3A-1 Preview: Creekside going for district three-peat
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Last season: Six district finalists powered Creekside to a 31.5 point win over Fletcher and a second-straight district title.
How did Kabra do?: We picked Creekside to win a tight district and tabbed the Senators as a team to watch.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Colton Leavell (Creekside), Cole Anderson (Creekside), Mario DiBella (Bartram Trail), Vladislav Chechkovsky (Tocoi Creek), Connor Barnes (Oakleaf), Ghais Cooper (Oakleaf), Jonathan Morrison (Creekside), Mason Damis (Bartram Trail), Elias Twigg (Fletcher), Jeremiah Baker (Oakleaf), Bryant Taylor (Oakleaf), Theodore Brase (Fletcher), Kyle Brown (Sandalwood), John Antonucci (Tocoi Creek)
The favorite: Creekside. Two straight district titles + a solid group coming back = the team to beat in this district.
Team to watch: Oakleaf. The Knights have won three straight district titles in Class 2A and they move up to challenge in this district.
District duals: Saturday, January 11 at Fletcher
District IBT: Monday, February 17 at Fletcher
Creekside Knights (#9/#6)
Coach: Rick Marabell (17th season)
Assistant coaches: John Highsmith, Chase Diehl
23-24 dual record: 29-2
Recent district results: 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:2; 2021:2; 2020:3; 2019:2-2A4; 2018:2-2A4; 2017:1-2A4; 2016:2-2A4; 2015:2-2A4; 2014:1-2A4; 2013:3-2A3; 2012:2-2A3
Last state champion: Shane Carpenter, 2013 (195)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tristen Darling, 32-20, SQ, R4, D3; Joseph Bartels, 31-16, RQ, D4; Curtis Wright, Jr., 22-17, RQ-BR, D2 (Transfer to Palatka)
Notable returning wrestlers: Colton Leavell, Sr., 41-7, SQ, RC, D2; Cole Anderson, Sr., 46-7, 7th, R4, DC; Jonathan Morrison, Sr., 39-14, SQ, R4, D4; Luke Manghisi, So., 36-10, RQ, D2; Santiago Carrion, Jr., 40-10, SQ, R3, DC; Justin Umali, Sr., 39-10, RQ-BR, D2; Stephan Carrion, Sr., 27-6, RQ, D3; Larry Mims, Jr., 32-18, RQ, D4; Santana Hernandez, So., 10-8, RQ, D3.
New wrestlers: Luke Mims, Fr.; James Druda, Fr.; Kaleb Brux, Fr.
What they are saying: “This may be the strongest and complete boys team that we’ve put on the mat at Creekside from 106 to 285.”
On the depth of this team: “I have five incoming freshmen that have a decent wrestling background and I would say that three of them are going to probably start. With a team with our depth, that’s pretty good.”
On Cole Anderson: “I’m excited for him. He committed to Air Force to play football and he’s very athletic for a heavyweight. I think he can win it all.”
Outlook: Creekside’s program is defined by consistency and depth and this team is no different. The Knights are built to be a very strong duals team this year and don’t be surprised if they’re competing on Saturday in the state duals in Kissimmee.
The Florida High School Wrestling Season District Previews
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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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Oakleaf Knights (#18/#8)
Coach: Rory Roderick (2nd season)
Assistant coach: Bryce Green
Recent district results: 2024:1-2A3; 2023:1-2A3; 2022:1; 2021:3; 2020:2; 2019:5; 2018:4; 2017:6; 2016:6; 2015:3-2A3; 2014:3-2A3; 2013:7-2A3; 2012:10-2A3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Keon Barrientos, 19-6, SQ, R3, D2; Christopher McKeel, Jr., 16-14, RQ, D3 (Transfer to Middleburg); Micah Thomas, Jr., 28-18, SQ, R4, D3 (Transfer to Middleburg); Sebastian Bonachea, Jr., 37-3, 3rd, RC, DC (Transfer to Fleming Island)
Notable returning wrestlers: Jeremiah Baker, Sr., 25-13, SQ, R3, DC; Ghais Cooper, Sr., 24-8, RQ-BR, DC; Connor Barnes, Jr., 34-14, SQ, R4, D2; Kellon Duncan, Sr., 28-14, RQ, DC; Daquan Beachham, Jr., 12-11, RQ, D3; Evan Brown, Jr., 22-19, RQ, D2; Jacob McClintic, Sr., 13-20, RQ, D4; Angel Rodriguez, Sr., 9-2; Diego Roldan, Sr., 1-2; Cornell Moses, So., 16-16; Bryant Taylor, So.; Germain Hardley, Sr., 13-13.
New wrestlers: Braden Davis; Jeremiah Flynn; Ari Simon; Daniel Israel; Brandon Littleton; Preston Lewis; Josiah Edwards.
What they are saying: “We have natural athletes that enjoy working hard and have a desire to win.”
Outlook: After two straight district titles in 2A-3, the Knights are back in 3A-1 and looking for a fourth straight district title. Coach Roderick has returned to the program after leaving education briefly. He’s excited to be back and plans to continue building a program that has been thriving since 2020.
Fletcher Senators
Coach: Joe Stetzer (4th at school/10th overall)
Assistant coach: Mark Smilek
23-24 dual record: 20-5
Recent district results: 2024:2; 2023:3; 2022:1-2A3; 2021:1-2A3; 2020:1-2A3; 2019:3; 2018:5; 2017:3; 2016:9; 2015:7; 2014:4; 2013:2; 2012:2
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Cole O'Brien, 53-4, 3rd, R2, DC; Joseph Kohlhaas, 30-7, 8th, R3, D3; Elisha Purdy, 21-17, RQ, D3; Bryson Henson, 9-15.
Notable returning wrestlers: Elias Twigg, Sr., 41-7, 6th, R2, DC; Theodore Brase, Jr., 45-16, RQ-BR, DC; Killian Lonergan, So., 30-17, RQ, D4; Noah Stidfole, Sr., 32-14, RQ-BR, D2; Landon Locantora, Sr., 33-15, RQ-BR, DC; Kingston Moquin, So., 10-15, RQ, D4; Lashawn Powell, Jr., 15-19, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers: Christian Nesby, Sr. (Transfer from California); Josiah Twigg, Fr.
What they’re saying: “The team is constantly competing. They are competing at all weight classes in the room to get mat time in matches and the cream is rising to the top.”
On the mix of the team: “We have both experience returning as well some younger guys coming into the lineups.”
Outlook: Fletcher returns state placer Twigg to lead a group that is two-deep at most weights with varsity-level wrestlers. The competition in the room will have them ready for the big matches later in the year.
Tocoi Creek Toros
Coach: Darick Dunham (4th at school/15th total)
Assistant coaches: John O'Shea, Doug Maritato, Steve Griffel
23-24 dual record: 6-7
Recent district results: 2024:3; 2023:3-1A4; 2022:6-1A4
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Mike Soffian, 8-8, RQ, D2; Willie Sims, 30-12, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Vladislav Chechkovsky, So., 44-7, SQ, RC, DC; John Antonucci, So., 31-10, RQ, D2; Aidan Hubbell, Sr., 25-15, SQ, R4, D3; Nikita Chechkovsky, So., 35-9, RQ, D3; Daniel Hageman, Sr., 26-14, D5; Alessandro Bazan, Jr., 24-16, RQ, D3; Landon Caviness, So.
New wrestler: Rex Graff, Sr., RQ, D4 (Transfer from Yulee); Finn Uhler; KC Hunt
What they are saying: “We are in our 4th year as a start-up program. We are beginning to create a brand our wrestlers, parents, school and community can be proud.”
Outlook: The Toros have built a deep room in just four years and this year should reap the benefits of it with talented depth at some weight classes. Two state qualifiers return in Vladislav Chechkovsky and Hubbell and they’ll look to bring some more teammates with them to Kissimmee this season.
Sandalwood Saints
Coach: Ron Reidell (Fourth season)
Assistant coach: Casey Gibson
23-24 dual record: 4-5
Recent district results: 2024:4; 2023:4; 2022:6; 2021:7; 2020:6; 2019:6; 2018:8; 2017:4; 2016:4; 2015:4; 2014:7; 2013:6; 2012:4
Last state champion: Tim Mellot, 1985 (138)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Malik Wilson, 28-10, RQ-BR, D2; Malachi Mista, 45-4, 5th, R3, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kyle Brown, Sr., 38-21, 6th, R3, DC; Qalani Cobb, Sr., 17-10; Jace Tharp, So., 9-11, RQ, D5; Mycah Shrewberry, So., 6-10, RQ, D5; Ry Miller, So., 5-7, RQ, D4; Seth Mleczynski, Sr., 15-10; Adam Goodman, Sr., 16-25, D5; Lincoln Boyette, So., 20-19, RQ, D4; Thomas Graham, Sr., 22-18, RQ, D2.
Outlook: State placer Brown is back to lead a team that returns seven region qualifiers from last year’s fourth-place district team.
Nease Panthers
Coach: Bradley Lucas (6th season/12th overall)
Assistant coaches: Chuck Rutan, Phil Mauro, Olivia Carr
23-24 dual record: 7-19
Recent district results: 2024:5; 2023:5; 2022:3; 2021:6; 2020:5; 2019:6-2A4; 2018:3-2A4; 2017:3-2A4; 2016:4-2A4; 2015:5-2A4; 2014:5-2A4; 2013:9-2A3; 2012:11-2A3
Last state champion: David Bell, 2010 (189), Chris Taylor, 2010 (171)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Alan Rivera, 45-5, 3rd, RC, DC; Lucian Slayden, 27-15, RQ-BR, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jason Choi, Sr., 29-7, RQ-BR, D2; Dane Hofman, So., 21-17, RQ, D2; Brady Stoutamire, Sr., 12-12, RQ, D4; Eric Albert; Carter Kelly; Michael Yee; Sebastian Kiss; Nate Severt; Jordan McStine
What they are saying: “Our team is committed to hard work, sportsmanship, and getting better every day. We have a core group of returning wrestlers that are good examples, both on and off the mat, for our newer wrestlers.”
On Jason Choi: “We do have a good group of kids that are returning this year and those include Jason Choi. He made it to the region semifinals last year and then dislocated his shoulder and only lost by a couple points in that one, fell to the blood round, and had the kid on his back with one arm but ended up getting pinned. He’s coming back for us.”
On the moment it clicks: “It’s so gratifying as a coach and it’s so nice to see whenever a wrestler has it click for them. Wrestling is one of the toughest sports. It has one of the biggest learning curves and a lot of guys shy away if they take a few losses their first year. It takes a special kind of person to get through that adversity and continue to enjoy our sport.”
On connection with football: “Coach Straff has been such a wonderful addition to our school. We both came in around the same time and right off the bat he saw the benefits of having football players that wrestle. Alan Rivera was a 190 pounds and the staring right guard on the football team his senior year. Coach Staff told me that there was no way he’d get him off the football field because there’s no way to replace that competitive spirit along with dealing the adversity and battles that come day in and day out in wrestling. It builds and reveals character that the other sports just can’t.”
Outlook: The Panthers said goodbye to two strong leaders in Rivera and Slayden but there are two seniors ready to step in in Choi and Stoutamire and some other younger guys ready for their chance to prove themselves.
Bartram Trail Bears (#25/NR)
Coaches: Sam Harris/Johan Olarte (Second season)
Assistant coaches: Matthew Rodriguez, Alonzo Davis, Thomas McCane, Rich Maritato
23-24 dual record: 8-8
Recent district results: 2024:7; 2023:2; 2022:4; 2021:5; 2020:4; 2019:3-2A4; 2018:4-2A4; 2017:2-2A4; 2016:3-2A4; 2015:3-2A4; 2014:4-2A4; 2012:9-2A3
Last state champion: Ethan Vugman, 2023 (126)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jacob George, 35-13, 6th, R2, DC; Grady Hutchinson, 28-13, RQ, D2; Nathaniel Lacey, 20-17, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Mason Damis, So., 21-7, RQ, DC; Mario DiBella, So.; Carmen DiBella, Jr.; Charlie Thompson, So.
What they are saying: “Last year was a great year for cultural foundational setting. We got a lot of buy in from our returners and great support from our seniors. And so that was as a success. The cool thing is that we get to have a lot of fun this year, whereas last year was work, work, work, work and get after it. That buy in was really showing last year and so we’re looking forward to having a lot of fun this year.”
On the culture: “We are essentially building each other up and not basing success just on the mat performances but overall performances of everything the kids do. We really preach hard in terms of personal development and to not find sole success in wins and losses and medals. But also understanding that those things are a byproduct of what the real success it.“
On the four notable returners: “I think those four guys are going to be some of the ones to look our for. They’ve showed a lot of determination and we’re really excited what kind of level the rest of the room can bring.”
Outlook: Last year’s season was a transitional one in the program that still saw success with George placing sixth in the state. The group that is back has bought into the program and should start the rewards of that this season.
Mandarin Mustangs
Coach: Andrew Stensrud (First season)
Recent district results: 2024:6; 2023:7; 2022:5; 2021:4; 2020:7; 2019:7; 2018:7; 2017:7; 2016:8; 2015:6; 2014:8; 2013:7; 2012:6
Last state champion: Billy Osborne, 1997 (171)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Bradley Mier, SQ, R4, DC; Isaiah Diltz, RQ, D3; Ryan Sirico, RQ, D2; William Jackson, RQ-BR, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Brendan Warren, Jr., RQ, D3; Christian Ryan, Sr., D6; Leo Dominguez, Sr.
What they are saying: “I don't know that I'm trying to change anything that Coach Wales started. I think I'm just trying to expand upon it and push our guys, especially since we've got such a young team right now, push them to be competing at a state level.”
On Christian Ryan: “He’s currently in football and I’m hoping I can get him into the room sooner rather than later. He made huge strides between his sophomore and junior year and I’m really excited to see what he’s going to bring this year. I know he’s done some offseason training, gone to camps, done some freestyle and Greco tournaments over the summer. He’s a great leader and drives the team forward.”
On cultural changes in the sport: “I came from an area where wrestling is a pretty popular sport to being in North Florida, where it is not nearly as popular. I come from a town where kids start wrestling between 6 and 8 and are pretty seasoned wrestlers by the time they enter high school where most of my guys here are stepping on the mat for the first time as a freshman or sophomore, so there’s a pretty steep learning curve.”
Outlook: Stensrud takes over the program. He was born and raised in Montana and wrestled in college in South Dakota. He worked as an assistant coach under Ben Wales and moved up to the top spot after Wales stepped down from being head coach.
Atlantic Coast Stingrays
Coach: Hector Zayas
Recent district results: 2024:9; 2023:6; 2022:8; 2021:8; 2020:8; 2019:10; 2018:10; 2017:9; 2016:5; 2015:8; 2014:5; 2013:8-2A3; 2012:7-2A3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Hayden Brodehl, 28-9, D5.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Mason Kaye, Jr., 24-18, RQ, D3; Arjun Lamba, Sr., 19-13, RQ, D4.
New wrestler:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
First Coast Buccaneers
Coach: Tanner Tenopir
Recent district results: 2024:8; 2023:8; 2022:7; 2021:5-2A3; 2020:4-2A3; 2019:9; 2018:9; 2017:10; 2016:10; 2015:5; 2014:6; 2013:5; 2012:8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Alphonso Parsons, 17-10, RQ, D3; Storm Ward, 16-10, RQ, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Brighton Karanja, Jr., 10-15, RQ, D4.