3A-8 Preview: New district includes new challenges for contenders
BY BRANT PARSONS — Since 2020, Fort Pierce Central and Jupiter have combined for 10 district titles.
Thanks to reclassification, both defending district champions will meet in 3A-8.
Fort Pierce Central could return three wrestlers who reached Kissimmee a year ago with Skyler West, Leonard Wilder, and Nicholas Pela all possible returnees.
Jupiter has won five straight district titles
“I think this year overall the program is in really good position to be highly competitive,” Jupiter coach David Spilker said. “We'll probably have some few surprises for people that weren't expecting them.”
State qualifier Sam Gilbert and blood round wrestler Aidan Spilker will lead the Warriors.
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Venice won the district title by 43 points with three teams within four points of each other with Sarasota River, Palmetto and Lakewood Ranch finishing 2-4.
How did Kabra do?: We were correct in our district title pick, but not much else.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Garrett Henkel, Jr. (Fort Pierce Central); Leonard Wilder, Jr. (Fort Pierce Central); Skyler West, Sr. (Fort Pierce Central); Collin Everington, Sr. (Dwyer); Finn Allcroft, So. (Fort Pierce Central); Sam Gilbert, Sr. (Jupiter); Preston Millar, Sr. (Jupiter); Matthis Noel, Jr. (Fort Pierce Central); Amari Walker, Sr. (Dwyer); Aidan Spilker, Sr. (Jupiter); Nicholas Pela, Jr. (Fort Pierce Central); Tyree Salipot, Jr. (Royal Palm Beach); Elijah Metzler, Jr. (Martin County); Nuno Oliveria, Jr. (Fort Pierce Central).
The favorite: Fort Pierce Central. The Cobras return a lot this season and that could mean another district title.
Team to watch: Jupiter. The Warriors have won five consecutive district titles and will back Fort Pierce Central for the top spot here.
District duals: Friday, January 15 at Fort Pierce Central
District IBT: Wednesday, February 17 at Jupiter
Fort Pierce Central Cobras
Coach: Sean Harris
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:1-3A10; 2025:2-3A10; 2024:2-3A10; 2023:1-3A10; 2022:1-3A10; 2021:1-3A10; 2020:1-3A10; 2019:1-3A9; 2018:2-3A9; 2017:2-3A9; 2016:2-3A9; 2015:1-3A9; 2014:2-3A9; 2013:4-3A9; 2012:4-3A9
Last state champion: Gabriel Jacas, 2022 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Myles Henkel, 44-13, SQ, R3, DC; Jordan Sierra, 41-10, RQ-BR, DC; Logan Henghold, 35-15, RQ-BR, DC; Enrique Avianeda, 34-17, RQ, DC; Kaden Wilkes, 20-19, RQ, D4.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Skyler West, Sr., 59-4, S4, RC, DC; Leonard Wilder, Jr., 52-13, SQ, R3, DC; Nicholas Pela, Jr., 25-22, SQ, R4, D3; Caleb Chaux, Sr., 20-12, RQ-BR, DC; Finn Allcroft, So., 42-13, RQ-BR, D2; Matthis Noel, Jr., 52-12, RQ-BR, D2; Daniel Garcia, Sr., 32-12, RQ, D3; Nuno Oliveria, Jr., 26-7, D5; Garrett Henkel, Jr., 22-9.
New wrestlers: Brayden Borland, Fr., 19-16, RQ, D2 (Transfer from Lincoln Park)
Outlook: This team is loaded up with some young talent and could have a breakthrough season.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2026-2027 Season District Previews
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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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Jupiter Warriors
Coach: David Spilker (2nd season/4th at school)
Assistant coaches: Jordan Formicola, Mario Perez, Janine Jeffs
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 15-6
Recent district results: 2026:1-3A11; 2025:1-3A11; 2024:1-3A11; 2023:1-3A11; 2022:1-3A11; 2021:5-3A10; 2020:4-3A10; 2019:4-3A9; 2018:1-3A9; 2017:3-3A9; 2016:6-3A9; 2015:3-3A9; 2014:3-3A9; 2013:3-3A9; 2012:3-3A9
Last state champion: Jesse Stephanos, 2013 (182)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Caden Kimbrell, 40-8, SQ, R3, DC; Elias Silver, 50-12, RQ-BR, DC; Levi Perez, 40-16, RQ, DC; Andrew Stout, 24-20, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Sam Gilbert, Sr., 39-14, SQ, R4, DC; Aidan Spilker, Sr., 41-13, RQ-BR, DC; Bryce Stout, Jr., 14-20, RQ, DC; Kole Savage, So., 9-20, RQ, DC; Nicolas Lacy, Jr., 31-19, RQ, DC; Preston Millar, Sr., 19-9, RQ, DC; Finn Pfeiffer-Blackman, Sr., 19-11, RQ, DC; Jonathan Andrade, Sr., 21-20, RQ, D2; Konx Lupoli, Sr., 20-21, RQ, D4; Jacob Ouellette, Sr., 18-25, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers: Gage Kainec, Sr., 26-20, RQ, D3 (Transfer from Seminole Ridge)
What they’re saying: "The program is looking to build on the success from last year. We had 10 individual district champions. All 14 wrestlers advancing to regions and we have a really solid group of juniors and seniors returning to this year's lineup. Our goal this year is to advance some of the kids who just barely missed out on qualifying for states into the state tournament and get some placements. We also are looking forward to wrestling in our new district with great competition from a very strong Fort Pierce Central. Both Roger and Sean run a great program up there. We're also looking forward to our new region. We have some good young wrestlers coming into the program so we're looking to grow the program as well."
On this group: "I think some of the kids have some regrets from last year being so close to making states that that's a big driver motivator for them. I think any program has to refocus with such a large group of seniors. So I think having a room with structure, getting their buy in and participation in running some of the aspects of the program to keep their focus throughout the season with the end goal of getting to the Silver Spur Arena is the big piece for me."
On the state of the program: "I'm truly blessed to have such a great group of young men and women with exceptional support from their families and the coaching staff. this year we're excited. we're working on it, but we're going to be hosting a bunch of events at Jupiter this year. So, we're super excited with that. We got a great donation and got two brand new mats. So, the program's in really, really good shape."
Outlook: This team is probably the best team in the four years that Spilker has been involved with the program. The Warriors have won five district titles in a row and will look to chase down #6 (and Fort Pierce Central) this season.
Dwyer Panthers
Coach: Unknown
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:2-3A11; 2025:3-3A11; 2024:2-3A11; 2023:2-3A11; 2022:4-3A11; 2021:8-3A10; 2020:8-3A10; 2019:7-2A14; 2018:7-2A14; 2017:7-2A14; 2016:6-2A14; 2015:7-3A9; 2014:5-3A9; 2013:7-3A9; 2012:8-3A9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Bryce Johnson, 45-7, S7, R3, D2; Quincy Genesar, 12-9.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Collin Everington, Sr., 22-8, RQ-BR, D2; David Jackson, So., 15-17, RQ, D2; Dmytro Isaiev, Jr., 14-14, RQ, D2; Luke Jesteadt, Sr., 7-11, RQ, D2; Max Gray, So., 3-8, RQ, D3; Diego Delgado, Jr., 17-18, RQ, D3; Nixon Weiss, Sr., 14-14, RQ, D3; Amari Walker, Sr., 7-4, RQ, D3; Logan Cook, So., 7-29, RQ, D4.
Outlook: The new coach was not known at the time of publication.
Seminole Ridge Hawks
Coach: Barry Staats
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:4-3A11; 2025:5-3A11; 2024:4-3A11; 2023:4-3A11; 2022:3-3A11; 2021:2-3A11; 2020:2-3A11; 2019:4-3A10; 2018:5-3A10; 2017:4-3A10; 2016:2-3A10; 2015:2-3A10; 2014:2-3A10; 2013:1-3A9; 2012:2-3A9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Bryan Velaszuez, 18-17, RQ, D2; Benjamin Ogle, 8-5, RQ, D3; Matthew Patino, 7-13, RQ, D4; Tevin Argue, 20-11; Gage Kainec, Sr., 26-20, RQ, D3 (Transfer to Jupiter).
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Liam McLendron, So., 17-18, RQ, D2; Steven Morzella, So., 9-18, RQ, D3; Sergio Torres, Sr., 20-19, RQ, D3; Peter Saavedra, So., RQ, D4; Jonathan Leon, So., 17-17, RQ, D4.
Outlook: If they return what they could, the Hawks will have some experience.
Centennial Eagles
Coach: Troy Surloff (20th as head coach)
Assistant coach: Ricardo Del Gado
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 12-13
Recent district results: 2026:5-3A10; 2025:5-3A10; 2024:6-3A10; 2023:7-3A10; 2022:5-3A10; 2021:7-3A10; 2020:6-3A10; 2019:6-3A9; 2018:6-3A9; 2017:7-3A9; 2016:7-3A9; 2015:6-3A9; 2014:7-3A9; 2013:8-3A9; 2012:6-3A9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): RJ Delgado-Barrero, 28-12, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Elias Negron, Jr., 23-18, RQ, D3; Giovani Sotomayor, Sr., 17-18, RQ, D3; Mario Bonilla, Jr., 33-25, RQ, D4; Vincent Lorenzo, Jr.; Havarris Jackson, Sr.
What they’re saying: “Boys will be led with an experienced nucleus.”
Outlook: Three region qualifiers are back for the Eagles.
Palm Beach Gardens Gators
Coach: William George (21st season, all at PBG)
Assistant coaches: Larone Madison, Karyn Hart
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5-3A11; 2025:4-3A11; 2024:3-3A11; 2023:3-3A11; 2022:2-3A11; 2021:3-3A10; 2020:3-3A10; 2019:2-3A9; 2018:3-3A9; 2017:5-3A9; 2016:3-3A9; 2015:2-3A9; 2014:1-3A9; 2013:2-3A9; 2012:5-3A9
Last state champion: Bryan Canedo, 2020 (195)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Alex Lasalle, 21-14, RQ, D2; Evan Tuttle, 19-17, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Aiden McMahan, Sr., 24-18, RQ, D2; Javious Scott, Jr., 14-17, RQ, D3; Alex Grosvenor, Sr., 13-14, RQ, D4; Rickey Fuller, Jr.; Javier Pellot, Sr.
Outlook: George’s 21st season leading the Gators will feature a handful of region qualifiers returning.
Martin County Tigers
Coach: Jon Warren (1st at school/5th overall)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5-2A14; 2025:2-2A14; 2024:3-3A10; 2023:4-3A10; 2022:4-3A10; 2021:6-3A10; 2020:7-3A10; 2019:7-3A9; 2018:7-3A9; 2017:4-3A9; 2016:4-3A9; 2015:4-3A9; 2014:8-3A9; 2013:7-2A14; 2012:4-2A14
Last state champion: Matt Browning, 2002 (119)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Julian Melly, Sr., 35-17, RQ, D2 (Transfer to Jensen Beach); Nathan Halulko, Sr., 40-19, RQ-BR, D2 (Transfer to South Fork); Nolan Halulko, Jr., 25-5, RQ, DC (Transfer to South Fork)
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Elijah Metzler, Jr., 31-20, RQ-BR, D2; Erick Shelton, Sr., 35-14, RQ, D3.
What they’re saying: “I know last year's coach, Jared Browning, is a good dude, so I'm looking forward to taking over the reins. However, I think we'll be in a transition / rebuilding phase for a bit.”
On bringing success here: “I served as head wrestling coach at Jupiter Christian from 2021 to 2025, where I rebuilt the program from the ground up, developing competitive athletes and state title contenders. I am excited to bring that same passion, dedication, and commitment to Martin County, building a successful program while introducing the next generation of athletes to the discipline, character, and lifelong lessons that the great sport of wrestling provides.”
Outlook: Warren takes over a program that is ready for a rebuild as it enters Class 3A>
Royal Palm Beach Wildcats
Coach: Daniel Moody
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:6-3A11; 2025:6-3A11; 2024:6-3A11; 2023:7-3A11; 2022:7-3A11; 2021:4-3A11; 2020:8-3A11; 2019:2-3A10; 2018:2-3A10; 2017:2-3A10; 2016:5-3A10; 2015:5-3A10; 2014:4-3A10; 2013:6-3A9; 2012:7-3A9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Danthony Delgado, 24-9, RQ, DC; Caden Taylor, 13-13, RQ, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Tyree Salipot, Jr., 30-11, RQ, D2; Collin Hayes, So., 17-14, RQ, D4; Joshua Giraldo, Sr., 5-10, RQ, D4.
Outlook: The Wildcats could return as many as seven from last year’s starting lineup.
Treasure Coast Titans
Coach: Kervens Toussaint
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:8-3A10; 2024:4-3A10; 2023:5-3A10; 2022:2-3A10; 2021:2-3A10; 2020:2-3A10; 2019:3-3A9; 2018:4-3A9; 2017:1-3A9; 2016:1-3A9; 2015:5-3A9; 2014:6-3A9; 2013:10-3A9; 2012:
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Charles Clarke, 15-12, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Timothy West, So., 8-24, RQ, D4; Donovan Hymore, Jr., 20-13, RQ, D4.
Outlook: Toussaint takes over a program that expects two region qualifiers to be back and could have 76.7% of last year's points on this team.
Palm Beach Lakes Rams
Coach: Grady Parks
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:7-3A11; 2024:7-3A11; 2020:3-3A11; 2019:5-2A14; 2018:6-2A14; 2017:3-2A14; 2016:7-2A14; 2015:8-2A15; 2014:8-2A15; 2013:9-2A14; 2012:9-2A14
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
Outlook: The Rams did not compete in the 2025-26 postseason.