2A-7 Preview: Class 2A rivals ready to start battling it out in this district
BY BRANT PARSONS — Lake Gibson and Tampa Jesuit have had some of the best battles the state has seen over the past decade.
The two sides have won all nine Class 2A state duals titles, with Lake Gibson holding a 5-2 edge. Two times they met in the state final.
At the state IBT tournament, the two teams have combined for seven titles since 2018. Lake Gibson has won five, while Tampa Jesuit has brought home two.
Tampa Jesuit could return 11 of 14 starters this season with state champions Reid Yakes, Mason Basile, and Kawayran Vazquez back to lead the way in their senior season.
The cupboard is not bare for Lake Gibson, though the Braves do need to fill six spots in their starting 14. State champion Jeremiah Chavis and 2025 state champion RJ Phelan are back to lead eight state placers from a year.
Not to be outdone in this district, but the all-time winningest school for state titles is also in mix the next two seasons. Brandon returns over half of its lineup with state placer Jackson Stouffer leading the way.
Robinson, last year’s runner-up in 1A-10, moved up to Class 2A this season and will be greeted by this monster of a district. The Knights haven’t finished below third place in a district since at least 2011 and they’ll be ready to battle it out with up to 10 starters returning.
Auburndale also returns 10 starts as the Bloodhounds enter their season season with Grant Smith at the helm. Lakeland has some big shoes to fill with a state finalist graduating, Kathleen has some wrestlers back with regional experience, and Sebring will hope that a good number of returners will help to build up the room.
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Last season: Lake Gibson won its seventh state duals title and the Braves earned their first IBT state title since xxx, edging Somerset by six points and Lake Gibson by eight.
How did Kabra do?: We didn’t score 100% on our preseason district picks, but we were never off by more than one with Auburndale proving us wrong the most by placing fourth.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Jaxson Hackett, So. (Lake Gibson); Reid Yakes, Sr. (Tampa Jesuit); Mason Basile, Sr. (Tampa Jesuit); Konstantin Khaspekian, Sr. (Lake Gibson); Kawayran Vazquez, Sr. (Tampa Jesuit); Jeremiah Chavis, Jr. (Lake Gibson); Parker Williams , So. (Brandon); Robert Frijouf, So. (Tampa Jesuit); Zachary Leto, Jr. (Tampa Jesuit); Seth Jones, Sr. (Lake Gibson); Paul Wright, Sr. (Lake Gibson); Jaxon Arfaras, So. (Lake Gibson); Mason Desandolo, Sr. (Lake Gibson); Jackson Stouffer, Sr. (Brandon); Anthony Alonso, Fr. (Lake Gibson); Brady Sher, Fr. (Lake Gibson); Cale Wimberly, Fr. (Tampa Jesuit); Isaac Lowe, Sr. (Lake Gibson); Caden Krsul, Jr. (Tampa Jesuit); Jakari Johnson, Sr. (Lake Gibson); Caleb Cole, Sr. (Brandon); Marvin Mendez, Sr. (Tampa Jesuit); Yomaliel Rodriguez, Sr. (Auburndale); Linkin Burgett, Sr. (Lake Gibson); Cooper Garcia, Sr. (Tampa Jesuit).
The favorite: Tampa Jesuit. The Tigers return more firepower and that gives them the slight edge here.
Team to watch: Lake Gibson. The Braves might be a little behind on returning talent but the room is full of wrestlers ready and they’ll be a contender for all of the titles again.
Tampa Jesuit Tigers
Coach: Sal Basile (11th at school/23rd overall)
Assistant coaches: David Mason, Kevin Norstern, Cody Ross, Alex Adler
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 5-1
Recent district results: 2026:1-2A6; 2025:1-2A6; 2024:1-2A9; 2023:2-2A9; 2022:1-2A9; 2021:1; 2020:1; 2019:1-2A8; 2018:1-2A8; 2017:2-2A8; 2016:1-2A8; 2015:1-2A8; 2014:1-2A8; 2013:1-2A9; 2012:1-2A9
Last state champion: Reid Yakes, 2026 (138); Mason Basile, 2026 (150); Kawayran Vazquez, 2026 (165)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Cash Cailliau, 28-10, S3, RC, DC; Robert Bossowski, 29-16, SQ, R3, DC; Anthony Rametta, 11-5, RQ-BR, DC; Liam Parker, Jr. (Transfer to St. John Nuemann)
Notable returning wrestlers: Reid Yakes, Sr., 43-2, SC, RC, DC; Mason Basile, Sr., 30-5, SC, RC, DC; Kawayran Vazquez, Sr., 43-4, SC, RC, DC; Zachary Leto, Jr., 33-11, S2, R2, DC; Robert Frijouf, So., 33-11, S4, R2, DC; Caden Krsul, Jr., 37-12, S5, RC, DC; Ethan Smith, Sr., 30-13, S7, R2, DC; Cooper Garcia, Sr., 28-13, SQ, R2, DC; Marvin Mendez, Sr., 23-10, SQ, R3, DC; Marco DeMayo, So., 22-12, RQ-BR, DC; Cruz Garcia, So., 8-11, RQ, D3; Brock Glover, Sr; John Alvarado, Jr.
New wrestlers: Cale Wimberly, Fr.; Chase Montroy, So. (Transfer from Oklahoma)
What they’re saying: “We are a fairly seasoned team with solid leadership from senior class.”
Outlook:
Lake Gibson Braves
Coach: Danny Walker (26th season at school/29th overall)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:1; 2025:1; 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:1-2A6; 2020:1-2A6; 2019:1; 2018:1; 2017:1; 2016:1; 2015:2; 2014:2; 2013:1-2A6; 2012:1-2A6
Last state champion: Jeremiah Chavis, 2026 (215)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tyler White, 33-7, S2, RC, DC; Roberto De Jesus, 36-6, S3, RC, DC; Leyland Callahan, 35-12, SQ, R3, D2; Spencer Timm, 31-19, SQ, R4, D2; Jarold Cervantes Beune, 34-9, RQ-BR, DC; Jordan Harrison, 26-13, RQ-BR, DC; Matthew Bath, 24-9; RJ Phelan, Jr., 24-5, S3, RC, DC.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Jeremiah Chavis, Jr., 42-4, SC, RC, DC; Konstantin Khaspekian, Sr., 31-11, S2, R2, DC; Jaxon Arfaras, So., 38-17, S2, RC, DC; Jaxson Hackett, So., 48-7, S3, RC, D2; Mason Desandolo, Sr., 31-16, S5, R2, DC; Paul Wright, Sr., 35-13, S5, R3, DC; Isaac Lowe, Sr., 34-17, S6, R2, DC; Axel Gruver, So., 11-3; Aadyn Gruver, Sr., 11-7; Linkin Burgett, Sr., 20-7.
New wrestlers: Jakari Johnson, Sr., 19-7, SQ, R4, D3 (Transfer from Lake Region); Preston Thornton, Sr., 21-9, RQ, D2 (Transfer from Lakeland); Seth Jones, Sr., SQ, R3, DC (Transfer from Winter Haven); Romeo Estevez, Sr., 22-18, RQ, D3 (Transfer from Lakeland)
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Lake Gibson won its 11th-straight district title last season.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2026-2027 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
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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Brandon Eagles
Coach: Joe Cozart
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:2; 2025:2; 2024:1-2A6; 2023:1-2A6; 2022:2; 2021:2-2A6; 2020:2-2A6; 2019:2; 2018:2; 2017:2; 2016:2; 2015:1; 2014:1; 2013:1-3A6; 2012:1-3A6
Last state champion: Roberto Rodrigues, 2023 (106)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jaden Weisgal, 48-7, S4, R2, D2; Luis Jimenez, 57-4, S5, R2, DC; Daniel Delashaw, 44-7, SQ, R4, D2; Andres Franqui, 26-11, RQ-BR, D2; Maxwell McKay, 41-18, RQ, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Jackson Stouffer, Sr., 50-8, S4, R3, D2; Yenzon Decastro, Jr., 53-9, SQ, R2, D2; Ethan Raley, So., 37-6, SQ, R3, DC; Luis Bastardos, Sr., 42-12, RQ-BR, D2; Caleb Cole, Sr., 42-16, RQ-BR, D3; Dawud Exil, Jr., 22-11, RQ-BR, D3; Connor Rego, Sr., 43-14, RQ, D4; Parker Williams , So., 38-9.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Robinson Knights
Coach: Thomas Montero
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:2-1A10; 2025:1-1A10; 2024:2-1A10; 2023:2-1A10; 2022:3-1A10; 2021:2-2A7; 2020:3-2A7; 2019:2-2A8; 2018:2-2A8; 2017:1-2A8; 2016:3-2A8; 2015:3-2A8; 2014:2-2A8; 2013:1-1A9; 2012:2-1A9
Last state champion: Luis Peguero, 2013 (170)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Arron McCarty, 57-3, S2, RC, DC; Kimontae Keyes, 24-18, RQ-BR, DC; Cameron Davis, 18-18, RQ, D2; Kayshaun Straugh-Terrell, 28-18, RQ, D2; Liam Dobbins, 25-17; Mason McLemore, Jr., 43-16, SQ, R3, DC (Moved to Kansas).
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Roygial Mayfield, Sr., 17-26, RQ, D2; Cayden Rueneger, Jr., 7-24, RQ, D2; Jasper Jeffers, So., 5-6, RQ, D3; Antez Crossman, Sr., 21-22, RQ, D3; Zayden Portela, Jr., 6-8, RQ, D4; Ethan Houghtaling, Jr., 6-14, RQ, D4; Jonah McCuistion, Jr., 9-17, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Auburndale Bloodhounds
Coach: Grant Smith (2nd season)
Assistant coaches: Frank Celorrio, Scott Pendleton
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 25-11
Recent district results: 2026:3; 2025:3; 2024:2; 2023:2; 2022:3; 2021:8-2A6; 2020:7-2A6; 2019:11; 2018:3; 2017:7; 2016:5; 2015:3; 2014:3; 2013:2-2A6; 2012:3-2A6
Last state champion: Nate Gabriel, 2023 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Alejandro Mendoza, 39-12, RQ, D3; Tyler Whinery, 40-17, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Daniel Buford, Jr., 40-19, SQ, R3, D3; Connor Trevino, Jr., 30-15, RQ, D2; Christopher Steveson, Jr., 24-17, RQ, D3; Angel Castillo, Sr., 32-19, RQ, D3; Preston Melton, Sr., 32-21, RQ, D3; Brian Ramirez, Sr., 10-26, RQ, D3; Yomaliel Rodriguez, Sr., 35-18, D5; Theapolis Island, Sr., 43-12, D5; Darius Green, Jr., D6.
New wrestlers: Marques Peak, Jr., SQ (Transfer from Georgia); Jaydan Rodriguez, So., 15-13, RQ, D2 (Transfer from Olympia); Jax Beckham, Sr. (Transfer from Lake Gibson)
What they’re saying: “The team bond is our strength. All of these guys are very close together and share the same love for the sport, which drives them each day.”
Outlook:
Lakeland Dreadnaughts
Coach: Winston Phan (7th season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 12-6
Recent district results: 2026:4; 2025:4; 2024:6; 2023:6; 2022:5; 2021:6-2A6; 2020:6-2A6; 2019:4-3A6; 2018:5-3A6; 2017:4-3A6; 2016:4-3A6; 2015:3-3A6; 2014:1-3A6; 2013:5-3A5; 2012:5-3A5
Last state champion: Willie Lampkin, 2020 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Travonte Burgess, 58-6, S2, R2, DC; Mateo Martinez, 44-14, SQ, R3, D2; Luke Thornton, 17-9, RQ, D3; Kieran Lowe, Jr., 26-18, RQ, D4 (Transfer to George Jenkins); Preston Thornton, Sr., 21-9, RQ, D2 (Transfer to Lake Gibson); Romeo Estevez, Sr., 22-18, RQ, D3 (Transfer to Lake Gibson).
Notable returning wrestlers: Xazavien Lamones, Sr., 30-15, SQ, R4, D3; Luke McLaughlin, So., 7-16, D6.
What they’re saying: “Our goals are to enjoy the process and love the sport of wrestling.”
Outlook:
Kathleen Red Devils
Coach: Ali Abdullah (1st season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:6; 2025:7; 2024:5; 2023:7; 2022:5; 2021:4-2A6; 2020:3-2A6; 2019:5-3A6; 2018:4-3A6; 2017:5-3A6; 2016:6-3A6; 2015:6; 2014:5; 2013:7-2A6; 2012:4-2A6
Last state champion: Jeremiah Jackson, 2022
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Ryder Osborn, 27-16, SQ, R4, D2; Tristan Morante, Sr., 31-11, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Maximus O'Connell, Sr., 27-15, RQ-BR, D4; Marcus Holloway, So., 14-19, RQ, D4; Jordan Borders, Sr., 6-18, RQ, D4; Najeh Ahmad, So., 17-18, RQ, D5; Zadkiel Carranza-Casillas, Jr., 20-16.
What they’re saying: “We want to improve on our records for last year and have more wrestlers in the state tournament.”
Outlook:
Sebring Blue Streaks
Coach: Cody Cook (6th season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:7; 2025:6; 2024:7; 2023:4; 2022:6-1A13; 2021:8-2A13; 2020:7-2A13; 2019:5-2A10; 2018:4-2A10; 2017:4-2A10; 2016:4-2A10; 2015:4-2A10; 2014:3-2A10; 2013:3-2A6; 2012:5-2A6
Last state champion: Blake Germaine, 2005 (145)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Angel Ortiz, 23-15, RQ, D3; Jean Paul Ortiz Guerrero, 26-10.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Danyl Muprhy, Jr., 5-19, RQ, D4; Briar Dennis, Jr., 6-25, RQ, D4; Abel Ammann, Jr., 5-28, RQ, D4; Jerome Rivers, Jr., 28-8, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Lake Region Thunder
Coach: Brian Adams
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5; 2025:5; 2024:2-1A7; 2023:2-1A7; 2022:4-1A7; 2021:4-1A11; 2020:6-1A11; 2019:9; 2018:10; 2017:11; 2016:9; 2015:8; 2014:7; 2013:6-2A6; 2012:6-2A6
Last state champion: Cleveland Berto, 2001 (135)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Josiah Dobson, 26-6, RQ-BR, D4; Myles Sellers, 12-14, RQ, D4; Davidson Taylor, 22-9, D5; Isaiah Day; Jakari Johnson, Sr., 19-7, SQ, R4, D3 (Transfer to Lake Gibson)
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Charles Roberts, Jr., 18-21, RQ, D4; Jonathan Hernandez, Sr., 19-20, RQ, D4; Chance Raymer, Sr., 6-9, D6.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Lake Wales Highlanders
Coach: Unknown
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2024:8; 2023:8; 2022:8; 2019:7-1A9; 2018:6-1A9; 2017:1-1A9; 2016:5-1A9; 2015:7-1A9; 2014:6-1A9; 2013:2-1A7; 2012:3-1A7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
What they are saying:
Outlook: