3A-5 Preview: George Jenkins looks to build off of last year’s breakthrough season
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: The ride to the top was realized for a George Jenkins team that won its first district title since 2016.
How did Kabra do?: Our 1-2 punch of picks made us look smart, the rest, we may have been a bit off on.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Raymond Shaw (George Jenkins), Bryson Thompson (Winter Haven), Joseph Handley (George Jenkins), Jackson Lietz (George Jenkins), Justo Medina (Davenport), Kamrin Hilson (Haines City), Andrew Taylor (George Jenkins), Levi Peeples (Bartow), Russell Yarbrough (Plant City), Austin Hunt (Plant City), Joshua Ramirez (Ridge Community).
The favorite: George Jenkins. After breaking through for a district title last season, this year’s edition may be even better.
Team to watch: Plant City. Returning 11 of 13 starters, the Raiders should also pull away from the pack.
District duals: Wednesday, January 7 at George Jenkins
District IBT: Friday, February 20 at George Jenkins, 4:30 p.m.
George Jenkins Eagles (#11 IBT, #6 Duals)
Coach: Gavin Osborn (7th season)
Assistant coach: Anthony Cerullo, Alex Ebisawa, Johnathon Gerber
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 33-3
Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:2; 2023:2; 2022:2; 2021:3; 2020:4; 2019:3-3A6; 2018:2-3A6; 2017:3-3A6; 2016:1-3A6; 2015:1-3A6; 2014:2-3A6; 2013:3; 2012:4
Last state champion: Raymond Shaw, 2025 (190)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Braxton Gerber, 44-10, SQ, R3, DC; Tyler Davis, 33-7, RQ-BR, DC; Rakeem Green, 32-14.
Notable returning wrestlers: Raymond Shaw, Sr., 50-2, SC, RC, DC; Jackson Lietz, Sr., 51-11, 4th, R2, DC; Andrew Taylor, Jr., 41-9, SQ, R3, DC; Zavious Brown, Jr., 36-13, RQ-BR, D2; Joseph Handley, Sr., 27-15, RQ, DC; Michael Woodruff, Jr., 27-13, RQ, DC; Jaxson Peugh, Sr., 17-9, RQ, D2; Elliott Ortiz, Sr., 29-19, RQ, D2; Kaleeb Tribbett, Jr., 27-14, RQ, D3; Everett Smith, So., 33-22, RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “We are continuing to build that family atmosphere. This season, for the first time in my tenure at GJ, we will not have a first-year guy in the lineup anywhere.”
Outlook: The Eagles had a program-defining season last year, winning its first district IBT title since 2016 and winning the region duals title and advancing to the final four in Kissimmee. This year’s group will look to build off of last year and set new marks, including winning a region IBT title.
After three consecutive runner-up finishes in the district, George Jenkins earned the district title double in the 2024-25 season.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2025-2026 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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Plant City Raiders (NR, #24)
Coach: Blake Olson (3rd at school, 8th overall)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 17-2
Recent district results: 2025:2; 2024:2-3A7; 2023:6-3A7; 2022:8-3A7; 2021:4; 2020:3; 2019:7-3A6; 2018:7-3A6; 2017:8-3A6; 2016:7-3A6; 2015:7-3A6; 2014:6-3A6; 2013:6-3A6; 2012:8-3A6
Last state champion: Cornelius Wiggins, 2002 (130)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): George Harty, 11-15, RQ, D3; Charlie Maldonado, 9-16, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Gianni Valeriani, Sr., 40-14, SQ, R4, D2; Russell Yarbrough, Sr., 43-7, RQ-BR, D2; Levi Wentz, Sr., 44-6, RQ, DC; Austin Hunt, Sr., 35-9, RQ, D3; Kaleb Williams, Sr., 37-16, RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “We are solid up and down the lineup this year and should be pushing for levels of success that haven't been recently seen in this program. Look out for the wrestlers in our lineup that have been training at Top Gun Wrestling Academy this offseason. They're going to look greatly improved.”
Outlook: The senior-heavy squad is looking to return to the district duals final and is looking for a Top 10 finish in region 3A-2. There is a lot of leadership and mat experience in the upperclassmen.
Bartow Yellow Jackets
Coach: Brian Adams (3rd season)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 25-8
Recent district results: 2025:3; 2024:7; 2023:5; 2022:7; 2021:6; 2020:7; 2019:8-3A6; 2018:8-3A6; 2017:7-3A6; 2016:8-3A6; 2015:5-3A6; 2014:7-3A6; 2013:5-2A6; 2012:7-2A6
Last state champion: Hoss Rhoton, 1993 (160)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): William Ausmus, 35-16, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Hunter Adams, Sr., 35-6, RQ, D4; Levi Peeples, Sr., 39-15, RQ-BR, D4; Cole Stevens, Sr., 23-30, RQ, D3.
