2A-6 Preview: River Ridge looks to build off historic season
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Tampa Jesuit rolled to the district crown, scoring 324.5 points and winning by 174.
How did Kabra do?: We correctly predicted the top three finishing spots in the IBT.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch:
The favorite: River Ridge. Even with a decorated senior class gone, the Royal Knights don’t expect to miss a beat heading into this season.
Team to watch: Gulf. The Buccaneers could return the second most points in the district and should have a solid season with an experienced lineup.
River Ridge Royal Knights
Coach: JT Heckler (4th at school/8th overall)
Assistant coaches: Nick Farage, James Lawless
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 15-1
Recent district results: 2026:1-2A5; 2025:2-2A5; 2024:4-2A5; 2023:3-2A5; 2022:3-2A5; 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): Nelson Copo, 29-13, SQ, R3, D2; Sal Bonacasa, 28-11, RQ-BR, DC; Dawson Mann, 30-11, RQ-BR, D2; Jordan Bonacasa, 25-8, RQ-BR, D2; Donovan Olampo, 22-12, RQ, DC; Joey Hyatt, 23-13, RQ, D3; Peyton Jones, 5-4; Giriffin Garrett, 9-1.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jayden Frey, Jr., 32-7, S4, R3, DC; Frank Muir, Sr., 36-14, SQ, R3, D3; Kevin Hannigan, Sr., 28-10, SQ, R4, DC; Zach Baginski, So., 36-11, RQ-BR, DC; Joseph Carey, Jr., 20-9, RQ-BR, DC; Gio Melendez, Sr., 24-13, RQ, D2; Korontae Moore, Sr., 22-20, RQ, D4; Arthur Winstanley, 17-20, D5.
New wrestlers: Ricardo Mack, So., 19-19, RQ, D4 (Transfer from Coral Shores)
What they’re saying: "We want to pick up right where we left off last year. We made big strides last year winning our first district IBT title in some years and we've got a heck of a room right now. It's very competitive. We've got three state qualifiers and one state placer returning from last year and we've been working hard all summer long."
This team wants it: "I've got a bunch of kids that they motivate me sometimes. We've actually increased our practices. We're going to go ahead and open up five days a week here with our club practices to ensure that we continue progressing. The drills have gotten a little bit longer. We've had better live sessions and the entire season is kind of a journey and you want your kids to peak at the right time with the least amount of injuries. Everyone's banged up by the time we get to the postseason, but you want to be as healthy as possible."
On Jayden Frey: "Jyaden was actually named as a captain his freshman year just and it wasn't necessarily how amazing a wrestler he is, which he is, but the leadership qualities that he carries are characteristics that you can't always coach out of a kid. He's displayed those since day one. He's the hardest working kid in the room. He's always the one that wants to get more practices and get better every single day. He displays himself in that mannerism all on campus as well. I'm lucky enough to have him in my first period US history honors class and he always does the right thing. He's one that if he's alone and there's no coaches around, I trust him to do the right thing in difficult situations."
Outlook: The Royal Knights got a taste of success last season with their first district title since 2013 and want to win more things this season.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2026-2027 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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Gulf Buccaneers
Coach: Chris Palasky (4th at school/13th overall)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:4-2A5; 2025:4-2A5; 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): Logan Duncan, 44-6, SQ, R2, DC; Brayden Hoyt, 21-10, SQ, R4, DC; Zachary Paquette, 33-10, RQ, D3; Jiovanni Spencer, 35-11, RQ, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Joshawah Mobley, Jr., 25-13, RQ-BR, D3; Logan Ward, Sr., 13-7, RQ, D2; Cannan Woessner, So., 28-11, RQ, D3; Jacob Snell, Sr., 10-9, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Wesley Chapel Cypress Creek Coyotes
Coach: Roy Schleman
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5; 2025:6; 2024:4; 2023:5; 2022:3; 2021:3-1A6; 2020:8-1A6; 2019:6-1A10; 2018:6-1A10
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Isaiah Infante, 26-13, SQ, R4, D2; Jerome Thomas, RQ, D3; Javier Dominguez, D5; Rylan Redfield, Sr., 33-9, RQ-BR, D2 (Transfer to Land O’ Lakes).
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Andrew Schleman, So., 33-9, RQ-BR, D2; Alexander Guncet, Sr., 25-10, RQ-BR, D2; Jayden Fountain, Sr., 22-15, RQ, D3; Chael Aleman, Jr., RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Zephyrhills Bulldogs
Coach: Mike Martinez (9th at school)
Assistant coach: Jaiden Martinez
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:3; 2025:4; 2024:2; 2023:6; 2022:2; 2021:7-1A6; 2020:5-1A6; 2019:6-2A7; 2018:8-2A7; 2017:10-2A7; 2016:11-2A7; 2015:12-2A8; 2014:12-2A8; 2013:4-2A8; 2012:3-2A8
Last state champion: Andrew Bray, 2026 (175)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Andrew Bray, 51-3, SC, R2, DC; Bryce Tackett, 26-13, RQ, D3; Brandon Clements, RQ, D3; Nader Sakka, 14-11; Charles Poole, Sr., 19-21, RQ, D2 (Transfer to Kirkland Ranch).
