November 1, 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 e2A.
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: Beachside
The Barracudas are gunning for their first district title in school history and have a deep team to chase the goal in 3A. State placer Walter Howard is back to lead a team that has 10 region qualifiers back in the room.
SE Wrestle: Buchholz
A successful class has graduated but the Bobcats are in a reloading phase of the program. