Red Raiders, Panthers Set for High‑Stakes Consolation Clash at PIAA Team AA Championships
By: Jason Johnson / February 7, 2026
JOHNSTOWN - The margin for error shrinks quickly in February, and both Montgomery and Saucon Valley enter Saturday's first round of consolations at the PIAA Class AA Team Wrestling Championships knowing exactly what's at stake. One team will extend its season at the 1st Summit Arena at the Cambria County War Memorial. The other will see its dual‑meet run come to an end.
Montgomery arrives with momentum and depth, having defeated Montoursville twice this season - a tight 33–30 decision in January and a convincing 44–23 victory in the District 4 Duals semifinals. Saucon Valley also topped Montoursville, earning a 36–30 win in the opening round of the state tournament. Those results offer a clear picture of how these two programs match up.
The Red Raiders bring five ranked wrestlers into the dual, giving them firepower spread across the lineup.
- 114: Gabe Oberheim, No. 6
- 121: Liam Seeley, No. 20
- 127: Carden Wagner, No. 18
- 145: Brandt Harer, No. 2
- 152: Trace Furman, No. 16
Saucon Valley counters with two ranked standouts of its own, both capable of swinging momentum early:
- 114: Gavin Chunko, No. 23
- 127: Carter Chunko, No. 1
The dual's opening weights could set the tone. Saucon Valley has been explosive in the lower weights all season, and the Panthers' early surge against Montoursville proved how quickly they can build a lead. But Montgomery's strength at 114 and 121 gives the Red Raiders a chance to answer immediately. The matchup at 114 between Oberheim and Gavin Chunko is one of the most compelling bouts of the round, featuring two ranked wrestlers with contrasting styles.
At 127, Saucon Valley’s Carter Chunko enters as the top‑ranked wrestler in Pennsylvania and a proven bonus‑point threat. Montgomery's Wagner, ranked No. 18, will look to keep the match under control and prevent the Panthers from stretching the margin.
From there, the dual shifts toward Montgomery’s strongest territory. Harer, ranked No. 2 at 145, and Furman, ranked No. 16 at 152, anchor a middle‑weight group that has been reliable all season. The Red Raiders used this stretch to take command in both Montoursville victories, and they may need a similar surge to counter Saucon Valley's early firepower.
The upper weights have also been a steady advantage for Montgomery. Their performances at 189 through heavyweight were decisive in both wins over Montoursville, while Saucon Valley struggled in those same matchups. If the dual remains close entering the final four bouts, the Red Raiders will be in favorable position.
Both teams have shown they can score bonus points, and both have shown vulnerability in spots. With ranked wrestlers on each side and contrasting strengths across the lineup, Saturday's dual shapes up as a classic consolation‑round battle — one defined by discipline, momentum, and the ability to win key swing matches.
Montgomery and Saucon Valley have taken different paths to Johnstown, but they meet with the same reality: win and advance, or see the season end on the War Memorial floor.
