1A-8 Preview: Two of the best teams in the state to battle for district supremacy
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Last season: Merritt Island won both district titles and scored one of the biggest dual wins of the season when they knocked off then-No. 2 Zephyrhills Christian 31-30 in the region finals. The Mustangs were tied for third in the Class 1A IBT while Cocoa Beach also was in the top ten, finishing sixth.
How did Kabra do?: We picked one and two and predicted that Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach would be teams to watch in the Florida Class 1A discussion too.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Adrian Day (Cocoa Beach), Titus DeYoung (Merritt Island), Tre Driggett (Merritt Island), Jett Johnson (Cocoa Beach), Timothy Boda (Merritt Island), Wyatt Crouser (Cocoa Beach), Gustavo Ferreira (Cocoa Beach), Anthony Acquafredda (Cocoa Beach), Aaron Horr (Cocoa Beach), Nathan Pond (Cocoa Beach), Asher Cabral (Cocoa Beach), Landon Quiroga (Merritt Island), Elijah Cardwell (Astronaut), Duane Mallory (Cocoa Beach), Kealan Sieni (Cocoa Beach), David Serrano (Merritt Island), Cole Webb (Cocoa Beach), Nolan West (Merritt Island), Jerrell Dossous (Space Coast), Micah Wittenberg (Cocoa Beach), Angel Jones (Space Coast), Kevion Williams (Palm Bay).
The favorite: Cocoa Beach.
Team to watch: Merritt Island.
District duals: Thursday, January 8 at Space Coast, 2:30 p.m.
District IBT: Thursday, February 19 at Palm Bay, 2:30 p.m.
Cocoa Beach Minutemen (#2 IBT, #1 Duals)
Coach: Chris Kelly (5th season/18th overall)
Assistant coaches: Tony Acquafredda, Lucas Haase, Andrew Pinzone
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 19-5
Recent district results: 2025:2; 2024:2; 2023:3; 2022:4; 2021:5; 2020:5; 2019:4; 2018:3; 2017:4; 2016:5; 2015:7; 2014:3; 2013:4-1A6; 2012:3-1A6
Last state champion: Jesse Robbins, 2003 (125)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Madden Fredenburg, Jr., 45-8, 3rd, R2, D2 (Moved to Georgia)
Notable returning wrestlers: Wyatt Crouser, Sr., 48-11, 2nd, R3, DC; Adrian Day, So., 51-13, 3rd, R3, D2; Anthony Acquafredda, Jr., 37-7, 5th, RC, DC; Kealan Sieni, Sr., 46-11, SQ, R3, DC; Jett Johnson, 8th, 43-9, 7th, R3, DC; Nathan Pond, Jr., 43-12, 8th, RC, DC; Micah Wittenberg, Sr., 27-7, RQ-BR, D2; Duane Malloy, So., 29-14, RQ, D3; Landon Fischer, Jr., 16-16, RQ, D3; Shane Mallory, Fr., 11-9, RQ, D4; Dorian Nicholson, Sr., 16-18, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers: Aaron Horr, Jr., 34-9, D5 (Transfer from Cocoa); Cole Webb, Jr., 41-7, 8th, R3, D2 (Transfer from Cocoa); Gustavo Ferreira, Sr., 49-6, 7th, RC, DC (Transfer from Viera); Brayden Acquafredda, 7th; Ivan Eder, 7th; Asher Cabral, 7th; Christian Day, 7th; Raider Dais, 8th.
What they are saying: “I think we have a lot of guys that could not only qualify for state, but look to place and place high. We have guys that placed high last year and then with guys that didn't place but beat state finalists and others, that I still think can have a better tournament this year so I'm really excited to see what they can do when we get to that IBT time.”
On this team’s depth: “We'll have 25 guys in the offseason still working to try and get better and try and improve. I think that the big thing too is that, with so many guys that are capable of doing well, it makes the room really competitive. In years past, I know last year we kind of came on pretty good at the end, but all the years before that, we only had a few good guys. So, they don't really have as many partners they can grab and continue to get different looks. Whereas now a kid can, grab five, six, seven different guys that they can roll with that are all talented and good wrestlers.”
On Kealan Sieni: “He's our team leader and captain. I know he had a rough state tournament last year but he beat four or so of the guys that placed in his bracket including the guy that won his bracket at state. He beat him in the district finals, so I know what he's capable of and so I'm really excited for him this year. I think he's really motivated. I think the heartbreak probably helped him. He's ready to go.
Outlook: The expectations and opportunities just continue to grow for the Minutemen as they enter the season as one of the top teams in Class 1A. The key for Cocoa Beach may be finding the right spot for their plethora of tough wrestlers.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2025-2026 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
Independent: Ind
District Predictions: All 64 projected final IBT standings
Other content: Transfers | Coaching changes | Tournament schedule | Dual schedule | Team schedules
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Merritt Island Mustangs (#4, #5)
Coach: Graham Smith (16th season)
Assistant coaches: Logan Savvy, Evan Bergeron
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 12-1
Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:1-2A13; 2023:1-2A13; 2022:1-2A13; 2021:2; 2020:4; 2019:1-2A13; 2018:2-2A13; 2017:2-2A13; 2016:2-2A13; 2015:2-2A13; 2014:4-2A13; 2013:5-2A13; 2012:7-2A13
Last state champion: Timmy Boda, 2025 (138)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Alex Giglietti, 48-4, 2nd, RC, DC; Judge DeYoung, 51-7, 3rd, R2, DC; Kaden Barrial, 35-15, SQ, R2, D2; Courtland Campbell, 34-7, SQ, R3, DC; Dominick Smith, 40-15, SQ, R4, D2; Nathan Greenfield, 48-16, SQ, R4, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Timothy Boda, So., 58-5, SC, R2, D2; Landon Quiroga, Sr., 47-7, 4th, RC, DC; Titus DeYoung, Sr., 51-13, 4th, R4, DC; Tre Driggett, Sr., 52-7, 5th, R3, DC; Nolan West, Sr., 43-12, SQ, R4, D2; David Serrano, Sr., 36-16, RQ-BR, D2; Justus Giglietti, Jr., 35-13, RQ-BR, D3; Rian Dufrene; Ethan Underwood; Owen King; Nathan Schafer; Khalil Hobbs; Anderson Flores.
New wrestlers: Cameron Gil, Sr., 19-8, RQ, DC (Transfer from Sebastian River); Makana Tieri, Sr., 44-16, SQ, R4, DC (Transfer from Viera); Nate Webster, Fr., 44-15, RQ, D3 (Transfer from Space Coast); Alex Wardenberg.
What they are saying: “This year's team is a good combination of veterans and youth. Our veterans have won a lot of matches for us over the years and will look to stand atop the podium at Silver Spurs in March.”
Outlook: The Mustangs room is deep, so the holes left from a talented graduating class won’t be noticeable as this season goes on.
Palm Bay Pirates
Coach: Sean Ballard
Assistant coach: Brycen Turner
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:3; 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:1; 2020:1; 2019:2-2A13; 2018:1-2A13; 2017:1-2A13; 2016:1-2A13; 2015:3-2A13; 2014:1-2A13; 2013:1-2A13; 2012:1-2A13
Last state champion: Leonard Christian, 2025 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Leonard Christian, 50-0, SC, RC, DC; Christopher Brunson, 50-8, 6th, R2, DC; Warren Davis, 21-18, RQ, D2; Robert Hunt, 37-17, RQ-BR, D3; Dominick Maldonado, 41-16, RQ-BR, D3; Leonardo Murray, 21-8.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kevion Williams, Jr., 43-14, SQ, R4, D2; Vinn Daryus White, So., 25-15, RQ, D3; Alexander Vicente, Sr., 15-13, RQ, D3; Bobby Shivers, Sr., 7-4, RQ, D3; Raine Lowry, Sr., RQ, D4; Clarence Shivers; Raine Lowry; Bentley Spickler.
Outlook: Kevion Williams has been putting in the work to finish this season on the podium.
Space Coast Vipers (NR, #24)
Coach: Tony McCormick (20th at school/21st overall)
Recent district results: 2025:4; 2024:3; 2023:2; 2022:2; 2021:6; 2020:2; 2019:2; 2018:1; 2017:2; 2016:2; 2015:2; 2014:7; 2013:5-1A6; 2012:2-1A6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Chris McDonnel, 30-15, RQ, D4; Case Mangini, Fr., 20-12 (Transfer to Titusville); Nate Webster, Fr., 44-15, RQ, D3 (Transfer to Merritt Island)
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Ashton Swanson, Jr., 49-11, SQ, R4, DC; Angel Jones, Jr., 40-15, SQ, R4, D3; Zakary Cordova, Fr., 28-16, RQ, D2; Jerrell Dossous, Jr., 35-17, RQ, D2; Dominic Berger, Jr., 31-22, RQ, D3; Joseph Mitchner, 8th, RQ, D4; Drayton Gamradt, Sr., 34-13, RQ, D4; Jaden Pyatt, Sr., 20-27, RQ, D4.
Astronaut War Eagles
Coach: Muhammed DeReese
Recent district results: 2025:5; 2024:5; 2023:6; 2022:8; 2021:9; 2020:8; 2019:7; 2018:4; 2017:1; 2016:1; 2015:1; 2014:2; 2013:1-1A6; 2012:1-1A6
Last state champion: Joe Hennis, 2001 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Christian Guerroro, 15-25, D6; Levi Anderson, D6.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Elijah Cardwell, Sr., 27-13, RQ, D3; Logan Futch, Jr., 21-17, RQ, D4; Anthony Gisondi, Jr., 17-20, RQ, D4; Macih Simmons, Jr., 16-7, RQ, D4; Anthony Rice, Sr.; Drake Small, Sr., 12-15.
Titusville Terriers
Coach: Victor “Yadi” Rosario (2nd season)
Assistant coach: Victor “Manny” Rosado
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:6; 2024:4; 2023:5; 2022:7; 2021:7; 2020:9; 2019:6; 2018:7; 2017:7; 2016:6; 2015:4; 2014:5; 2013:3-1A6; 2012:6-1A6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Carson Bryant, Jr., 27-14, RQ, D3; Eric Williams, Sr., 20-15, D5.
What they are saying: “ I think we got a very young group. A lot of returners from last season and a lot of the wrestlers were new to the sport and I think us starting the club here at Titusville this year has really improved their level, giving them more mat time. We're going to fly under the radar. We're not one of those big teams. We're young and we're hungry. We're hoping to surprise some people, in a couple of the weight classes we have and see how far we can make it into the state series.”
On keeping young kids engaged: “We're not going to lie to them and tell them that this is going to be a walk in the park. This is the toughest thing in the world in my opinion but I always say once you wrestle, everything in life is easier. They believe in that and they see it slowly but surely. We tell them that you might lose today, but then you'll improve. Let's work on it and buy in. That's the most important thing with any program that's starting. Keep coming in and you'll get better. You might not get that guy this time. You might not get him the next time, but eventually you're catching up and you'll get to that level and eventually you're probably going to be beating them at some point or rising up in level. Just being honest, I think that's key with this group that we have and with any other room I believe.”
On Eric Williams: “He was a state qualifier before last year and last season he had a tough year. He was in and out because he was injured and so now he's back healthy. He's had a great off season. He's beat a couple guys that are ranked and a couple qualifiers here and there. I'm looking for him to bounce back and be in the mix for state series. I know we got a tough district. I'm looking for him to get back in it.”
Outlook: This is season number two of the reclamation project started by the Rosario brothers. The district is tough, but they’re looking for gains in their room this season.
Cocoa Tigers
Coach: Unknown at time of publication
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:7; 2024:6; 2023:4; 2022:5; 2021:8; 2020:6; 2019:5; 2018:6; 2017:6; 2016:7; 2015:6; 2014:6; 2013:6-1A6; 2012:5-1A6
Last state champion: Jonathan Cornman, 2003 (112)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Alexis Escobar, 25-7, RQ, D2; Chavez Thompson, 17-4, D6; ; Bryce Culp, Jr., 15-10 (Moved to Oklahoma); Aaron Horr, Jr., 34-9, D5 (Transfer to Cocoa Beach); Cole Webb, Jr., 41-7, 8th, R3, D2 (Transfer to Cocoa Beach)
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Ivan Townsend, Fr., 21-11, RQ, D4; Julian Bates, Fr., 17-10.
Outlook: There was a mass exodus from the program when a change was made at head coach.
Port Orange Atlantic Sharks
Coach: Kris Blasko
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:8; 2023:7; 2022:8-1A6; 2021:3-1A6; 2020:1-1A6; 2019:4-1A7; 2018:4-1A7; 2017:3-1A7; 2016:3-1A7; 2015:2-1A7; 2014:3-1A7; 2013:4-1A5; 2012:5-1A5
Last state champion: Charles Simmons, 2005 (171)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Avery McMillan, Jr.; Haven Steakin, So.
Outlook: Blasko is back leading the Sharks.
Angeline Academy Archers
Coach: Matt Myers
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: None.
1A-8 Season Schedules
Astronaut
Boys
Dec. 5-6: Barbara Pill at Bayside
Dec. 13: WarEagle Classic
Dec. 29: Pirates Ships and Duels at Palm Bay
Jan. 16-17: Viper Classic at Space Coast
Jan. 23: at Titusville, 4
Jan. 24: NSB Duals at New Smyrna Beach
Jan. 30-31: Flagler Rotary at Flagler Palm Coast
Feb. 6-7: Cape Coast Conference at Bayside
Feb. 13: Greg Peery at Merritt Island
Girls
Dec. 4: Barbara Pill Memorial at Bayside
Dec. 12: Girls Tournament at Merritt Island
Dec. 27: Hawkeye Invitational at Viera
Jan. 10: Skylar White at Space Coast
Jan. 23: at Titusville, 4
Feb. 6-7: Cape Coast Conference at Bayside
Space Coast
Dec. 6: Clash of Titans at Orange City University
Dec. 10: at Melbourne
Dec. 12-13: Scramble at the Ranch at Davenport
Jan. 2-3: Tournament of Champions at Lake Mary
Jan. 16-17: Viper Classic
Jan. 21: vs. Bayside (Senior Night)
Girls
Dec. 4: Barbara Pill at Bayside
Dec. 13: Scamble at the Ranch at Davenport
Jan. 2-3: Tournament of Champions at Lake Mary
Jan. 10: Skylar White