3A-8 Preview: North Port and Palmetto battle for district title, respect
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Palmetto Ridge ran away with the title while North Port moved into the second spot.
How did Kabra do?: We picked the correct winner, but we thought it would be close with fellow now-Class 2A Riverdale, but it was North Port who stunned us.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: CJ McCutcheon (Sarasota Riverview), Jacob Wyatt (Palmetto), Jeson Carbajal (Palmetto), Massimo Pellicano (Venice), Lochlyn Harris (North Port), Kase Hopper (Venice), Anthony Farnot (Fort Myers Gateway), Nash Hudgens (North Port), Nevan Nadeau (Palmetto), Derrique Mytial (Fort Myers Gateway), Austin Nappi (North Port)
The favorite: North Port. It’s a coin flip really. The top two teams in this district are both loaded with state-ranked dual teams.
Team to watch: Palmetto. The Tigers are wrestling with a chip on their shoulder as they want to earn the respect they deserve.
District duals: Tuesday, December 31 at Venice, 10 a.m.
District IBT: Friday, February 21 at Sarasota Riverview
North Port Bobcats (NR/#15)
Coach: Channin Williams (First year)
Assistant coaches: Steve Nappi, Darren Hendricks, Yan-Derrick Young
Recent district results: 2024:2; 2023:3; 2022:4; 2021:4; 2020:3; 2019:3; 2018:4; 2017:3; 2016:1; 2015:1; 2014:1; 2013:1; 2012:1
Last state champion: Dominic Joyce, 2022 (182)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Vincent Donatelle, 41-7, 4th, RC, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: Austin Nappi, Sr., 37-11, SQ, R2, DC; Lochlyn Harris, Jr., 36-20, SQ, R4, D2; Nash Hudgens, Jr., 13-9, SQ, R4, D3; Devon Young, Jr., 19-14, RQ, D3; Owen Nappi, So., 31-16, RQ, D2; Lucas Roberts, Jr., 24-15, RQ, D3; Markell Porter, Sr., 27-18, RQ, D2; David Ryan, So., 4-23, RQ, D4; Blayne Parrish, Sr., 27-17, RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “We want them keeping their heads on straight and not letting all of the rankings and preseason things do the talking and let our wrestling actually do it because this team has already been through a lot of adversity. We already have a set goal in place this year and we can achieve those goals as long as we keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
On how close this team is: “Definitely going through all of the adversities that we’ve gone through and being able to stay together and stick it out through those things has brought everyone closer. I’ve been super blessed to have the kids that I have and the parents as well. Our parents are supportive and they treat these kids like they’re theirs. They’re not just teammates, they’re families - they’re brothers and sisters of each other.”
On team goals: “We’re a strong team and we plan on bringing that culture to the mat that most people haven’t really seen from North Port over the past years. I know we’ve had a bad history with the refs and officials and different things like that. I really want to change that environment from us. I’d like to come into the season respectful and showing everyone that we can keep everything together and there’s no animosity between anything.”
Outlook: With just one starter gone, albeit a state placer, the Bobcats are primed to win the school’s first district title since 2016. New coach Williams took over in the middle of the season and has been with the program for eight years.
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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Palmetto Tigers (#21/#18)
Coach: Alex Thomas (4th season)
Assistant coaches: Anthony Stewart, Gino Tutera, Robert McGill
23-24 dual record: 14-6
Recent district results: 2024:2-2A10; 2023:3-2A10; 2022:5-2A11; 2021:3-2A10; 2020:3-2A10; 2019:3-2A10; 2018:3-2A10; 2017:3-2A10; 2016:3-2A10; 2015:6-2A10; 2014:2-2A10; 2013:2-2A11; 2012:3-2A11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Dastan Chiketaev, 48-5, 4th, R2, DC; DeAndre Berry, 40-11, SQ, R2, D2; Robert McGill, 30-24, RQ, D4; Josue Urieta-Cruz, 18-31, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Sean Herlihy, Sr., 42-13, SQ, R4, DC; Jacob Wyatt, Sr., 49-9, SQ, R3, DC; Dana Law, Jr., 40-21, RQ-BR, D4; Nevan Nadeau, Sr., 32-11, RQ, D2; Zayed Chishti, Sr., 25-21, RQ, D4; Michael Schlegel, So., 31-14, RQ-BR, D3; Colton Aaron, Sr., 12-15, D5; Clyde Chapelle, Sr.; Aiden Carter, Sr.; Ryan Reid, So.
New wrestlers: Jeson Carbajal, Sr., 37-12, 8th, R2, D2 (Transfer from Manatee); Garrett Pyle, Sr., 14-18, RQ, D4 (Transfer from Parrish); O’Ryan Anderson.
What they are saying: “I have watched many of these kids go from winless JV wrestlers to state ranked seniors with goals of wrestling in college. It’s a cool process to watch unfold and I truly believe we will hit new heights as a team this year due to the bonding that has taken place over the past 4 years of ups and downs.”
On being overlooked: “It’s something we talk about in the room and we definitely feel it. I think it’s something we’re aiming to change this year with results primarily. The results started four years ago when I took over and we had this group of freshman who all bought in. And that’s part of the culture we’ve been building toward and hopefully that pays off this year and beyond with the work we’ve put in to the foundation here. This is the year we’ve been setting up for.”
On being at Palmetto: “I would like to shout out my athletic director Bryan Wilkes. He’s always been a big supporter of the program. I don’t have a ton of assistant coaches, we have some volunteers and such, but Wilkes has been just an asset and I’m grateful to have him as an athletic director.”
Outlook: This team will be senior led with 11 in the room and will be looking to stamp down its arrival as one of the top teams in the area and that would start with a district title.
Lakewood Ranch Mustangs
Coach: Pat Ancil (20th at school, 22nd overall)
Assistant Coaches: Robert Collier, Nate Lancaster
Click here for 24-25 season schedule
23-24 dual record: 19-8
Recent district results: 2024:1-3A7; 2023:2-3A7; 2022:1-3A7; 2021:6; 2019:5; 2018:6; 2017:6; 2016:4; 2015:3-2A10; 2014:4-2A10; 2013:7-2A11; 2012:6-2A11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Evan Bolick, 36-10, SQ, R4, D3; Will Moran, 25-10, RQ-BR, DC; Nicholas Mattheus, 17-17, RQ, D2; Thomas Bisordi, 23-18, RQ, D3; Logan Borcsane, 32-6, RQ-BR, D2; Tucker Rodriguez, 13-18, D5; Daniel Hartigan; Lucas Anastasi; Trey Schwartz, Sr., 31-9, RQ-BR, D2 (Transfer to Booker); Andres Anastasi, Sr., 33-18, RQ, D4;
Notable returning wrestlers: Shawn Maestre, Jr., 20-9, RQ, D2; Aiden Sanders, Jr., 30-15, RQ-BR, D2; Aaron Rodriguez; Daxton Miller; Nick Chop; Heath Phillips; Kevin Haynie; Tyler Levy; David Dujardin; Zach Saunders; Gabriel Salles; Mason Giunta; Ricardo Rengifo; Jermiah Martinez-Lazo; Dennis King; Cole Parker; Dylan Quaid
New wrestlers: Kaleb King, So., 12-13 (Transfer from Braden River); Kyle King, So. (Transfer from Braden River)
What they are saying: “We are focused, passionate, and hungry to learn but we are young with little mat time at varsity level.”
Outlook: The district champions in 3A-7 two of the past three seasons, the Mustangs find themselves in 3A-8 this season and needing to replace seven region qualifiers from last season.
Venice Indians
Coach: Jeremie Cook
Recent district results: 2024:3; 2023:4; 2022:3; 2021:3; 2020:4; 2019:2-2A10; 2018:2-2A10; 2017:2-2A10; 2016:2-2A10; 2015:1-2A10; 2014:1-2A10; 2013:1-2A11; 2012:2-2A11
Last state champion: Dan Stone, 2018 (138)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Aiden DeBrun, 23-13, SQ, R4, D3; Micah Thomson, 17-6, RQ-BR, D4; Colton Lehmann, 27-16, RQ, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Massimo Pellicano, Jr., 42-10, SQ, R2, DC; Kase Hopper, Jr., 40-10, SQ, RC, DC; Christian Medina, Jr., 24-21, RQ, D4; Dylan Vu, Sr., 27-16, RQ, D2; Carson Dec, So., 8-6, RQ, D4; Brady Williams, Jr., 10-15, RQ, D4.
Fort Myers Gateway Eagles
Coach: William Richardson
Recent district results: 2024:6-1A12; 2023:5-1A12; 2022:4-1A12
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Curtis Peacock, 34-8, RQ-BR, DC; Evander Rodriguez, 21-11, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Derrique Mytial, Sr., 36-12, 8th, R4, D2; Anthony Farnot, Jr., 22-6, SQ, R3, DC; Bryce Vasquez, Jr., 17-3; Max Giserman, Sr., 8-5, RQ, D3.
Outlook: A huge jump for Gateway into 3A, but they have some top-level guys who will be able to compete here.
Sarasota Sailors
Coach: Bob Phinney
Recent district results: 2024:5; 2023:5; 2022:5; 2021:5-2A10; 2020:4-2A10; 2019:9; 2018:5; 2017:5; 2016:5; 2015:2-2A10; 2014:5-2A10; 2013:4; 2012:2
Last state champion: Tobias Baker, 2014 (220)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Nicholas Torres, 23-8, SQ, R3, D3; Samuel Goodrick, 30-9, RQ-BR, D3; Wyatt Loynd, 33-12, RQ, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Lauden Simon, Jr., 23-14; Michael Jakub, Sr., 25-20, RQ, D2; Marco Virgala, Sr., 9-7, RQ, D3; Kai Bartholomew, Jr., 22-15, RQ, D4; Johnny Yelvington, Sr., 12-6, RQ, D3.
Sarasota Riverview Rams
Coach: Mike Bush
Assistant coaches: Curtis Jarett, Brian Sebaaly
Recent district results: 2024:6; 2023:6; 2022:7; 2021:8; 2020:6; 2019:8; 2018:10; 2017:7; 2016:9; 2015:8; 2014:8; 2013:8; 2012:8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Brandon King, 34-14, RQ, D2; Christopher Lara, 29-20, RQ, D3; Jaymin Saunoris, Sr., 34-12, RQ, D3 (Transfer to Lemon Bay).
Notable returning wrestlers: CJ McCutcheon, Sr., 33-10, 6th, R2, D2; Brian Lara, Jr., 22-19, RQ, D2.
New wrestler: Liam Daughterty (Transfer from MIssouri)
Outlook: State-placer McCutcheon is back to lead the team.
Lehigh Lightning
Coach: John Doscher
Recent district results: 2024:7; 2023:7; 2022:8; 2021:5; 2019:7-2A11; 2018:8-2A11; 2017:6-2A11; 2016:6-2A11; 2015:10-2A12; 2014:10-2A12; 2013:8-2A12; 2012:?-2A12
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Damion Carter, 31-9, RQ, D2; Juan Navarro, 13-15, RQ, D4.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Denilzon Vegara, Sr., 8-17, RQ, D4; Patrick Navarro, Sr., 13-22, RQ, D4.