Listen: Class 1A teams you should be talking about
October 14, 2026
BY BRANT PARSONS —On the latest episode of the podcast, we are getting ready for the upcoming high school season and we are starting with Class 1A.
The rules are simple, we are all tasked to pick a team in each region that didn’t finish in the Top 10 that we think people should be talking about.
You can listen to the podcast here and learn about more of the teams below:
Region 1
Kabra Wrestling: Episcopal
The Eagles have won two straight district titles and return the heart of their lineup after graduating just two seniors from last year’s squad. Senior Mikah Ikeda returns and is looking for a third state podium after finishing seventh the past two seasons. State qualifier Easton Tarpley comes over from Providence School and should add some depth.
SE Wrestle: Trinity Christian
A school with a history of building top sports programs has invested in wrestling and the results have already been shown. The third-year program is chasing its first district title this season and should be lead by state qualifier Nicco Musso.
Ward Wrestling: South Walton
Travis Laxton has been putting together a solid room and last year’s district champions return a ton of talent. Led by state qualifiers Heiu Roberts and Cam Langston, the Seahawks hope to improve on last season’s performance with a deep room.
Region 2
Kabra Wrestling: Mulberry
This team was so close to making school history last year, missing out on a first-ever team district title for the school. 11 of 14 postseason wrestlers return for the Panthers with district champions Wyatt Bryant and Gabriel Romero leading the way.
SE Wrestle: Crystal River
The Pirates return one of the strongest squads in Class 1A with over 200 district points that could be back in the lineup. Senior state qualifiers Zaid Moore and James Copeland top a deep group of experienced wrestlers.
Ward Wrestling: Space Coast
Three state qualifiers are back for the Vipers who have built a solid team in a super tough district. Seniors Angel Jones, Dominic Berger, and Ashton Swanson will all be looking to finish their high school careers with another trip to Kissimmee.
Region 3
Kabra Wrestling: Dunedin
The Falcons return 13 of 14 starters from last year’s district champion team. State placer Giovanni Perez and two-time state qualifier Michael Rodriguez return to lead this team that has goals on at least a Top 15 finish in Class 1A.
SE Wrestle: Lemon Bay
Coach Jeff Ragan has built up big programs before and the Manta Rays look ready to take that next step in the process. State placers Elliott Sear and Matthew Lopez-Rojas return with state qualifier Atticus Randall and will be joined by two wrestlers with state experience elsewhere with Huntley Adcock and Cam Snyder onboard.
Ward Wrestling: SLAM Tampa
There is something special being built by Grayson Fisher here and with state placer Noah Leota leading the way, the Spartans hope to repeat their first-year successes that saw a district IBT title and trip to the state duals. State qualifiers Ari Rupe and Declyn Wilson are back to lead a young and talented squad.
Region 4
Kabra Wrestling: Coral Shores
State placer Gavin Matheis is back and gunning for the top spot on the podium and is joined in the line-up by returning state qualifier Sterling Keefe and region blood round wrestler David Beltran. The team is looking to build depth with the ultimate goal of beating Keys rival Key West in a dual.
SE Wrestle: Cardinal Newman
The entire postseason lineup could be back for the Crusaders with Parker Sullivan and Jason Ciano leading the charge for the school’s first district title since 2016.
Ward Wrestling: Key West
The Conchs always put together a tough squad and they’ve won 17 consecutive district titles under head coach Chaz Jimenez. State finalist Alexandre Allens could be back to chase the first state title for the school since 2012.
