3A-16 Preview: District of Doom gets even harder this season
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: South Dade won state titles #28 and #29 as the Buccaneers took home both the dual and IBT crowns. Southwest Miami won the district title, outscoring Miami Southridge by 19.5 points.
How did Kabra do?: We picked South Dade to win it all and they did but they did not win the district IBT title with Southwest Miami proving us extra wrong by winning it.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch:
The favorite: Miami Southridge.
Team to watch: Southwest Miami.
Southwest Miami Eagles
Coach: Mick Arteaga (10th as head coach/17th at school)
Assistant coaches: Denys Ribot, Allan Herrera, Lorenzo Walker-Thomas
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 13-3
Recent district results: 2026:1; 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, 2026 (120)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Didier Novoa, 54-9, S2, R3, DC; Anthony Romero, 54-14, S7, R3, D3; Alejandro Ravelo, 52-15, S8, R2, DC; Iam Garcia; Alfredo Berroteran, 20-11; Antonio Cordoves.
Notable returning wrestlers: Lazaro Soto, Sr., 60-0, SC, RC, DC; Sebastian Gonzalez, Sr., 46-15, S2, R2, D3; Nelson Hued, Sr., 50-16, S5, R2, D3; Gabriel Ortiz, Jr., 36-16, S8, RC, DC; Brandon Carnaval, Sr., 40-14, RQ-BR, D2; Bryan Garcia, Jr., 41-17, RQ-BR, D3; Antonio Morales, Sr., 43-18, RQ-BR, D4; Joseph Sibaja, Jr., 26-15, RQ-BR, D4; Derik Palmer, Sr., 23-19, RQ, D3; Jonathan Diaz, Jr., 41-19, RQ, D4; Logan Montero, So., 38-10; Kenneth Placer, Jr., 33-13; Evans Caceres, Jr., 27-9.
New wrestlers: Nicholas Tapia, Jr., 43-15, D5 (Transfer from Homestead); Davian Lopez, Jr., 28-13, SQ, R4, D3 (Transfer from Hialeah Gardens); Osvaldo Gonzalez.
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
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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South Dade Buccaneers
Coach: Humberto Reyna (2nd season as HC, 26th season)
Assistant coaches: Bretli Reyna, Ozzy Lugo
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 12-5
Recent district results: 2026:3; 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: Bryan Morales, 2026 (113); Guillermo Jaramillo, 2026 (132); Jovani Solis, 2026 (144); Armand Williams, 2026 (150); Tyree Graham, 2026 (165); Jonathan Moreno, 2026 (175)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Bryan Morales, 29-7, SC, RC, DC; Guillermo Jaramillo, 32-6, SC, RC, DC; Tyree Graham, 56-1, SC, RC, DC; Sebastian Morera, 34-13, S6, R2, D2; Kaleb Williams, 33-11, SQ, R4, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jovani Solis, Jr., 44-1, SC, RC, DC; Armand Williams, Sr., 31-1, SC, RC, DC; Jonathan Moreno, Sr., 24-4, SC, R2, D2; Jose Callava, Jr., 30-13, S7, R4, D3; Cameron Haines, Jr., 31-19, SQ, R4, D3; Pablo Sifuentes, Sr., 27-23, RQ-BR, D2; Ray Healy, So., 26-27, RQ, D4; Chris Felder, Sr., 20-16.
New wrestlers: Michael Valdes, Fr.; Leonydes Peraza, Fr.; Osvalado Gonzalez, Sr.; Stefano Garcia, Jr., 36-4, SC, RC, D2 (Transfer from Miami Southridge); Alfredo Cheang, Sr., 42-12, SQ, R3, D2 (Transfer from Miami Southridge)
What they’re saying: “This year's team will be just like other teams before them, willing to work hard and train smart to reach success for themselves and as a team. The team will have many different styles of wrestling which makes it fun to watch them entertain the crowd.”
Outlook:
Miami Southridge Spartans
Coach: Albert Pardo (4th at school, 31st overall)
Assistant coach: Manny Nordelo
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:2; 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, 2026 (126); Stefano Garcia, 2026 (138); Christian Soto, 2026 (215)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Daniel Sanchez, 26-7, S5, R3, DC; Alexander Laguardia, 16-5; Stefano Garcia, Jr., 36-4, SC, RC, D2 (Transfer to South Dade); Alfredo Cheang, Sr., 42-12, SQ, R3, D2 (Transfer to South Dade).
Notable returning wrestlers: Cristhian Soto, Sr., 30-4, SC, RC, DC; Jovanni Tovar, Jr., 49-2, SC, R2, DC; Andres Rojas, Jr., 39-9, S2, R2, D2; Ericson Coney, Jr., 44-17, S4, R2, D2; Abigail Gonzalez, Jr., 10-6, S8, R4, D3; Yeison Santana, Sr., 21-22, SQ, R4, D4; Edier Estrada, So., 38-13, RQ-BR, D3; Danny Merida, Jr., 42-13, RQ-BR, D3; Edgar Estrada, Sr., 24-18, RQ, D4; Fernando Sanz, Jr., 18-19, D6.
New wrestlers: Elijah Castanon, Fr., 20-4, S3, R2, DC (Transfer from Miami Christian); Illia Kyryianenko, Jr., 10-1, SQ, R3, DC (Transfer from South Broward); Case Gustafson, Fr., 18-7, S4, R3, DC (Transfer from Miami Christian); Shawn Dozier.
What they’re saying: “We have some of the best individuals in the country on this team, and together they should make each other even better. The goal is to win a bunch of individual titles and if that happens maybe a team title.”
Outlook:
Columbus Explorers
Coach: JD Ramsey (First season)
Assistant coaches: Maxwell Lacey, Mitch Li, Andy Gonzalez, Jorge Borgen
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:1-3A15; 2025:1-3A15; 2024:1-3A15; 2023:1-3A15; 2022:3; 2021:3; 2020:3; 2019:2-3A15; 2018:3-3A15; 2017:2-3A15; 2016:2-3A15; 2015:3-3A15; 2014:3-3A15; 2013:1-3A15; 2012:1-3A15
Last state champion: Christian Guzman, 2021 (106)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tedrick Lee, 46-9, S3, RC, D2; Hunter Torres, 27-18, RQ, DC; Nicholas Velazco, 9-6, RQ, DC; Alcides Martinez, 41-18, RQ, D3; Michael Jimenez, 20-20, RQ, D4; Victor Zanolini, 33-11; Brandon Rizo, 24-19.
Notable returning wrestlers: Tomas Campian, Jr., 52-5, S3, RC, DC; Dominic Rodriguez, So., 45-9, S5, RC, DC; Julian Sierra, Sr., 35-7, SQ, R4, DC; Rocco Ruiz, Jr., 11-3, RQ-BR, DC; Joshua Perez, Sr., 35-17, RQ, DC; Shawn Dozier, Jr., 24-25, RQ, D4; Michael Rojas, Sr.
New wrestlers: Bruce Li, Jr., 34-5, S2, RC, DC (Transfer from Mater Lakes); Jack Cabrera, So., 33-5, S2, R3, DC (Transfer from Mater Lakes); Keagan Mesina, Jr., 21-1, S2, RC, DC (Transfer from Mater Lakes); Jai Diaz, So., 31-13, SQ, R3, DC (Transfer from Doral Academy); Jake Bosoa, So (Transfer from Mater Lakes); Damian Legorburo.
What they’re saying: “A new era has begun with a higher daily standard that we expect to uphold.”
Outlook:
Miami Palmetto Panthers
Coach: Anthony Fadelle (8th as head coach)
Assistant coaches: Michael Graham, Kenneth Johnson
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 14-2
Recent district results: 2026:4; 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): Drake Bonney, 40-11, S4, R3, D3; Connor Bonney, 28-4, S5, RC, DC; Matthew Padgett, 26-8, SQ, R4, D2; Ryan Ragan, 16-14, D6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Gregory Jackson, Sr., 40-9, S3, R2, DC; Gary Jackson, Jr., 37-10, S4, R3, D2; Alexander Urbina, Jr., 28-14, SQ, R2, D2; Jorge Conde, Jr., 24-12, RQ, D4; Caden Cozzo, So., 17-13, D5; Travis Godbolt, So., 19-10, D5; Marco Vides-Olivencia, Jr., 17-9; Lucas Martinez, Jr.
New wrestlers: Micah Thomas, Fr.; Paul Moore, Fr.
What they’re saying: “I believe we have a tough team that knows how to wrestle, but needs to get over the mental obstacles this year.”
On coaching staff: “I get the opportunity to coach with two of the most decorated hall of fame coaches on a daily basis. It is awesome to watch the team grow and develop and myself as a coach being around them.”
Outlook: The Panthers will have two of the top wrestlers in the district in the Jackson brothers. The goal will be to also bring some of their teammates along for the ride.
Coral Gables Cavaliers
Coach: Thomas Hardy (10th season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 10-6
Recent district results: 2026:7; 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): Ian Sepulveda, 15-9.
Notable returning wrestlers: Diego Luis, Sr., 12-8, D6; Richard Thomas, Jr., 9-7; Justin Vasquez, Jr.; Lebron Johnson, Sr.; Miguel Casanova, Sr.; Erik Suarez, Fr.
What they’re saying: “We have more experience this year and our goal is to be much better than we were a year ago.”
Outlook:
Miami Braddock Bulldogs
Coach: Sergio Hernandez (6th season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:6; 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): Janmichael Broche, 33-13, S6, R2, D2; Anthony Lopez, 26-15, D5; Donte Gaiter, 26-16, D6.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Roger Castillo, Sr., 14-13, D5; Justin Gutierrez-Espinosa, Sr., 20-11, D5.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Miami Coral Reef Barracudas
Coach: Miguel Dominguez (14th at school/26th total)
Assistant coach: Kevin Whalen
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:8; 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): Rashied Paul, 27-14, D6; Emmanuel Paguaga, 28-9, D6; Elijah Garcia, 26-15, D6; Emmanuel Sanabria, 20-14; Celso Castillo, Sr., 30-14, D6 (Transfer to Miami Killian).
Notable returning wrestlers: Jacob Garcia, Sr., 13-6, RQ, D4; Brandon Calderon, Sr., 26-14, D5; Alejandro Armas, Sr., 14-12; Ryder Chavez, Jr., 22-15.
What they’re saying: “We have some seasoned wrestlers returning that will fight in the toughest district in the state to try to make a run at being on the podium during the state series.”
On being in shape: "I think this year more than ever, the emphasis is going to have to be on not just being really good with your technique, but I think there's going to have to be a really big emphasis on pushing pace and being in the best shape of your life so that you could outwork somebody in a match. In our district, where everybody's good, I think the one thing that you can do to compete and to try to win those matches is just be in a lot better condition. We are just going to try to get in as best shape as possible so that you could go six minutes with full confidence that you're going to wear guys out and they're not going to wear you out."
On kids starting older: "A lot of these kids, they've been wrestling two, three years, but we make huge strides in those two, three years. I think part of that is being in the district that we're in, they have to get better quick and so the competition helps us get better."
Outlook: In one of the toughest districts and regions in Florida history, the Barracudas have a handful of wrestlers who will look to shine.
Ferguson Falcons
Coach: Luis Cabal
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:9; 2025:7; 2024:5; 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): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Stephan Guerrero, So., 16-10, RQ, D3; Demarco Carrilo, Jr., 7-3.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Homestead Broncos
Coach:
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5; 2025:5; 2024:6-2A16; 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): Corey Lester, 52-14, RQ-BR, D2; Darien Hernandez, 40-22, RQ, D3; Derrick Terry, 36-24, RQ, D4; Jayden Ruiz, 22-18, RQ, D4; Misael Guerrero, Sr., 28-11, SQ, R4, D2 (Transfer to Miami Killian); Kemauri Middleton, Sr., 50-15, RQ, D3 (Transfer to Miami Killian); Nicholas Tapia, Jr., 43-15, D5 (Transfer to Southwest Miami); Khamari Dume, Sr., 35-26, RQ, D4 (Transfer to Miami KIllian); Jayden Arcia, Jr., 35-21 (Transfer to Miami Killian).
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Nicholas Raney, Sr., 40-17, RQ-BR, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook: