2A-5 Preview: Trio of teams ready to chase Springstead for top honors
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Springstead showed off its depth in winning its second district title in three seasons.
How did Kabra do?: We picked the Eagles to win and they did and we were correct in River Ridge giving them a battle, which they did.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Jayden Frey (River Ridge), Shaw Garrett (Springstead), Ari Bentley (Tavares), Daniel Quinones (Springstead), Kaleb Johns (Springstead), Brian Burch (Springstead), Jelani Bentley (Tavares), Giovani DeLape (Springstead).
The favorite: Springstead. The defending district champions graduated some talent from a year ago and will need new varsity wrestlers to step up.
Team to watch: River Ridge. The depth in this team could spring them to the top of the district for the first time since 2013.
District duals: Thursday, January 8 at Tavares
District IBT: Thursday, February 19 at River Ridge
Springstead Eagles (#9 IBT, #19 Duals)
Coach: Mike LaRocca (10th at HC, 20th at school)
Assistant coaches: Frank Hines, Nick Soto, Louis Kachiroubus, Chris LaRocca team doc, Craig Corbett
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 20-6
Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:3; 2023:1; 2022:4; 2021:1-2A8; 2020:2-2A8; 2019:1; 2018:1; 2017:1; 2016:2; 2015:1; 2014:1; 2013:1-2A7; 2012:1-2A7
Last state champion: Richie Rivera, 2017 (113)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Evan Bozek, 32-15, SQ, R4, DC; Amir Hussein, 25-17, RQ, D2; Gianni Rodriquez Garcia, 4-6, RQ, D3; Jaiden Dukes, 9-8, RQ, D4; Aden Juan, 36-10, RQ-BR, DC; Darrius Rodick, 25-17, RQ-BR, DC; Brenden Hoepker, 20-12, D5.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kaleb Johns, Sr., 49-10, 4th, RC, DC; Daniel Quinones, Sr., 31-16, SQ, R2, DC; Giovani DeLape, Sr., 31-16, SQ, R3, DC; Brian Burch, Sr., 31-19, SQ, R4, D2; Christopher Stokes, So., RQ, D3; Alexander Piazza, So., RQ, D4.
New wrestler: Shaw Garrett, Sr., 41-11, 6th, R2, D2 (Transfer from Hernando)
What they are saying: “I've got a good solid six or seven. I think it would be able to push us past the districts.”
On Kaleb Johns: “He really started to dial in on what he wants to eat and diet and nutrition knowing this is his last year. He definitely wants to wrestle in college more than he would play football. I mean, he wouldn't shy away from doing both, but I think wrestling is the thing that he wants to get into. And I know honestly I think there's really nobody that can touch him right now if he is on his game.”
On having a harder schedule this year: “I think we'll be pretty decent, strong in the duals and in the IBT at the weaker tournaments will be pretty strong. In the tougher ones, I'm looking to see, our five or six, and they had better be placing in the top three at all those tournaments. That's where they place like, Cradle Cancer, Lake Gibson's tournament, Blaine’s over at the Colby. Those are the tournaments I want to see my guys placing and that will tell me where we're going to place at the state tournament. If you're not placing at those kind of tournaments and you might go to states but it's going to be really hard pressed for you to place at states. I made it tough, the schedule is a little bit tougher than the last two seasons.”
Outlook: Springstead is locked and loaded to win its 10th district title in 13 seasons.
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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River Ridge Royal Knights (NR, #17)
Coach: JT Heckler (3rd at school/7th overall)
Recent district results: 2025:2; 2024:4; 2023:3; 2022:3; 2021:4-2A8; 2020:3-2A8; 2019:2-2A9; 2018:5-2A9; 2017:5-2A9; 2016:5-2A9; 2015:7-2A9; 2014:7-2A9; 2013:1-2A8; 2012:4-2A8
Last state champion: Sean Peterson, 1995 (112)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Ryan St. Denis, 34-12, SQ, R4, DC; Martyn Gargano, 21-19, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jayden Frey, So., 44-13, 3rd, R4, DC; Dawson Mann, Sr., 26-15, RQ-BR, DC; Nelson Copo, Sr., 18-13, RQ-BR, D2; Sal Bonacasa, Sr., 31-14, RQ-BR, D2; Jordan Bonacasa, Sr., 30-16, RQ-BR, D5; Kevin Hannigan, Jr., 19-10, RQ, DC; Jake Stanjeski, Jr., 12-23, RQ, D2; Frank Muir, Jr., 15-13, RQ, D3; Griffin Garrett, Sr., RQ, D4.
Outlook: The Knights will look to challenge Springstead at the top with seven district finalists coming back.
Lecanto Panthers
Coach: Luke Capie (3rd at school/17th overall)
Assistant coaches: Christian Acosta, Ryan Brown
Recent district results: 2025:3; 2024:5; 2023:6; 2022:6; 2021:5-2A8; 2020:7-2A8; 2019:3; 2018:6; 2017:5; 2016:7; 2015:7; 2014:4; 2013:7-2A7; 2012:6-2A7
Last state champion: Nick Carrier, 1998 (145)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Sonny Pareja, 16-8, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Cody Brewer, So., 16-15, RQ, D2; Joseph Kemp, Sr., 30-9, RQ, D2; Baylian Wright, Sr., 22-11, RQ, D2; Jayce Reeves, Sr., 1-8, RQ, D3; Connor Hogan, Sr., 21-16, RQ, D3; Kayden Koehl, Jr., 7-22, RQ, D4; Daniel Brown, Jr., 21-20, RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “We have said pretty much that the district and county title are our goals and there's no plan B for it this year. When we took over this program, we were left with five, six kids. Right now, we have got five of our guys ranked in the state. They had a strong off season. They're working hard in the weight room and in club. They're focused. We have a lot of upperclassmen too and then we got a lot of younger guys that are coming out. I feel confident for the future here. they're buying in to the culture that we want it.
On being at Lecanto: “The kids come out in numbers. We are beginning each year with 60 kids. They're excited about the sport. I mean they have tons of options for sports down here in the winter. I'm from Pennsylvania wrestling, its in your DNA from the day you're born and it's not like that here. But the kids in Lecanto are really buying into it as more and more are coming out. The older guys are getting the younger guys excited about in the school. The administration's been great with helping us get more people out.”
More on this team: “We have a lot of questions and I think this season is going to answer a lot for us. We're taking it as this program has a history, it's been around for years and we restarted it three years ago. We got motivated group of athletes, managers, coaches, parents, and I really think this is a big year.”
Outlook: Capie and his staff has been building something at Lecanto and this is the year they have to see it pay off.
Tavares Bulldogs (#24, NR)
Coach: Gavin Jones (5th season)
Assistant coach: Trey Grant
Recent district results: 2025:5; 2024:3-1A6; 2023:4-1A6; 2022:5-1A6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jeremy Batista, 17-13, RQ, D4; Benjamin Abeele, 27-8, RQ, DC; Josh Bell, 10-5.
Notable returning wrestlers: Ari Bentley, Jr., 31-7, 5th, RC, DC; Jelani Bentley, Jr., 30-7, 5th, R3, D2; Cody Kohler, So., 8-24, RQ, D3; Gabriel Gandulla, Jr., 22-14, RQ, D3; Khairi Coleman, Sr., 22-9, RQ, D3; Cameron Waara, Jr., 15-19, RQ, D4; Marcelo Ricardo, Jr., 10-15, RQ, D4; Urijah Birt; Jett Harris.
New wrestlers: Kristian Melendez; Yandiel Pagan Martinez; Lane Burroughs
Outlook: This might be the most complete team that the Bulldogs have had in their short history.
Gulf Buccaneers
Coach: Chris Palasky (3rd at school/12th overall)
Assistant coaches: Forrest Swartsel, Colton Ness
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 16-10
Recent district results: 2025:4; 2024:6-1A9; 2023:5-1A9; 2022:9-1A9; 2021:8-2A8; 2020:9-2A8; 2019:4-1A6; 2018:4-1A6; 2017:3-1A6; 2016:3-1A6; 2015:8-1A6; 2014:7-1A6; 2013:1-1A10; 2012:2-1A10
Last state champions: Anthony Ayers, 2011 (130), Ladarius Jackson, 2011 (171)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Cameron Anthony, 35-11, RQ, D2; Raedon Jones, 20-15, RQ, D2; Aiden Holewski, 11-4, RQ, D3; Jayden Collier, 37-9, RQ-BR, DC; Blake Flood, 25-9, RQ-BR, DC; James Wilson, Jr., 18-25, RQ, D3 (Transfer to Tampa SLAM).
Notable returning wrestlers: Logan Duncan, Sr., 41-9, RQ-BR, D2; Brayden Hoyt, Sr., 29-14, RQ, D3; Jiovanni Spencer, Sr., 30-13, RQ, D3.
New wrestler: Zachary Paquette, Sr.
What they are saying: “This year’s team is a mix of fresh faces and seasoned wrestlers. We have a large group of new athletes who are eager to learn, supported by a few experienced veterans who bring leadership and toughness to the lineup. It’s a developing group with a lot of potential and great energy in the room.”
Outlook: The Buccaneers said goodbye to a solid senior class and will be a mix of experience this season.
Fivay Falcons
Coach: Michael LoGuidice (1st year at school, 8 years total)
Recent district results: 2025:6; 2024:6; 2023:4; 2022:8; 2021:9-2A8; 2020:4-2A8; 2019:9-1A10; 2018:7-1A10; 2017:3-1A10; 2016:5-1A10; 2015:8-2A9; 2014:2-2A9; 2013:3-1A8; 2012:1-1A8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Jocyah Robinson, Sr., RQ, D3; Omir Martin, Jr., RQ, D4; Jerimiah Armstrong.
What they are saying: “We have a mixture of returners and new wrestlers. Most of the team are upperclassmen, with a sprinkle of freshman and sophomores.”
More on this team: “This year we're looking good. We have a full lineup except for heavyweight and we have some more kids coming from the football team. I'm on campus now over here at Fivay and I do discipline, so I'm just like pulling in kids left and right just like, ‘Come out for wrestling.’"
On why LoGuidice took over the program: “ I always saw that there was a lot of potential here and they never had a consistent coach over the years which I kind of felt bad about. A lot of these kids, they definitely need wrestling and being able to come over here and help make a difference in some of their lives, that's rewarding itself. There's untapped potential here. They have four or five competition mats. They used to be a killer of a program back in the early 2010s when they first opened up. This school was built for wrestling. and I felt like it never lived up to that standard since when they first opened up. So, being able to come here and make an impact on the kids' lives and being able to help change the culture and just any difference I can make, it's impactful.”
Outlook: LoGuidice is motivated to breath life back into the Fivay program and already has some numbers to work with.
Belleview Rattlers
Coach: Dakota McGough (1st season)
Assistant coaches: Brian Forst, Coach Duke
Recent district results: 2025:7; 2024:9-2A4; 2023:8-2A4; 2022:4-2A4; 2021:4-A4; 2020:6-2A4; 2019:4; 2018:4; 2017:2; 2016:1; 2015:2; 2014:3; 2013:2-2A4; 2012:4-2A4
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Owen Hogan, Sr., 12-10, RQ, D4; Elijah Perez; Lee Miller; Draven Breda.
New wrestlers: Enzo Benvenuto; Leland McIntosh
What they are saying: “This team is a ton of fresh faces that are hungry for more experience and competition. The primary goal for this season is to give life to a program that has struggled in recent years.”
Outlook: McGough is on board to bring this program back to life. Last year, they had just four wrestlers in the postseason.
Leesburg Yellow Jackets
Coach: Quinton Moore
Recent district results: 2025:8; 2024:7; 2023:7; 2022:8-1A6; 2021:6-1A7; 2020:5-1A7; 2019:4-1A5; 2018:5-1A5; 2017:5-1A5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Dmarion Upshaw, So., RQ, D4; Anthony Wine, Jr., D5.
Outlook: The Yellow Jackets had four wrestlers in their postseason lineup, but all four could be back this year to provide some experience.
2A-5 Season Schedules
Belleview
Dec. 6: Clash of Titans at OC University
Dec. 12-13: Bobcat Round Robin at Alachua Sports Complex
Dec. 19-20: Rumble on the Range at The Villages
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 9-10: Diamondback Challenge
Jan. 20: at Lake Weir, 6:30
Jan. 21: at Ocala Forest
Jan. 30-31: Diamondback Duals
Feb. 4: Marion County Championship at West Port
Feb. 7: Amanda St. John at The Villages
Feb. 11: at Tavares, 4
Girls
Nov. 25: Queens of the Nest at Fivay
Dec. 12: Bobcat Round Robin at Alachua Sports Complex
Dec. 17: Susan Duval Girls Bash at Springstead
Dec. 19: Rumble on the Range at The Villages
Jan. 9-10: Diamondback Challenge
Jan. 16: Lady Red Devil IBT at Kathleen
Jan. 17: War Eagle Classic at Poinciana
Jan. 21: at Ocala Forest
Feb. 2: Monday Night Callout at Ridgeview
Feb. 4: Marion County Championship at West Port
Fivay
Boys
Dec. 2: at Angeline Academy, 7
Dec. 5-6: Osceola-Seminole Duals at Osceola Fundamental
Dec. 12-13: Fit2Win at Palm Harbor University
Dec. 17: at Zephyrhills, 2
Dec. 19-20: Gulf Christmas Duals at Gulf
Jan. 9-10: Falcon Duals
Jan. 14: vs. Land O' Lakes (Senior night)
Jan. 23-24: Moskowitz IBT at George Jenkins
Jan. 30: Largo Duals at Largo
Feb. 6-7: Ippolito at Brandon
Feb. 14: Sunshine Athletic Conference at Sunlake
Girls
Nov. 25: Queens of the Nest
Dec. 5: Ben Richards Memorial at Leto
Dec. 13: Cougar Clash at Countryside
Dec. 17: Susan Duval Bash at Springstead
Jan. 3: Mark DeAugustino Memorial at Land O' Lakes
Jan. 14: vs. Land O' Lakes (Senior night)
Jan. 17: Suncoast Lady Bash at Sunlake
Jan. 23-24: Moskowitz IBT at George Jenkins
Lecanto
Dec. 5-6: Windham Rotunda Memorial at Hernando
Dec. 8: vs. Angeline Academy, 7
Dec. 10: at Citrus, 1:30
Dec. 13: Golden Triangle IBT at Mount Dora
Dec. 16: at The Villages
Dec. 19-20: Rumble on the Range at The Villages
Jan. 10: Romulo Carmargo Duals at Crystal River
Jan. 24: Rob Hermann Cup at Citrus
Jan. 28: vs. Dunnellon, 6:30
Feb. 7: Amanda St. John at The Villages
Feb. 10: at Crystal River, 6
Feb. 12: vs. Citrus, 6:30
Leesburg
Dec. 10: Jacket Duals I
Dec. 13: Golden Triangle at Mount Dora
Dec. 19-20: Rumble on the Range at The Villages
Jan. 14: Jacket Duals II
Jan. 10: ZHS Duals at Zephyrhills
Jan. 17: Ed Kilpatrick Classic at Citrus
Jan. 28: Lake County Founders Cup at Tavares
Feb. 7: Amanda St. John at The Villages
Feb. 13: at Dunnellon, 6:30
River Ridge
Dec. 6: vs. Mitchell (Trinity Cup)
Dec. 12-13: Fit2Win at Palm Harbor University
Dec. 19-20: Corey Hill Memorial IBT at Springstead
Jan. 9-10: Falcon Duals at Fivay
Jan. 16-17: Jerry Mita at Pinellas Park
Jan. 21: vs. TBD (Senior Night)
Jan. 31: Live Greco at Steinbrenner
Feb. 7: Amanda St. John at The Villages
Feb. 14: Sunshine Athletic Conference at Sunlake
Tavares
Dec. 6: TD Talbot Duals at The Villages
Dec. 10: Jacket Duals I at Leesburg
Dec. 13: Golden Triangle at Mount Dora
Dec. 19-20: Rumble on the Range at The Villages
Jan. 10: Romulo Carmargo Duals at Crystal River
Jan. 17: Ed Kilpatrick Classic at Citrus
Jan. 24: Rob Herman Cup at Citrus
Jan. 28: Lake County Founders Cup at Tavares
Feb. 7: Amanda St. John at The Villages
Feb. 11: vs. Belleview