sophomore who reached the PIAA Class AAA tournament last season at 106 pounds.

            According to Adam, Carpenter is relentless on his feet. "Joey has very good technique in the top position," the coach said. "He's always had the proper technique, but now I'm seeing the confidence to hit his moves at 100 percent and score.

            As a freshman, Carpenter went 7-5 at 106 pounds. Matt Martin earned the spot in the post-season.

            Over the summer, Carpenter put on 20 pounds but did not lose any of his quickness, according to Adam.  "I've seen no struggles with his strength on the mat," the coach said. "I've seen it many times in the past. Moving up from 106 pounds, which is like going from a boy's class to a man's class. I had some concerns, Joey is strong enough to be competitive."

            The Indians will compete in the Governor Mifflin Holiday Tournament on Dec. 28-29. According to Adam, the competition will be as challenging as the Penn Manor Tournament, in which the Indians finished 24th overall.

            "As a coach, you've got to figure out what best for the program," he said. "You do not want to make it too easy for your team, and you don't want to get thrashed. A slice of humble pie once in a while doesn't hurt."