Independents Preview
Lake Highland Prep Highlanders
Coach: Mike Palazzo
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jayce Paridon, National Champ; Claudio Torres, National Champ; Jacob Levy, National Champ; Robert Kucharczk, 3rd place; Alex Smith, 4th place; Marlo Clark, 7th place; Clint Plotner, 8th place
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Liam Davis, Sr., National Champ; Charlie Desena, Sr., National Champ; Zeno Moore, Sr., National Champ; Lucas Boe, Jr., National Champ; Adaias Ortiz, Jr., 3rd place; Miguel Rojas, Jr., 7th place; Max Co, Fr.
Outlook: The Highlanders made history last season, winning the National Prep Wrestling Championship for the first time. Lake Highland scored 332 points, 54.5 points more than runner-up Blair Academy.
Zephyrhills Christian Warriors
Coach: Tim Maple
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:1-1A10; 2023:1-1A10; 2022:2-1A10; 2021:4-1A6; 2020:3-1A6; 2019:3-1A10; 2018:1-1A10; 2017:1-1A10; 2016:3-1A10;
Last state champion: Talon Maple, 2025 (144)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Yianni Marinis, 40-4, 3rd, RC, DC; Javier Lopez, 55-10, 5th, RC, DC; Curtis Tyler, 32-9, 7th, R3, DC; Talon Maple, 54-3, SC, RC, DC; Aiden Hutchins, 48-11, SQ, R3, DC; Ethan Kent, 32-9, RQ-BR, DC; Jaxon Arfaras, Fr., 16-9 (Transfer to Lake Gibson)
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Kyle Gallo, Jr., 59-4, 2nd, RC, DC; Izak Rodriguez, Jr., 50-8, 3rd, RC, DC; Cale Wimberly, Fr., 53-11, 4th, RC, DC; Zion Wimberly, Sr., 30-9, 5th, R2, DC; Nevin Hayes, Jr., 43-17, 8th, R2, DC; Nadir Shalaby, Fr., 19-12, RQ, DC; Xavier Pena, Jr., 32-18, RQ, D2; Kashaun Christopher, Jr., 21-19, RQ, D3; Brady Sher, 8th; Jaydon Harper, Sr.
New wrestlers: Konsantin Khaspekian, Sr., 35-8, SQ, R2, D2 (Transfer from Sunlake); Kenny Villon, Jr., 29-14, SQ, R3, D2 (Transfer from Brandon); Darius Montgomery, Sr., 30-5, 7th, R3, DC (Transfer from Middleton)
Outlook: The Warriors are wrestling as an FHSAA independent this season.