. Neshaminy, Rock ready to rumble Fans attending tonight's wrestling showdown between Neshaminy and Council Rock high schools know they'll see a good match. That's a given. But, most of the fans who'll crowd into Council Rock's gym for the 7:30 p.m. start are hoping to see one particular bout. Rock coach C.D. Mock said he'll send out undefeated junior Rocky Mantella for the 145-pound bout. It is uncertain whom Neshaminy will choose to challenge Mantella. Fans undoubtedly are hoping that Neshaminy senior Michael Pirozzola, who's been competing all season at 152 pounds, also weighs in at 145. Pirozzola is a defending state champion and two-time runner-up. He's earned a scholarship to Lehigh University. "Think about it," Mock said. "This would probably be the best matchup in Lower Bucks in probably a decade. It would be a great thing for the sport." Mock isn't necessarily predicting victory for Mantella, who placed second in the state a year ago. "On paper, Pirozzola beats Mantella," the coach said. Even if Pirozzola and Mantella tangle, there will be 12 other bouts that will determine a winner and champion. Neshaminy (10-0 overall) and Council Rock (9-2) are both 9-0 in the Suburban One League Patriot Division. The match is traditionally scheduled for early in the season, but usually moved till the end because of its magnitude. Both coaches are predicting a nail-biter. "I think it's going to be a great match," said Neshaminy's Vic Stanley. Added Mock: "I anticipate it going down to the wire." Stanley will be making his second appearance at Council Rock since retiring as the Indians coach midway through the 1991-92 season. He spent 24 years with the Indians. A retired Council Rock science teacher at Council Rock, Stanley is hoping that his return trip provides fonder memories than his first. Rock ripped Neshaminy, 36-15, two years ago. The match will be memorable for Stanley - win or lose. During his reign at Rock, he coached Mock and CR assistants Jeff Sipler and Vince Bedesem. "They're my kids," Stanley said of the Rock coaching trio. Still, Stanley's Council Rock days are long behind him. In fact, Council Rock was two jobs ago. He also coached at Archbishop Wood before the plum job at Neshaminy opened up. About his ties to Council Rock, Stanley says simply, "I'm now the head wrestling coach at Neshaminy High School." Council Rock will be putting a 32-match SOL winning streak on the line. The Indians also hold a narrow 20-19-1 lead in the all-time series. Those stats won't mean much tonight. The match will be decided by several key bouts. At 112 pounds, Rock's Tom Martin will likely face Jon Denny. At 130, Rock's Joe Ziemba will probably meet Rich Palmer. Mock said that if CR's losing streak is to end, Neshaminy will have to end it, because his wrestlers are healthy and at their ideal weights. "I couldn't ask for more," he said. "I have no excuses." Prediction: Neshaminy, 28-22. By TOM WARING Courier Times E-mail Friday, February 11, 2000