G1A-1 Preview: Wide open team race punctuates district with star power
BY BRANT PARSONS — Niceville has won the past two district titles and could compete for a third one this season with North Bay Haven and Bay putting forth a challenge for the top spot.
Along with an exciting team title race, this district loaded up the top of the state podium a year ago.
In March, the district accounted for three state champions with Wakulla’s Kendal Haynie returning this season. Gulf Breeze’s Camdyn Elliott and Pace’s Kiiaana Gavere each wrapped their high school career with titles.
Also returning this year with eyes on the top spot is North Bay Haven’s Nova Estrada (2nd last year), Destin’s Veronica Madrid (5th), Bay’s Sarah Branch (8th), and Mosley’s Tor'rina Rushing (8th).
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Niceville used a deep squad to win its second straight district team title.
How did Kabra do?: In a district with a bunch of contending teams, we were able to pick the top two spots correctly.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Kendal Haynie, Jr. (Wakulla); Tor'rina Rushing, Sr. (Mosley); Nova Estrada, Fr. (North Bay Haven); Veronica Madrid, Sr. (Destin); Kelsey Marschka, Sr. (Chiles); Sarah Branch, Sr. (Bay); Adalyne Fowls, Jr. (Gulf Breeze); Sophia Tran, Sr. (Choctawhatchee); Addison Neufeld, Fr. (North Bay Haven); Payton Gaines, Jr. (Crestview); Kiara Nesmith, Jr. (Florida High); Madison Carroll, Sr. (Gulf Breeze); Julietta Pearson, Jr. (Mosley); Cherry Lewis, Jr. (Fort Walton Beach).
The favorite: Niceville. With two straight district titles and eight postseason wrestlers possibly coming back, the Eagles are poised for the three-peat.
Team to watch: North Bay Haven. The Buccaneers are looking at quality over quantity. NBH may return the most points from last year’s district tournament with all five set to be back in the room. Will that be enough or will the increase the numbers?
North Bay Haven Charter Buccaneers
Coach: Jeffery Estrada (2nd year)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:3; 2025:3; 2024:1; 2023:3; 2022:16
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Nova Estrada, Fr., 45-10, S2, R3, DC; Addison Neufeld, Fr., 35-13, SQ, R2, D3; Sophia Florentino, So., 21-16, RQ-BR, D3; Kylah Armstrong, Sr., 27-11, RQ-BR, D3; Caroline Anderson, Jr., 18-15, D5.
Outlook: There could be some firepower in the room if this whole lineup returns.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2026-2027 Season District Previews
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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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Niceville Eagles
Coach: Adam Harder/Gryffin Broyles
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:1; 2025:1; 2024:3; 2023:6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Brooke Arbic, 27-9, S4, R4, D2; Camila Robles, 14-3, RQ, DC.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Adeleigh Hannigan, Jr., 25-20, RQ-BR, D3; Gianna Muscarella, Sr., 21-11, RQ, D2; Mora Penberthy, Sr., 29-8, RQ, D3; Cadence Schmidt, Jr., 23-13, RQ, D4; Julia Rosado, So., 12-27, D6; Vionna Haertelt, Sr., 17-9, D6.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Bay Tornadoes
Coach: Anna Branch (Third season)
Assistant coaches: Jason Gingrich, Mark Deaton, Gracelynn Janssen, Jimmy Branch
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:8; 2025:11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Gracelynn Janssen, 13-6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Sarah Branch, Sr., 27-12, S8, R4, D2; Payton Cook, So., 4-17, RQ, D2; Anita Smith, Jr., 25-15, RQ, D3; Avery Hill, So., 18-18, RQ, D4; Tamya Leveret, Jr., 13-18, D6.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying: “Our girl's program was started four years ago with just one wrestler, Sarah Branch, and has continued to grow. We expect a fantastic line up this year and to bring home several team trophies.”
Outlook:
Choctawhatchee Indians
Coach: Rodrigo Damore (6th season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5; 2025:8; 2024:9; 2023:5; 2022:5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Mary McKinney, 39-8, S7, R2, D2; Juliana Daquep, 17-19, D6; Layla Schlemmer, 7-8, D6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Sophia Tran, Sr., 33-11, SQ, R4, D2; Isabella Tran, Sr., 35-11, RQ-BR, D2; Jayla Rhodes, So., 5-7, RQ, DC; Victoria Byrd, Sr.
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Florida High Seminoles
Coach: Anderson Stennett (3rd season)
Assistant coaches: Ciera Stennett, Jasmine Godinez
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:9; 2025:9; 2024:6; 2023:11; 2022:11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Petra Croom.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kiara Nesmith, Jr., 20-10, RQ-BR, D3; Torreya Croom, Fr., 24-24, RQ, D2; Claire Ajose-Adeogun, Sr., 23-17, RQ, D4; Lillie Pepper, Fr., 11-16, D5; Isabella Pepper, 7th, 7-15; Michelle Frady, 8th, 11-26.
What they’re saying: “Our returning athletes are positioned to make a statement this season. Claire and Kiara showed strong promise last year, with Kiara setting the standard—but our incoming freshman and middle school class is poised to make the biggest impact.”
Outlook:
Wakulla War Eagles
Coach: Jon Sanchez
Assistant coaches: Tommy Haynie, David Griffin
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:10; 2025:13; 2024:11; 2023:16
Last state champion: Kendal Haynie, 2026 (120)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Kendal Haynie, Jr., 24-0, SC, RC, DC; Julia Baggett, Sr., 36-21, RQ, D3.
What they’re saying: “This team has grown from four wrestlers to 12 and will be stronger overall this year.”
Outlook: Haynie returns after an undefeated season where she won the school’s first-ever girls wrestling state title.
Gulf Breeze Dolphins
Coach: Jim Bird (3rd season, 37th overall)
Assistant coaches: Aaron Banko, Ryan Blackwell, Matt Ciccarello, Austin Elliott, London Taylor
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:4; 2025:6; 2024:5; 2023:7; 2022:13
Last state champion: Camdyn Elliott, 2026 (110)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Camdyn Elliott, 38-0, SC, RC, DC; Sophie Collazo, 27-11, D5.
Notable returning wrestlers: Adalyne Fowls, Jr., 35-11, SQ, R2, D2; Madison Carroll, Sr., 26-9, SQ, R3, D2; Sky Huber, Jr., 11-8, RQ, D4.
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Pace Patriots
Coach: Reggie Allen
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:6; 2025:2; 2024:8; 2023:12; 2022:8
Last state champion: Kiiaana Gavere, 2026 (140)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Kiiaana Gavere, 32-1, SC, RC, DC; Jayda Berry, 29-9, SQ, R4, D4; Hailey Bondi, 18-8.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Catalina Lowery, Sr., 25-10, RQ, D3; Taylor Fay Molstrom, So., 24-12, RQ, D4; Talin Strott, Jr., 19-12, RQ, D4; Eva Lee, Sr.; Britheny Yacinthe, Jr.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook: Gavere made school history with a state title back in March.
Lincoln Trojans
Coach: Mike Crowder (32nd season)
Assistant coaches: Amelia Pena, Caitlyn Montague
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:2; 2025:4; 2024:2; 2023:1; 2022:4
Last state champion: Sayuri Caceres, 2025 (100)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Sayuri Caceres, 37-4, S3, RC, DC; Amelia McKnight, 38-8, SQ, R2, DC; Amelia Pena, 25-14, RQ, D2; Karina Martinez, 12-16, D6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kylie Fukushima, Jr., 15-10, RQ, D2; Julia Pena, So., 24-14, RQ, D4; Emma Whittaker, So., 16-16, D5; Abigail Neel, Jr.
New wrestlers: Jahzara Lightfoot, Jr., 15-8, RQ, D3 (Transfer from Riverside)
What they’re saying: "We added a girls coach. Her name is Caitlyn Monagu and she went to school here. We didn't have wrestling when she was here but she's a jitsu judo girl and she's actually doing all kinds of wrestling work. I see our girls program growing right now."
On numbers: "She'll be huge for numbers and she's an art teacher here too. So our numbers should be really good and then we'll see what happens as we grow. I would assume that we'll have close to a full lineup this year. it's pretty nice."
Outlook: Neel is back and healthy and joining three region qualifiers in the lineup.
Crestview Bulldogs
Coach: Robbie Gaines
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:13; 2025:5; 2024:7; 2023:2; 2022:3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Payton Gaines, Jr., 17-7, SQ, R4, D2; Victoria Smith, Sr., 9-4, RQ, D3; Riley Henderson, So., 2-6, D5.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Mosley Dolphins
Coach: Jeremiah LaFountain (4th at school)
Assistant coaches: Andre Trice, Maggie Brannon, Brice O’Hara, Savannah Pitts, David Hasty
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:7; 2025:10; 2024:10; 2023:8; 2022:2
Last state champions: Valarie Solorio, 2022 (100); Henlee Haynes, 2022 (170)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Emily Myers, 38-9, RQ, DC; Trinity Brannon, 7-23, D6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Tor'rina Rushing, Sr., 45-4, S8, R2, DC; Julietta Pearson, Jr., 31-21, SQ, R4, D3; Valentina Peralta, Sr., 19-29, D6.
New wrestlers: Navaeh Moten, Jr. (Transfer from Branson, MO); Kambri Moten, Fr. (Transfer from Branson, MO); Camille Nye, Fr. (Transfer from Branson, MO); Emily Mengel, Fr.; Naomi DaSilva, Jr., 5-8 (Transfer from Bay)
What they’re saying: “We return three seniors, one clearly with her sights on a state title that was hampered by injury in the regional semifinals. The girls team is young, we may not fill out all of the weight classes, but looks like as it sits we will have 15-16 girls make the rooster this season. Confirming that what we are doing at Mosley during the season and the offseason is taking hold and we are building on both the men’s and women’s programs.”
Outlook: A healthy Rushing is one of the top wrestlers in the state of Florida and she’ll be looking to prove that this season.
Milton Panthers
Coach: Mario Lugo (4th season at school, 12th overall)
Assistant coaches: Eric Hendrickson
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:14; 2025:18; 2024:12; 2023:4; 2022:10
Last state champion: Aireaana Gavere, 2023 (130)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Emily Davenport, Jr., 21-13, RQ-BR, DC; Addysyn Reisen, Sr.
New wrestler: Neveah Ramos
What they’re saying: “Keep an eye out for my wrestlers. I feel like we will cause some waves this season.”
Outlook:
Chiles Timberwolves
Coach: James Marschka (22nd as head coach, 24th at school)
Assistant coaches: Garrett Marschka, Brad Hoard, Gary Davis, Andrew Marsala
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:11; 2025:7; 2024:4; 2023:10; 2022:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jordan Herron, 32-5, S4, RC, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kelsey Marschka, Sr., 24-9, SQ, R2, D2; Sofia Marsala, So., D6; Yashvi Patel, Jr., 9-16, D6.
What they’re saying: "I do have two other girls returning with Kelsey and I've got about three or four others that have been coming out to our preseason stuff. So I'm hoping to have six or seven girls at least going into it."
On Kelsey: “She's ready to roll. She's a really good softball player. So between spring softball, travel softball year round in between wrestling season and then putting in mat time as well, she's really busy and just really putting eggs in those two baskets. But she's done with softball now until after wrestling season so she's been out here and she's grinding. She's ready to get that state medal again.”
Outlook:
Wewahitchka Gators
Coach: Tracy Malcolm
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:21; 2025:15; 2024:14; 2023:9; 2022:1
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Avery Forehand, 14-16.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Bozeman Bucks
Coach: Jennifer Kern (1st season)
Assistant coaches: Marcus Roberts, Chad Magalianes
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:18; 2025:17; 2024:13; 2023:17; 2022:9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Abigail Tavernier, Sr., 24-14, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers: Jasmine Baumbach, So., 9-14 (Transfer from Mosley)
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Freeport Bulldogs
Coach: Carey Nick (5th at school/20th overall)
Assistant coaches: JR Grant, Rich Harsin, David Nunes
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:16; 2025:14; 2024:17
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Allie Barker, 35-7, RQ-BR, D4; Kyra Garcia, 22-13, D6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kinsley Goodson, Sr., 16-9.
What they’re saying: “We want to get better every match.”
Outlook:
Fort Walton Beach Vikings
Coach: Tobi Marez (22nd year)
Assistant coach: Makenzie Marez
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:12; 2025:16; 2024:15; 2023:14; 2022:6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Ava Atkins, 21-7, D5; Kira Mabry, 9-4, D5.
Notable returning wrestlers: Cherry Lewis, Jr., 24-5, RQ-BR, DC.
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Arnold Marlins
Coach: Michael Lapadat (6th season/16th overall)
Assistant coach: Scott Korol
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:15; 2024:16; 2022:17
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Aaliyah Palmer, Jr., 21-10, RQ, D3; Leah Tierese, Sr., 14-10, D5.
What they’re saying: “Coachability and dedication have always been a cornerstone and a strength of Arnold wrestlers and I foresee that continuing again this season.”
Outlook:
South Walton Seahawks
Coach: Travis Laxton (10th at school/11th overall)
Assistant coaches: Dean Salvaggio, Shane Lane, Serghei Lisii
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:19; 2025:12; 2022:14
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Allie Begin, Sr., 8-12, D5.
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Destin Sharks
Coach: Unknown
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:17
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Veronica Madrid, Sr., 23-3, S5, RC, DC.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook: