Bergen Catholic made a definitive statement in its wrestling matchup with league foe DePaul. The top-ranked team in New Jersey dominated what some had anticipated would be a close match, winning 51-12.

The Spartans came into the match also ranked in the state's Top 10. But Bergen Catholic opened the evening by winning a pair of toss-up matches, making it clear that the Crusaders were not primed for an upset. BC went on to capture 11 of the 14 bouts.

Pete Lipari's takedown in the final seconds at 126 pounds set the tone for the Crusaders, as he defeated Matt Noble 3-1. At 132 pounds, Shane Griffith defeated William Kui 8-3 to continue the fast start for the visitors.

Joe Grello scored a big pin for BC at 170 pounds, catching Spencer Carey during a scramble just 55 seconds into the bout. Conner O'Brien, Evan Quinn and Nick Suriano also recorded falls for the Crusaders.

DePaul's only pin came from its defending state champion, Dave McFadden, at 160 pounds. It was a tough first loss of the year for the Spartans, who fall to 11-1.

Bergen Catholic is now 8-1. The Crusaders fell to prep superpower Blair Academy, 29-21, over the weekend; Blair is ranked #1 in the nation by one organization and is in the top three in all of the national rankings, but is not included in the New Jersey state rankings.

For sports video highlights of this Big North Conference United Division high school wrestling match, click play in the box at left.