3A-16 Preview:

BY BRANT PARSONS


If it's not broken, why fix it?,” Reyna said. “We're still going to continue doing what we've been doing. It’s just a whole different coaching staff in it in a sense that now I'm the head coach. I call the shots here and there or things fall on me now.”


Chasing the Bucs will be rising power Miami Southridge and district nemesis Southwest Miami.

Southridge looks to be a team that could reach the top but they’ll be short of a state champion from a year ago. Last year’s 285-pound winner Ryan Miret is off to Ole Miss to play football and will be graduating this winter.

“I think it's a great decision on his part and I wholeheartedly support it and my best interest is always for the kids,” Southridge coach Albert Pardo said. “I would never try to convince them to stay or otherwise. I think he's making the right decision.”

The Spartans do have two-time state champion Jovanni Tovar back.

“He does stuff that is just something that he did in the moment,” Pardo said. “And that's hard to explain and it's even harder to teach but he's a natural when it comes to that. I think he's just been around it so long and that he's just naturally, very adept at wrestling.”


Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.

Last season: South Dade won state title #26 and #27 as the Buccaneers took home both the dual and IBT crowns.

How did Kabra do?: We picked South Dade to win it all and they did, we said to watch for Miami Southridge as a team that could contend for the second spot in the district, but we did not pick them to finish second as they did.

Last year’s district tournament results

Last year’s region tournament results

Wrestlers to watch:

The favorite:

Team to watch:

District duals:

District IBT:

South Dade Buccaneers

Coach: Humberto Reyna (1st season as HC, 25th season)

Assistant coaches: Bretli Reyna, Markel Shropshire, Ozzy Lugo

Click here for 25-26 schedule

Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:1; 2020:1; 2019:1; 2018:1; 2017:1; 2016:1; 2015:1; 2014:1; 2013:1; 2012:1

Last state champions: Guillermo Jaramillo, 2025 (126); Jovani Solis, 2025 (138); Elvis Solis, 2025 (144); Armand Williams, 2025 (150); Tyree Graham, 2025 (157), Willie White, 2025 (165).

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Elvis Solis, 49-0, SC, RC, DC; Willie White, 57-0, SC, RC, DC; Daguy Massillon, 44-13, 2nd, R2, D2; Nathaniel Williams, 47-13, 8th, R3, D2; Prince Perry, 13-11, D5; Matthew Abreu, 15-8

Notable returning wrestlers: Jovani Solis, So., 49-1, SC, RC, DC; Tyree Graham, Sr., 51-4, SC, RC, DC; Armand Williams, Jr., 49-7, SC, RC, DC; Guillermo Jaramillo, Sr., 43-4, SC, R2, DC; Kaleb Williams, Sr., 39-12, 2nd, R2, D3; Jonathan Moreno, Jr., 30-7, 2nd, R2, D3; Jamie Freeney, Sr., 33-14, RQ-BR, D4; Jose Callava, So., 29-8, RQ, D3; Brandon Valdes, So., 17-10, RQ, D3; Bryan Morales, Sr., 22-4,; Cameron Haines, So., 24-8; Pablo Sifuentes, Jr., 7-9.

New wrestlers: Sebastian Morera, Sr., 25-11(Transfer from Columbus)

What they are saying: “We have great young student-athletes taking accountability and ready to work hard to be successful.”

Outlook:

The Florida High School Wrestling 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

District Predictions: All 64 projected final IBT standings

Other content: Transfers | Coaching changes | Tournament schedule | Dual schedule | Team schedules

For Kabra+ members (Join here)

Rankings: Class 3A | Class 2A | Class 1A | Girls | Team

Southwest Miami Eagles

Coach: Mick Arteaga (16th at school)

Assistant coach:

Click here for 25-26 schedule

24-25 dual record:

Recent district results: 2025:3; 2024:2; 2023:2; 2022:2; 2021:2; 2020:2; 2019:1-3A15; 2018:1-3A15; 2017:1-3A15; 2016:1-3A15; 2015:1-3A15; 2014:1-3A15; 2013:2-3A15; 2012:2-3A15

Last state champion: Lazaro Soto, 2025 (106); Myron Mendez, 2025 (215)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Myron Mendez, 52-3, SC, RC, DC; Dillon Smith, 34-8, 2nd, R2, D2; Evangelo Mercado, 49-11, 3rd, R3, D2; Oscar Llaguno, 19-13, RQ, D3; Steven Blanco, 25-11, RQ, D4; Gabriel Noguel, 25-14, RQ-BR, D4; Brendan Rodriguez, 13-5.

Notable returning wrestlers: Lazaro Soto, Jr., 44-5, SC, RC, DC; Didier Novoa, Sr., 40-12, 4th, R3, D3; Antonio Morales, Jr., 38-13, 5th, R2, DC; Lucas Milian, Jr., 27-9, D5; Antonio Cordoves, Sr., 34-13, D5; Jonathan Diaz, So., 23-19, D6; Alejandro Ravelo, Sr., 13-7; Sebastian Gonzalez, Jr.; Bryan Garcia, So., 28-20; Nelson Hued, Jr., 21-12; Iam Garcia, Sr.; Guillermo Fleitas, Sr., 20-8.

New wrestler: Anthony Romero, Sr., 15-7 (Transfer from Miami Southridge)

What they are saying:

Outlook: The Eagles struggled with injuries throughout the lineup last season and will be looking to improve from last season. Three top 3 wrestlers have graduated, including state champion Mendez, but Soto leads a deep and dedicated group.

Miami Southridge Spartans

Coach: Albert Pardo (3rd at school, 28th overall)

Assistant coach: Manny Nordelo

Click here for 25-26 schedule

24-25 dual record: 13-4

Recent district results: 2025:2; 2024:4; 2023:4; 2022:4-2A16; 2021:1-2A16; 2020:1-2A16; 2019:2; 2018:2; 2017:2; 2016:2; 2015:2; 2014:2; 2013:3; 2012:7

Last state champions: Jovanni Tovar, 2025 (120); Ryan Miret, 2025 (285)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Damel Martinez, 34-13, 4th, RC, D2; Eliel Santos, 30-7, 5th, R3, DC; Leonard Gilley, 44-17, SQ, R3, D3; Anthony Romero, Sr., 15-7 (Transfer to SW Miami); Ryan Miret, Sr., 28-0, SC, RC, DC (Graduating, going to Ole Miss for football)

Notable returning wrestlers: Jovanni Tovar, So., 47-0, SC, RC, DC; Christian Soto, Jr., 36-11, 2nd, R2, D2; Stefano Garcia, So., 27-10, 2nd, R4, D2; Alexander Laguardia, Sr., 35-14, 4th, R3, D2; Andres Rojas, So., 47-10, 5th, R2, D2; Daniel Sanchez, Sr., 36-23, SQ, R4, D4; Alfredo Cheang, Jr., 42-12, 7th, R2, DC; Fernando Sanz, So., 22-18, RQ-BR, D3.

New wrestlers: Ericson Coney, So., 43-13, 6th, R3, D2 (Transfer from Everglades)

What they are saying: “I think we're ready. But to pick us to win a state tournament right now, we may be the favorites or right up there, but I don't think they're just going to send us the trophy because everybody thinks that way.”

On Jovanni Tovar: “The best way I can explain it to you is of everyone that I've ever coached and almost everyone that I've ever watched, he seems to be that kid that knows what's coming before it is there and what to do before his opponent realizes it. It seems like he always has the right answer to whatever is needed. He seems to hit that move that you're not expecting and defend in a way you didn't expect and take advantage. To me, he's the most natural wrestler I've ever coached.”

Outlook: Southridge looks like one of the teams that will compete for not just an elusive 3A-16 district title, but as one of the top teams in the state. The Spartans did lose some key points with Miret graduating early to head to Ole Miss for football, but Pardo still believes they have 5-6 potential state finalists in the room.

Miami Palmetto Panthers

Coach: Anthony Fadelle (9th as head coach/29th season)

Assistant coach: Michael Graham

Click here for 25-26 schedule

24-25 dual record: 15-4

Recent district results: 2025:4; 2024:3; 2023:3; 2022:4; 2021:4; 2020:4; 2019:3; 2018:3; 2017:4; 2016:3; 2015:3; 2014:3; 2013:2; 2012:2

Last state champion: Connor Bonney, 2025 (175)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Adonis Ferro, 14-5.

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Connor Bonney, Sr., 34-0, SC, RC, DC; Drake Bonney, Sr., 40-7, 3rd, R2, D2; Gary Jackson, So., 40-14, 6th, R4, D2; Alexander Urbina, So., 11-10, RQ, D3; Marco Vides-Olivencia, So., 30-16, RQ, D4; Matthew Padgett, Sr., 14-7, RQ, D4; Gregory Jackson, Jr., 27-13, D5.

What they are saying: “We are very seasoned and committed. They are dedicated and striving to reach the top of the podium at every tournament, but especially that tournament in March.”

On believing: “One goal is to battle in the District Duals with the powerhouse teams we have there. Also, now that we have our first state champ, the other wrestlers know that they can achieve it.”

Outlook:

Miami Braddock Bulldogs

Coach: Sergio Hernandez (5th season)

Click here for 25-26 schedule

24-25 dual record: 10-7

Recent district results: 2025:9; 2024:7; 2023:6; 2022:5; 2021:7; 2020:6; 2019:6-3A15; 2018:6-3A15; 2017:7-3A15; 2016:4-3A15; 2015:2-3A15; 2014:2-3A15; 2013:3-3A15; 2012:3-3A15

Last state champion: Alex Victor, 2016 (113)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Dylan Lopez, 17-5, RQ, D2.

Notable returning wrestlers: Janmichael Broche, Sr., 30-14, SQ, R4, D3; Donte Gaiter, Sr., 12-11, RQ, D5.

