The varsity wrestling team opened its section dual season Wednesday night with a win at Peters Township.

The dual was highly anticipated considering both teams are among the top in the WPIAL and have a traditional rivalry that precedes them.

Last year, the Indians topped the Hawks 36-23 in front of BP alumni.

This year, the Hawks flipped the script, winning decisively 47-16.

The dual started a little rocky for the Hawks as they trailed 10-0 after the first two bouts.

At 107 pounds, Aws Al Saadi lost by fall, and at 114 pounds, Jaden Palombine lost by major decision.

Pierce Reinhart got the Hawks on the board first with a regular decision at 121 pounds.

At 127 pounds, Seth Miller picked up a quick pin for the Hawks to put them within one point of the Indians.

Aden Stout scored a late takedown followed by three nearfall points to force overtime in his 133-pound bout. He took his opponent down straight to his back and pinned him. This gave the Hawks a 15-10 lead.

Caleb Crawford earned a forfeit at 139 pounds to extend the Hawks’ lead to 21-10.

At 145 pounds, Mason Kernan put on a takedown clinic en route to a technical fall. This widened Bethel’s lead to 26-10.

The Hawks then gave up two in a row to Peters’ top dogs at 152 (Ethan Higgins) and 160 pounds (Cordan McDonnell).

A.J. Tomaino got the Hawks back in the win column with his pin at 172 pounds.

At 189 pounds, Ryan Walsh made his season debut and walked away with a regular decision.

Heading into the final two bouts, the Hawks had a 35-16 advantage.

The Hawks added insult to injury with Hunter Goelz’s pin at 215 pounds followed by Landon Hartman’s pin at 285 pounds.

Next up for the Hawks (5-1) is the prestigious Powerade Tournament at Canon McMillan High School on Dec. 29 and 30.

Following the holidays, they host Upper St. Clair on Jan. 3.