What they are saying: “Last season, everyone doubted us. We were overlooked, underestimated, and predicted to finish outside the top 10 at the Polk County Duals and 7th in our district. But we didn’t flinch, we used that doubt as fuel. Our team stepped up, put in the work, and showed what Bartow Wrestling is really about. We didn’t just compete, we made a statement. 2nd Place at Polk County Duals and District Dual Runners-Up. We proved Kabra—and everyone else—wrong. We’re not just a team to watch. We’re a team to respect.”
On looking to senior for leadership: “We got a group of three or four that are definitely buying in the process and that in return they're teaching the younger kids to buy in the process. As of right now, we only have three returning varsity kids. So we're going to have a young squad just like we did last year, but as they come in younger, our older kids will help help guide them and buy into the process of what we're trying to build. This is not an overnight success. It's never going to be. It's a process for them. And hopefully my three were seniors who are returning, they've been with me since they were freshman, see the fruits of their labor paying off this year, not just with districts, but looking to get some of these kids into states this year.”
On building something at Bartow: “We are trying to rebrand the program. This was a dormant program for years. It's a constant work. Just like with any sport, you've got to get these kids to believe in our process of what we're doing. Once you can get a few to buy into the process, then the goal is for those that bought in is to get other teammates on your team to believe in the process. We really rely on our captains and our upper classmen, to help out the new kids that are coming in when we don't have that opportunity to do that directly with them.”
Outlook: The Yellow Jackets had a big breakthrough last season and return nine starters from last year’s postseason.
Davenport Broncos
Coach: Jamar Brown (4th season)
24-25 dual record: 15-15
Recent district results: 2025:7; 2024:4-1A7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jacob Rosa, 23-17, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Justo Medina, Sr., 38-11, SQ, R2, DC; Jacob McGarth, So., 12-26, RQ, D2; Noah Brown, Jr., 17-20, RQ, D3; Trenton Mayne, Jr., 15-21, RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “We are not a new team like last year and we did have good activity this summer. We are not extremely experienced but there is potential.”
On starting brand-new program: “The journey I would say has been good. The hardest part is once you're starting with a brand new program we're trying to develop our culture trying to just get more interest started in the sport in itself and I think we've done a good job at doing that. We have the middle school program that started now. We have our summer league that's now kind of getting going and just starting to develop more of a culture just in a way of us doing things.”
On Justo Medina: “He made it the states last year and seeing how much he progressed from one year to the next is exciting. As well as how much work that he has continued to put in all throughout the summer. He's been going to a lot of tournaments this summer, and just seeing the amount of work that he put in just excited to see where he goes throughout this year.”
Outlook: The building of the program continues with almost the entire Broncos postseason lineup back.
Winter Haven Blue Devils
Coach: Chris Lujan (1st season)
Assistant coach: Alejandro Rosario
Recent district results: 2025:4; 2024:5; 2023:8; 2022:4; 2021:5; 2020:5; 2019:4-2A7; 2018:5-2A7; 2017:5-2A7; 2016:7-2A7; 2015:5-2A7; 2014:4-2A7; 2013:4-2A6; 2012:2-2A6
Last state champion: Steve Zablocki, 1987 (185)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Zion Sauveur, RQ, D3; Kevin Jimenez, RQ, D4; Johvanni Ruiz, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Bryson Thompson, Jr., 6th, R2, DC; Draven Thompson, So., RQ, DC.
New wrestlers: Seth Jones; Octavio Pedreso
What they are saying: “Even though we lost seniors last year, the team was under construction as we moved on from the previous coach as I look to bring in structure and a new culture to Winter Haven wrestling.”
Outlook: Lujan takes over a program that hasn’t finished above fourth place in the district since 2012. He has a solid base to start with as the Thompson brothers are also changing the culture in the program.
Ridge Community Lightning
Coach: Chris Yatsuk
Recent district results: 2025:6; 2024:3; 2023:7; 2022:5; 2021:7; 2020:6; 2019:8; 2018:7; 2017:5; 2016:7; 2015:5; 2014:7; 2013:7; 2012:8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Randy Izurieta, SQ, R2, DC; Jose Recinos, RQ, D3; Jayden Mendez, RQ-BR, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Joshua Ramirez, Sr., RQ, D2.
Outlook: Yatsuk takes over the program after being an assistant at Ridge Community the past four seasons.
Haines City Hornets
Coach: Johnny Sacco (4th season)
Assistant coach: Victor Gomez
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:5; 2024:4; 2023:4; 2019:9; 2018:8; 2017:8; 2016:7; 2014:6; 2013:3; 2012:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jamel Grover, 21-8, SQ, R2, DC; Deacon Alls, 11-6, SQ, R4, DC; Logan Phillips, 2-9, RQ, D4; Gael Guzman, 14-7, RQ-BR, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Gabriel Sniadecki, Sr.
New wrestler: Kamrin Hilson.
What they are saying: “The team's focus has shifted to IBT tournaments. We want to rebuild the team to have a full roster once again. We are focused on training the next generation of Hornet wrestlers, and laying the foundation for the future.”
Outlook: The Hornets graduated a big part of lineup and will look to rebuild this season.
Durant Cougars
Coach: Ron Patell
Recent district results: 2025:8; 2024:8-3A7; 2023:8-3A7; 2022:7-3A7; 2021:6-3A6; 2020:6-3A6; 2019:6-3A6; 2018:6-3A6; 2017:6-3A6; 2016:2-3A6; 2015:6-3A8; 2014:4-3A8; 2013:2-3A6; 2012:2-3A6
Last state champion: T.J. Davis, 2010 (152)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Nestor Sotomayor, 25-12, RQ, D2; Kristen Cook, RQ, D4; Jonas Gause, So., RQ, D4 (Transfer to Bloomingdale); Isaiah Hench, Sr., 27-13, RQ, D2 (Transfer)
Notable returning wrestlers: Jarrett Rhodes, Jr., RQ, D4; Aaron McFadden; Jayden Fierro; Jeremy Cannon.
New wrestler: Luke Mullins (Transfer from West Virginia)
Outlook: First-year head coach Patell is planning to bring his fiery New York mentality, technique, and intensity to a young Durant team.
3A-5 Season Schedules
Davenport
Boys
Dec. 5-6: East Lake Duals at Tohopekaliga
Dec. 12-13: Scramble at the Ranch
Dec. 19-20: Polk County Duals at TBD
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 16-17: Ricky Gullett Invitational at Bayshore
Jan. 20: vs. McKeel Academy (Senior Night)
Jan. 28: at Horizon (Senior Night)
Jan. 31: Wolfpack Invitational at Timber Creek
Feb. 6-7: Ippolito at Brandon
Feb. 14: Brian Bain at Mulberry
Girls
Dec. 4: Barbara Pill at Bayside
Dec. 6: Let Freedom Ring at Orlando Freedom
Dec. 13: Lady Scramble at the Ranch
Dec. 18-19: Beast of the East at University of Delaware (DE)
Dec. 20: Wildcat Scramble at McKeel
Jan. 2: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 16: Ricky Gullett at Bayshore
Jan. 20: vs. TBD (Senior Night)
Jan. 23: Girls Knight Out at Ocoee
Jan. 28: at Horizon (Senior Night)
Jan. 31: Girls Brian Bain at TBD
Durant
Dec. 13: Multi-Dual at Newsome
Dec. 20: Multi-Dual at Gaither
Jan. 17: Jerry Brisco at Sickles
Jan. 24: Multi-Dual at East Bay
Jan. 29: at Chamberlain
Feb. 7: Multi-Dual at Tampa Freedom
Feb. 10: vs. Armwood (Senior Night)
Feb. 13: Conference at Riverview
Feb. 14: HCC at Brandon
Girls
Feb. 5: HCC at Armwood
Ridge Community
Dec. 6: Kickoff Classic at Mulberry
Dec. 12-13: Scramble at the Ranch at Davenport
Dec. 19-20: Polk County Duals at Davenport
Jan. 13: at Haines City, 6:30
Jan. 17: Spiegel Scramble at Sebring
Jan. 23-24: Moskowitz IBT at George Jenkins
Feb. 11: vs. Haines City, 7 (Senior Night)
Feb. 12: at Avon Park (with Sebring)
Feb. 14: Brian Bain at Mulberry
Girls
Jan. 16: Lady Red Devil IBT at Kathleen
Winter Haven
Dec. 5-6: Danny Byron at Kissimmee Osceola
Dec. 12-13: Fit2Win at Palm Harbor University
Dec. 19-20: Polk County Duals at Davenport
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 21: vs. Auburndale
Jan. 28: at Lake Gibson
Jan. 30-31: Colby Singletary Memorial at Estero Sports Complex
Feb. 14: Brian Bain at Mulberry