What they are saying: “We are improved from last season. We have more experience, we are more motivated and ready to compete.”

Outlook:

Homestead Broncos

Coach: Frank Melo (2nd season)

Assistant coaches: Fernando Melo, Joshua Swan, James Williams

Click here for 25-26 schedule

24-25 dual record: 14-7

Recent district results: 2025:5; 2024:5-2A16; 2023:6-2A16; 2022:7-2A16; 2021:5-2A16; 2020:4-2A16; 2019:5; 2018:6; 2017:6; 2016:6; 2015:2-2A16; 2014:2-2A16; 2013:1-2A16; 2012:1-2A16

Last state champion: Earl Hall, 2008 (103)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Dionel Ramos, 22-7, RQ, D3; Fabio PerezLeguizamo, 43-9, RQ-BR, D2; Maikel German, 32-8, D5.

Notable returning wrestlers: Corey Lester, Sr., 28-8, RQ, D2; Misael Guerrero, Jr., 36-13, RQ, D4; Nicholas Tapia, So., 15-14, RQ, D4; Kemauri Middleton, Jr., 26-14, D6; Elias Ramirez, Sr., 20-21; Darien Hernandez, Sr., 9-10.

New wrestler: Isaiah Dos Santos, Sr.

What they are saying: “This is me and my coaching staff’s third year with the program and second year under my lead as the head coach. Again this year we are still in pursuit for our first state qualifier and state placer since myself and my team qualified and placed in 2015. Fabio Perez, Dionel Ramos, and Corey Lester came close last year in the toughest region in the state but fell short. This year I believe we have five guys who can make a run and earn their ticket into the state tournament.”

Outlook:

Coral Gables Cavaliers

Coach: Thomas Hardy (9th season)

Click here for 25-26 schedule

24-25 dual record: 12-8

Recent district results: 2025:8; 2024:6; 2023:7; 2022:8; 2021:5; 2020:8; 2019:4-3A15; 2018:7-3A15; 2017:3-3A15; 2016:3-3A15; 2015:4-3A15; 2014:5-3A15; 2013:6-3A15; 2012:8-3A15

Last state champion: Marino Eatman, 2004 (HWT)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Zlad Kamal, RQ, D4; Erniet Perez, 10-10, RQ, D4.

Notable returning wrestlers: Diego Luis; Rayden Guan; Lebron Johnson; Richard Thomas

What they are saying: “We are much more experienced than we were last year.”

Outlook:

Ferguson Falcons

Coach: Luis Cabal

Assistant coach:

Click here for 25-26 schedule

24-25 dual record:

Recent district results: 2025:7; 2024:6; 2023:5; 2022:6; 2021:8; 2020:7; 2019:7-3A15; 2018:4-3A15; 2017:5-3A15; 2016:7-3A15; 2015:6; 2014:5; 2013:6; 2012:3

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jorge Pacheco, 28-9, RQ, D3; Jake Fernandez, 4-4; Joshua Viera, Jr., 22-11, RQ, D4 (Transfer to Mater Academy); Andres Viera, Sr., 17-11, RQ, D4 (Transfer to Mater Academy).

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Isaias Camacho, Sr., 17-12, RQ, D4.

New wrestlers:

What they are saying:

Outlook:

Miami Coral Reef Barracudas

Coach: Miguel Dominguez (14th at school/26th total)

Assistant coaches: Kevin Whelan, Amanda Gates

Click here for 25-26 schedule

24-25 dual record: 17-7

Recent district results: 2025:6; 2024:8; 2023:8; 2022:7; 2021:6; 2020:5; 2019:4; 2018:4; 2017:5; 2016:5; 2015:4; 2014:4; 2013:4; 2012:5

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Gregory Gonzalez, 37-12, SQ, R4, D3.

Notable returning wrestlers: Alejandro Armas, Jr., 32-16, RQ, D3; Jacob Garcia, Jr., 17-14, RQ, D4; Elijah Almonte, Sr., 14-10, D5; Emmanuel Paguaga, Sr., 7-7, D6; Elijah Garcia, Sr.

What they are saying: “The team has a strong group of returning athletes who are now juniors and seniors. Many began wrestling for the Reef as freshmen with little to no experience, and they’ve now reached a point in their careers where expectations are higher due to their growth and time in our program.”

On goals: “Our team goals are to place top 10 in our tough conference tournament as well as in region 3A-4. In addition, we would like to qualify as many kids to the state tourney on the boys and girls teams and get them on the podium at Kissimmee.”

Outlook:

Notes

Rankings listed next to teams are the preseason Kabra rankings in both IBT and Duals. (IBT/Dual)

Rankings listed in front of wrestlers are the official Kabra Wrestling preseason rankings

SC = State Champion last season

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th = State placer

SQ = State qualifier

RC = Region champion

R2, R3, R4 = Region placer

RQ-BR = Region qualifiers who reached the blood round

RQ = Region qualifier

DC = District champions

D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 = District placer