3A-15 Preview: Three teams set to battle for district glory
BY BRANT PARSONS — A wide-open team race greets the new 3A-15.
Goleman returns the most wrestlers from last year with 12 from its postseason roster back, including blood round wrestlers Bryan Gudino and Jacob Lopez.
State placer Ricky Montalvan is back to lead Doral Academy, last year’s district runner-up.
Hialeah Gardens could also be in the mix if their suspected 11 wrestlers are back.
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Columbus won a fourth straight district title, outscoring Doral Academy by 36.5 points.
How did Kabra do?: We correctly picked the top two spots.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Case Gustafson, Fr. (Miami Southridge); Ricky Montalvan, Sr. (Doral Academy); Damian Nunez, Sr. (Hialeah Gardens); Makoa Badillo, Fr. (South Plantation); Diosam Acosta, So. (Hialeah Gardens); Davian Lopez, Jr. (Hialeah Gardens); Leonardo Mendoza, Sr. (Miami High); Bryan Gudino, Sr. (Goleman); Daniel Siles, Sr. (Doral Academy); Miguel Arredondo, Sr. (Miami High); Jacob Lopez, Sr. (Goleman); Bryan Mantilla, Sr. (Flanagan); Gianmarco Padron, Jr. (South Broward); Kylani Demps, Sr. (Goleman).
The favorite: Goleman. The Gators return the most experience from a year ago and own a slight edge in our predictions.
Team to watch: Doral Academy. The Firebirds suffered a few losses but will be in the mix again this season. .
District duals: Friday, January 15 at Hialeah Gardens
District IBT: Friday, February 19 at Goleman
Goleman Gators
Coach: Reinel Mansito (11th season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 13-7
Recent district results: 2026:4; 2025:4; 2024:4; 2023:4; 2022:3; 2021:2; 2020:3; 2019:1-2A16; 2018:3-2A16; 2017:6-2A16; 2016:1-2A16; 2015:5-2A16; 2014:9-2A16; 2013:4-3A14; 2012:5-3A14
Last state champion: Rey Parrado, 2008 (140)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): John Petrescu, 30-19, RQ, D4; Gianmarco Perdomo, Jr., 39-16, RQ, D3 (Transfer to Mater Lakes).
Notable returning wrestlers: Bryan Gudino, Sr., 42-15, RQ-BR, D2; Jacob Lopez, Sr., 28-11, RQ-BR, D3; Jancarlos Delacruz, Jr., 30-16, RQ, D3; Blake Mansito, Sr., 18-11, RQ, D4; Daniel Lopez, So., 29-17, RQ, D4; Kylani Demps, Sr., 19-7; Nasir Velasquez, So., 3-2; Andres Prediahita, Jr., 2-2; Dylan Toledo, So,. 18-14; Oscar Rivera, Jr., 21-12.
What they’re saying: “The line up has been wrestling for more than 2 years so nobody is new. Some guys will be wrestling off for their varsity spot which makes the line up even stronger.”
Outlook: The Gators are bringing back the most points in the district from a year ago and enter as our favorite.
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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Doral Academy Firebirds
Coach: Willy de Armas (9th year at school)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 17-1
Recent district results: 2026:2; 2025:2; 2024:3; 2023:2; 2022:2; 2021:1; 2020:1; 2019:2-2A16; 2018:7-2A16; 2017:5-2A16; 2016:8-2A16; 2015:8-2A16; 2013:3-1A16; 2012:3-1A16
Last state champion: Christian Vazquez, 2024 (113)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Mateus Sgai, 33-10, S2, R3, D2; Brandon Castellanos, 19-13, RQ, D3; Evan Faustin, 22-13, RQ, D3; Jai Diaz, So., 31-13, SQ, R3, DC (Transfer to Columbus); Ayden Fernandez, 8th, 15-11, RQ, D2 (Transfer to True North).
Notable returning wrestlers: Ricky Montalvan, Sr., 38-13, S6, R3, DC; Daniel Siles, Sr., 33-14, RQ-BR, D2; Enzo Carrazana, Jr., 27-12, RQ, DC; Jacob Valdes, Jr., 16-17, RQ, D4; Jayden Quintanal.
New wrestlers: Kevin Chang, 8th; Santiago Siles, So.; Elias Arguello, 8th
What they’re saying: “The goals don’t change . We want to win our district, both IBT and duals . Then through that, set ourselves up for a good region tournament to qualify as many as we can to state and then get as high on the podium at state as we can.”
Outlook: A few pieces have left but the Firebirds are still a team to beat in this district.
Hialeah Gardens Gladiators
Coach: David Labi
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:3; 2025:6; 2024:6; 2023:6; 2022:6; 2021:5; 2020:6; 2019:5-3A14; 2018:6-3A14; 2017:7-3A14; 2016:4-3A14; 2015:5-3A14; 2014:2-3A14; 2013:7-3A14; 2012:4-3A14
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Adam Cantu, 41-10, SQ, R4, DC; Caleb Victorero, 16-11, RQ, D4; Gabriel Pena, Jr., 37-10, SQ, R4, DC (Transfer to Mater Academy); Davian Lopez, Jr., 28-13, SQ, R4, D3 (Transfer to SW Miami).
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Damian Nunez, Sr., 36-14, SQ, R4, DC; Daniel Jaramillo, Sr., 22-6, RQ, D2; Manuel Gonzalez, So., 22-17, RQ, D3; Michael Capote, Jr., 21-12, RQ, D3; Ivan Chasbbar, Jr., 24-16, RQ, D4; Luis McKinney, So., 13-18, RQ, D4.
Flanagan Falcons
Coach: Walter Castillo (3rd at school/5th overall)
Assistant coach: Jeshua Castillo
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 21-8
Recent district results: 2026:4-3A14; 2025:7-3A14; 2024:8-3A14; 2023:8-3A14; 2022:7-3A14; 2021:7-3A14; 2020:8-3A14; 2019:11-3A13; 2018:6-3A13; 2017:10-3A13; 2016:7-3A13; 2015:10-3A13; 2014:9-3A13; 2013:5-3A13; 2012:4-3A13
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Aston Claxon, 43-8, SQ, R4, D2; Kevin Gamez, 6-6, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Muhammad Mendez, So., 35-17, RQ, D2; James Metts, Sr., 21-17, RQ, D3; Matthias Torres, Sr., 28-21, RQ, D3; Bryan Mantilla, Sr., 35-12, RQ, D3.
What they’re saying: "We definitely have a older team this year. We have a lot of seniors on the starting lineup. This season, I definitely think the sky is our limit. It depends on how much these kids want to put in at practice and how much time they want to give to the sport to get the outcome they want. Realistically, I see us shocking a lot of people from where we started two years ago of being the already starting to work ourselves towards the top in Broward. That's the goal right now."
On building this program: "First year I showed up, we didn't really have a lot of kids that knew how to wrestle. We had kids that wrestled, but they didn't know the technique and the basics when it came to actual wrestling. So I walked into a brand new blank canvas. And at the end of the first year, we took one girl to states and then last season was my second year. I had a lot of kids after finding out, this is what wrestling really is. They end up going to clubs and stuff like that. This past season was even better. I had one boy go to states and I had several kids make it to the regional tournament which is very exciting especially since the majority of them weren't seniors. I think I only had two seniors make it to regionals out of seven."
On coaching the Falcons: "I'm a Flanagan alumni. I went to Flanagan and wrestled all four years, and I never had a wrestling team. It was probably just me and my brother on the team, and that's it. So, being able to come back and actually give this school a program is very, very uplifting for me."
Outlook: The Falcons have their eyes on making the region duals for the first time in school history.
South Broward Bulldogs
Coach: Major Threlkeld (7th season)
Assistant coaches: Mike Otero, Austin Threlkeld, James Mosillo
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:2-3A14; 2025:1-3A14; 2024:4-3A14; 2023:6-3A14; 2022:8-3A14; 2021:5-3A14; 2020:5-3A14; 2019:2-2A15; 2018:2-2A15; 2017:2-2A15; 2016:2-2A15; 2015:6-3A13; 2014:10-3A-13; 2013:1-3A13; 2012:1-3A13
Last state champion: Illia Kyryianenko, 2025 (132)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Ivan Kyryianenko, 31-2, RQ-BR, DC; Jayden Cunningham, 27-5, RQ, DC; Angel Raymond, 22-11, RQ, D3; Anthony Agriesti, Sr. (Transfer to Mater Academy); Illia Kyryianenko, Jr., 10-1, SQ, R3, DC (Transfer to Miami Southridge)
Notable returning wrestlers: Rashad Lansey, Jr., 23-12, RQ, D2; Gianmarco Padron, Jr., 10-8, RQ, D2; Aaron Gadivia, So., 21-15, RQ, D3; Cristian Sanchez, Jr., 11-9, RQ, D4; Jacob Browne, Jr., 4-9, D6.
Outlook: A strong graduating class and a few departures leave a couple holes but they have some experience still in the room.
Miami High Stingarees
Coach: Lalo BrBorich (15th season)
Assistant coach: Paul Marcello
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:6; 2025:8; 2020:7; 2019:5; 2018:8; 2017:6; 2016:6; 2015:6; 2014:7; 2013:8; 2012:4
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Fabian Mendoza, So., 21-11, RQ-BR, D2; Leonardo Mendoza, Sr., 28-9, RQ-BR, D2; Miguel Arredondo, Sr., 27-8, RQ, D3.
What they’re saying: “We re seeing the results of four years of labor. The seniors are at their best, and even our first years are looking better than previous years with the help of seasoned veterans helping them and the coaching staff.”
On the Mendozas: “Mendoza brothers are coming after having lost both in the blood round last season. They’re coming this season with a vengeance.”
Outlook: Fabian and Leonardo Mendoza come a match short of Kissimmee a year ago and will try to take the next step this season.
Cypress Bay Lightning
Coach: Walter Weidler (15th season)
Assistant coach: Jose Mercado
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 7-4
Recent district results: 2026:6-3A14; 2025:3-3A14; 2024:3-3A14; 2023:1-3A14; 2022:1-3A14; 2021:1-3A14; 2020:1-3A14; 2019:1-3A13; 2018:1-3A13; 2017:2-3A13; 2016:1-3A13; 2015:1-3A13; 2014:1-3A13; 2013:2-3A12; 2012:2-3A12
Last state champion: Andrew Punzalan, 2023 (106)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Mason Gonzalez, 34-11, RQ-BR, DC; Timotheos Nikolepoulous, 25-10, RQ, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kyle Jensen, Sr., 34-13, RQ, D2; Saif El Deen Sabaei, Sr., 7-7, D5; Rohan Baja, So.; Neel Rama, Sr.; Stefan Betancourt, Sr.
New wrestlers: Matthew Mendez Fr.; Pedro Marin Fr.; Tom Oron Fr .; Rodrigo Dommar Sr.
What they’re saying: “This year’s wrestling team is defined by a powerful blend of hungry newcomers and seasoned senior leaders, creating a dynamic yet steady identity. The new athletes bring raw energy, fearlessness, and a relentless “prove‑myself” mentality that elevates the intensity in the room. The seniors provide the backbone through experience, composure, and an understanding of the grind, setting the tone for how the team trains, competes, and carries itself.”
On the tough region: “This season’s goals center on surviving and thriving in our new district, a gauntlet loaded with tough programs from both Dade and Broward. The team knows they’re stepping into the Region of Doom, where every match demands grit, discipline, and composure. Navigating that level of competition isn’t just about hanging on — it’s about proving we belong among the best. And ultimately, everything funnels toward the biggest target of all: punching tickets to States.”
Outlook: The Lightning are looking for a youth infusion to continue the rise from a year ago.
Cooper City Cowboys
Coach: Scott Sodergren (29th season)
Assistant coaches: Eric Perez, Joseph Riestra, Julian Perez
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 21-10
Recent district results: 2026:5-3A14; 2025:4-3A14; 2024:5-3A14; 2023:5-3A14; 2022:4-3A14; 2021:4-3A14; 2020:2-3A14; 2019:2-3A13; 2018:3-3A13; 2017:4-3A13; 2016:2-3A13; 2015:2-3A13; 2014:3-3A13; 2013:4-3A13; 2012:3-3A13
Last state champion: Jeff Beauregard, 1997 (215)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Chase Brightup, 35-10, RQ, DC; Alan Bradley, 43-15, RQ, D2; Andrew Rzepko, 18-23, RQ, D3; Christopher Epps, 24-23, RQ, D4; Rowan Hansman, 34-21, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jaiden Morgado, Jr., 44-11, RQ, D2; Xander Wong, So., 25-28, RQ, D3; Dean Brightup, Jr., 10-10, RQ, D4.
Outlook: The Cowboys graduated almost 70% of its roster points from a year ago and will be looking for guys to fill in the holes.
West Broward Bobcats
Coach: Phillip Jackson
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:8-3A14; 2025:8-3A14; 2024:7-3A14; 2023:7-3A14; 2022:6-3A14; 2021:6-3A14; 2020:4-3A14; 2019:3-3A13; 2018:5-3A13; 2017:5-3A13; 2016:9-3A13; 2015:8-3A13; 2014:8-3A13; 2013:7-3A13; 2012:8-3A13
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Alessandro Galvez, Jr., 11-5, RQ, D3; Manuel Gonzalez, Sr., 17-7, D5.
Nova Titans
Coach: Fritzler Dorisca
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:7-3A14; 2025:6-3A14; 2024:6-3A14; 2023:4-3A14; 2022:3-3A14; 2021:4-3A13; 2020:5-3A13; 2019:4-3A13; 2018:2-3A13; 2017:3-3A13; 2016:5-3A13; 2015:9-3A13; 2014:6-3A13; 2013:3-3A12; 2012:3-3A12
Last state champion: Phil Scott, 2007 (140)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Xander Ortiz, 38-6, S8, R3, D2; Nathaniel Hunninghan, 28-9, RQ-BR, D2; Tahj Toussaint, 24-15, RQ, D2; Chrishon Donaldson, 26-17, RQ, D3; Njonte Henry, 19-13, RQ, D3; Ridwan Ajao, 13-12, RQ, D4; Marciano Smith, 17-10.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Javier Sanchez, Jr., 8-16, RQ, D4.