Notable returning wrestlers: Xaviar Aguirre, Sr., 43-13, S6, R4, D2; Hunter Wade, Sr., 35-19, RQ, D3; Anthony Pryor, Sr., 18-17, D5.
What they’re saying: “A lot of this group is brand new. Most of the kids showing up for preseason conditioning, this is the first time doing any of this.”
Outlook: Bray won the school’s first state title in 23 years when he brought home the 175-pound title in March.
Gaither Cowboys
Coach: Marty Carpenter (Fifth season)
Assistant coaches: Spike Carpenter, Deonte Mitchell, Chad Rainsberry
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:4; 2025:5; 2024:3; 2023:9; 2022:1; 2021:3-2A7; 2020:2-2A7; 2019:7-2A8; 2018:10-2A7; 2017:7-2A8; 2016:7-2A8; 2015:2-2A8; 2014:4-2A8; 2013:8-3A7; 2012:11-3A7
Last state champion: Chad Muilenburg, 1998 (171)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Daniel Birriel, 25-13, SQ, R4, D4; Innocent McGuire, 37-11, RQ, D3; Alan Mels, 6-6, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Javier Benitez, Jr., 36-8, RQ, D3; Milan Flores, Sr., 20-17, RQ, D4; Jonathan Boone, Jr., 18-18, RQ, D4; Jonathan Pipkins, Jr., 10-9, RQ, D4; Diego Gonzalez, So.
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Pasco Pirates
Coach: Craig Lennard (4th season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:7; 2025:2; 2024:7; 2023:3; 2022:8; 2021:2-2A8; 2020:1-2A8; 2019:4-2A7; 2018:7-2A7; 2017:4-2A7; 2016:3-2A7; 2015:1-1A6; 2014:1-1A6; 2013:1-1A8; 2012:2-1A8
Last state champion: J.P. Gamez, 2012 (120)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Connor Switzer, Jr., 45-14, RQ, D2; Cason Gilliard, Jr., RQ, D4; Jackson Hancok, Jr., 23-17, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Tampa Freedom Patriots
Coach: Derrick McCoy (16th season)
Assistant coach: Sean McCabe
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 13-9
Recent district results: 2026:8; 2025:7; 2024:9; 2023:8; 2022:4; 2021:4-2A7; 2020:4-2A7; 2019:9-3A7; 2018:6-3A7; 2017:2-3A7; 2016:4-3A7; 2015:10-2A8; 2014:9-2A8; 2013:10-3A7; 2012:10-3A7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Avery Roelofsen, 8-9, D6; Sawyer Goodman, Sr., 11-12, D5 (Transfer to Land O’ Lakes).
Notable returning wrestlers: Mateo Palacios, Sr., 28-10, RQ, D3; Jeremiah Atkins, Sr., 20-11, D6.
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Leto Falcons
Coach: Michael Patrick (8th at school/27th total)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:6; 2025:8; 2024:5-2A9; 2023:4-2A9; 2022:4-2A9; 2021:9-3A7; 2020:9-3A7; 2019:10-2A8; 2018:5-2A8; 2017:6-2A8; 2016:10-2A8; 2015:6-2A8; 2014:13-2A8; 2013:5-2A10; 2012:5-2A10
Last state champion: Michel Santos, 1995 (103), Kenneth Simms, 1995 (135)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Raul Ugarte, 35-11, SQ, R4, D3; Troy Fatutoa, 30-11, RQ, D2; Gavin Montes, 19-12, RQ, D4; Jacob Arean Porrata, 23-18, RQ, D4.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Harold Bermudez, Sr., 26-6, RQ, D2.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Wesley Chapel Wildcats
Coach: Ruben Perez (First season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2024:5; 2023:7; 2022:5; 2021:8-1A6; 2020:9-1A6; 2019:8-2A7; 2018:9-2A7; 2017:3-2A7; 2016:4-2A7; 2015:2-1A6; 2014:3-1A6; 2013:2-1A9; 2012:1-1A9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
What they’re saying: “We want to create culture, establish structure and develop gas tank.”
Outlook: The Wildcats last participated in the FHSAA postseason in 2024.
Wharton Wildcats
Coach: Dwayne Davis
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:10; 2025:10; 2024:12; 2023:13; 2022:6-2A6; 2021:8-3A7; 2020:7-3A7; 2019:10-3A7; 2018:5-3A7; 2017:7-3A7; 2016:2-3A7; 2015:4; 2014:5; 2013:7-3A7; 2012:4-3A7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Zion Dennie, 19-6, RQ, DC; Charles Bolds, 19-11, RQ, D4.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook: