1A-6 Preview: Multiple teams with title pedigree to battle it out in loaded group
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: In a closer finish than the year before, The Villages again topped Mount Dora at the top, this time by 27 points.
How did Kabra do?: We had two teams listed as favorites and then picked the wrong one to win the title.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Jeremiah Chavis (Hernando), Daniel Young (Weeki Wachee), Colton Fickett (Mount Dora), Angel Prieto (Bishop Moore), Shaw Garrett (Hernando), Nicholas Guy (Weeki Wachee), Ricky Bowermaster (Weeki Wachee), Kian Blyss (Hernando), Aaron Spratt (The Villages), Dominic Buckwalter (Nature Coast), Cannon Sommer (Mount Dora), Kaden Etheridge (Nature Coast)
The favorites: Weeki Wachee. The 1A-5 champions from a year ago get the edge here with 12 of there 14 starters back.
Team to watch: Hernando. The Leopards have a good deal coming back and have added some big pieces this offseason.
District duals: Tuesday, January 7 at Nature Coast, 3:30 p.m.
District IBT: Wednesday, February 19 at Weeki Wachee, 1:30 p.m.
Weeki Wachee Hornets (#13/#15)
Coach: Joe Felice (13th at school)
Assistant coach: Patrick McHugh
Recent district results: 2024:1-1A5; 2023:1-1A5; 2022:3-1A5; 2021:5; 2020:2; 2019:2; 2018:2; 2017:2; 2016:1; 2015:3; 2014:5; 2013:7-1A8; 2012:8-1A8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jordan Jandro, 33-14, SQ, R4, DC; Dante Sauter, 26-19, RQ, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: Ricky Bowermaster, Sr., 41-6, 6th, RC, DC; Nicholas Guy, Sr., 32-10, 8th, R3, DC; Diego Maysonet, Jr., 29-14, RQ-BR, D2; Levi Chancey, So., 35-11, RQ, D3; Daniel Young, Sr., 30-19, RQ, D2; Dominic Pace, Sr., 33-13, RQ, DC; Eryk Marcuccio, Sr., 26-14, RQ, DC; Jean Cintron, Jr., RQ, D3; Ryder Richardson, Sr., 15-19, RQ, D3; James Nielson, So., 6-7, RQ, D4.
New wrestler: Ricky Corbett, Sr. (Transfer from Springfield)
What they are saying: “We have an experienced group of wrestlers with 12 of the 14 varsity starters returning this year.”
Outlook: The two-time defending district champions have moved over to 1A-6 and will look to continue that success this season. There’s a good mix of wrestlers in this room and we expect them to be competitive for more trophies.
The Florida High School Wrestling Season District Previews
Click on link to see preview
Class 3A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 2A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 1A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Girls: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
District Predictions: All 64 projected final IBT standings
Other content: Transfers | Coaching changes | Tournament schedule | Dual schedule | Team schedules
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Hernando Leopards (#10/#17)
Coach: David Pritz (13th season)
Assistant Coach: Kenneth Day, Brian Pena, Heaven-Leigh Jackson, Josh Hulse
23-24 dual record: 17-6
Recent district results: 2024:2-1A5; 2023:2-1A5; 2022:1-1A5; 2021:1; 2020:1; 2019:1; 2018:1; 2017:1; 2016:2; 2015:6; 2014:6; 2013:5-2A7; 2012:4-2A7
Last state champion: Devin Williams, 2023 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Kyle Pearson, 41-16, SQ, R3, D2; Morgan Johnston, 39-14, 8th, R3, D2; Cael Phillips, 21-16, SQ, R4, D2; Marcus Silas, 22-14, RQ-BR, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Shaw Garrett, Jr., 42-6, 5th, RC, DC; Kian Blyss, Jr., 43-12, SQ, R4, DC; Cael Helm, Jr., 31-13, RQ-BR, DC; Jesse Thomas, Sr., 22-22, RQ, D2; Jacob Fetzner, Jr., 25-15, RQ, D2; Branson Dodge, So., 13-16, RQ, D3; Breyen Rodriguez, Sr., 4-13, RQ, D4; Wiley Blair, Jr., 13-19, RQ, D5.
New wrestlers: Noah Leota, Fr., 37-20, RQ, D4 (Transfer from Zephyrhills Christian); Jeremiah Chavis, Fr., 63-7, 2nd, RC, DC (Transfer from Zephyrhills Christian)
What they are saying: "I think we have to take a step forward and I think this is a team to do it. I think we're going to be a better team than last year and hopefully we can get some more guys on the podium."
On Chavis: "I think he's a guy that can kind of do what Grace (Leota) did for the girls team. You must have guys that can elevate the whole room and he's going to come into the room and I think do that. He's an extremely hard worker and he's going to show everyone what it takes."
On Shaw Garrett: "I think he's a guy that can take a next step and move up the podium. I think he's good enough to be a state finalist type kid. He's been working hard this summer."
Outlook: Chavis will make an instant impact in the team both in competition and in the room. He has the potential to be a program-changing leader as a wrestler who has already reached a state final. The Leopards are looking to keep building on their season from a year ago and hoping to get their first district title since 2022.
The Villages Buffalo
Coach: Joe Cummings (1st at school, 3rd total)
Assistant coaches: Shane Bartrum, Gary Sorace
Recent district results: 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:2-1A5; 2021:3-1A7; 2020:3-1A7; 2019:2-1A7; 2018:2-1A7; 2017:4-1A7; 2016:4-1A7; 2015:6-1A5; 2014:3-1A5; 2013:3-1A5; 2012:3-1A5
Last state champion: Colton Jackson, 2013 (160), Taylor Jackson, 2013 (182)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Nicholas Caudill, 39-9, SQ, R4, DC; Jayce Charpentier, 9-5; Karson Stanage, 42-12, RQ-BR, DC.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Jonathan Overstreet, Sr., 26-18, SQ, R4, DC; Owen Stillinger, Jr., 29-21, RQ, D2; Aaron Spratt, Sr., 32-17, SQ, R4, DC; Wyatt Overstreet, So., 29-19, RQ, D2; David Dunn, Jr., 16-9, RQ, DC; Jesse Nelson, Sr., 28-20, RQ, D2; Randall Rose-Jimenez, Sr., 11-16, RQ, D4; Brock Merrill, Sr., 23-20, RQ, D4; Hunter Hawkin, Jr., 16-11, RQ, D4; Ethan Caudill, So., 17-11, D5.
New wrestler: David Mooney, So., RQ, D4 (Transfer from Auburndale)
What they are saying: “I think there’s a lot of potential here. We’ve got a lot of hardworking kids and there is some untapped potential that we can develop in the coming years.”
On this young team: “We had a lot of brand-new wrestlers from last year, we’re going to have some new kids this year. We’ve had a good summer training and getting in the weight room. We’re just trying to get the kids embrace working hard an taking on the challenges ahead. We want to get them to fall in love with the progress.”
On team goals: “We have had some kids work really hard this summer and have the potential to do some things individually. We’re going to try to put together the best dual roster we can as well.”
Outlook: The Buffalo have won two straight district titles and while the district grew tougher through reclassification, they’ll still be one of the top teams to beat in it.
Nature Coast Technical Sharks (NR/#19)
Coach: Mark Murray (Sixth season)
Assistant coach: Chak Ross
23-24 dual record: 27-12
Recent district results: 2024:4-1A5; 2023:3-1A5; 2022:5-1A5; 2021:9; 2020:4; 2019:3; 2018:3; 2017:4; 2016:4; 2015:3; 2014:2; 2013:2-2A7; 2012:3-2A7
Last state champion: Brandon Vovan, 2013 (160)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Andrew Williams, 31-10, RQ, D4; Tyler Mann, 19-6, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kaden Etheridge, Sr., 38-8, SQ, R2, D2; Dominic Buckwalter, Jr., 41-10, SQ, RC, DC; Ben Goyeneche, Jr., 35-11, SQ, R4, DC; Kahleal Henry, Sr., 35-12, RQ-BR, D2; Zackary Myers, Jr., 31-15, RQ, D3; William Hanson, Sr., 24-16, RQ, D4; Riley Darby, So., 12-8, RQ, D4; Jeramiah Rodriguez, So., 12-7, RQ, D3.
What they are saying: “We are solid and experienced. The wrestlers that didn’t make states last season made deep runs at regionals.”
Outlook: The Sharks return three state qualifiers and a group of region qualifiers that are looking to take the next step and join them this season in Kissimmee. Etheridge is looking to finish his wrestling career as a three-time state qualifier.
Mount Dora Hurricanes
Coach: David Kemmy (4th season, 31st overall)
Assistant coaches: Chris Navarro, Brier Babin
23-24 dual record: 17-3
Recent district results: 2024:2; 2023:2; 2022:1.
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Anthony Dawson, 43-10, 7th, RC, DC; Russell Fickett, 49-6, 5th, R3, DC; Aiden Morillo, 30-20, SQ, R3, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Colton Fickett, Jr., 33-12, SQ, R4, DC; Cannon Sommer, So., 33-2; Henry Vasquez, So., 25-23, RQ, D2; Bayro Vasquez, So., 18-17, RQ, D2; Brayden Brown, Sr., 9-8; Ernest Long, So., 19-15, RQ, D3; Sam Aponte, So., 18-31, RQ, D4; Connor Berry, Sr., 18-16, RQ, D3; Shaddiel Torres, Jr., 12-8, RQ, D3.
New wrestlers: Damian Quinonez, Fr.; Lord Cruz, Sr.; EJ Balderas, Sr.
What they are saying: “We have 10 returning starters and a host of returnees with experience. A lot of guys will go a long way in terms of our success.”
On how to get better: “The key is to refine their technique. A lot of guys in their first year get by on athletic ability and strength. It’s refining that technique so that they can place in regions and go to states.”
On building the program: “The first year, basically 99% of them were learning the sport. The second year was probably about 75% of them last year was 60%. This year is going to be much lower than that so having the experience in the room should make a big difference.”
Outlook: The Hurricanes are young, but they do have experience now. The Hurricanes are deep enough to have competitive wrestle-offs and the ones that come out on top will be ready to make some noise this season.
Bishop Moore Hornets
Coach: Troy Reed (1st season)
Assistant coaches: Dakota Voltolina, Dylan Fudge, Neil Bittong, Juan Arroyave
23-24 dual record: 13-11
Recent district results: 2024:5; 2023:3; 2022:3; 2021:2-1A7; 2020:2-1A7; 2019:3-1A7; 2018:3-1A7; 2017:2-1A7; 2016:2-1A7; 2015:3-1A7; 2014:4-1A7; 2013:5-1A5; 2012:4-1A5
Last state champion: Max Wohlabaugh, 2014 (138)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Andrew Voltolina, 24-16, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Angel Prieto, Jr., 53-6, 6th, R3, DC; William Thrash, Sr., 19-18, RQ-BR, DC; Conner Williams, Jr., 19-17, RQ, D2; Joseph Romano, Jr., 26-14, RQ, D2; Mark Marino, So., 9-13, RQ, D3; Kaiden Le, Jr.
New wrestler: Aiden Jenkins, Jr., 16-8 (Transfer from Lake Nona)
What they are saying: “I think our program is going to surprise a lot of people this year. It has been a long time since Bishop Moore has been spoken about in high regards, and our kids take that personally.”
On Angel Prieto’s leadership: “I think that they noticed him doing things last year that they were not doing and then they saw his success at the end of the year and realized that’s what it takes to be that next level. He’s a huge leader on the team, taking guys under his wing, showing them wrestling and talking about when wrestling is going on. He had kids at his house just to watch Super 32. He’s been an amazing leader and we are lucky to have him for two more years.”
On changing Bishop Moore mindset: “When I came in, there wasn’t really and rapport there with the administration. We had a couple years where the program didn’t go out of its way to show the level of commitment that my staff has now. Now they see that there is coach and staff that is really interested in building the program and it’s been really easy.”
On this year’s team: “We had 50-60 kids show up at our interest meeting. Last year we were a little short, bringing eight or nine kids to every single tournament. I think this year we’re going to have a full lineup. We’re going to be a different team.”
Outlook: This team is benefitting from year round training with a majority of them having wrestled over 80 matches heading into the season. Expect this team to be better than last year’s as it returns to being a consistently tough program.
The First Academy Royals
Coach: Michael Weeldreyer
Recent district results: 2024:4; 2023:5; 2022:6; 2021:7-1A7; 2020:7-1A7; 2019:5-1A7; 2018:5-1A7; 2017:6-1A7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Nicholas Bittner, 42-14, 8th, R4, DC; Gianni Moreno, 13-14, RQ, D2; Brady Roehrig, 4-14, RQ, D4; Ethan Reilly, Fr., 28-5, SQ, R3, DC (Transfer to Lake Highland Prep)
Notable returning wrestlers: Quinn Sweeney, Fr., 14-20, RQ, D3; Jackson Bittner, Fr., 20-19, RQ, D3; Zach Ward, So., 12-15, RQ, D4; Jack Millar, Sr., 7-12, RQ, D4; Kyler Priester, So., 5-18, RQ, D5.Outlook:
Brooksville Central Bears
Coach: Don Duncan (2nd season)
Recent district results: 2024:6-1A5; 2023:6-1A5; 2022:6-1A5; 2021:6; 2020:7; 2019:6; 2018:7; 2017:7; 2016:8; 2015:10; 2014:8; 2013:6-2A7; 2012:5-2A7
Last state champion: Michael Mallin, 1997 (189)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Amon Grimes, So., 29-17, RQ, D4; Aljandro Treto, So., 28-16, RQ, D4; Wilberto Luna, So., 14-19, RQ, D4; Christopher Merritt, So., 21-38, RQ, D4.
What they’re saying: “The program is definitely in a rebuilding phase. I'm not sure what happened to Central in the past, but when I came down two years ago, I volunteered half the season, and there were eight kids. The next season, I became head coach and I did some recruiting in the school. I ended up with 35 kids, brand new to wrestling who had never wrestled before. And last year, I took four of them to regions and this year, I'm probably looking at at least 41 kids.”
On team culture: “My philosophy is be a good person, get good grades, and do something you love. And then I always tell the kids, during the season when I teach a move in practice and we're at tournaments, I don't care if you win or lose, because if you go out there and you try something and you lose, then we come back to practice, we can correct what you did wrong, and in my eyes, you just won. I think that takes a lot of pressure off the kids, and that's probably the bigger reason why I've been such an explosion in the program over the last two years.”
On developing an inexperienced team: “Last year, because I had 35 brand-new wrestlers, I had to keep everything really basic. No one knew how to wrestle, no one knew how to move like a wrestler, so everything was basic moves. Towards the end of the season, we got into a little more of refining the moves, I would say. Then over the summer, I spent some time with the kids, through open mats, and we are getting into more technical, more advanced moves.”
Outlook: The program has had starts and stops and now has the consistency of a second season under Duncan.
First Academy-Leesburg
Coach: Anthony Torres
Assistant coaches: Taylor Jackson, Rene Soto
Click here for the 24-25 schedule
Recent district results: 2024:7; 2023:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Ciaran Braton, Jr., 20-15, RQ, D2.
New wrestlers: River Jass; Corbin Helm; Chase Simmons; Job Weaver; Cesar Quinones
Outlook: The first two seasons the team had only been Braton, but they’re starting to grow the team this year.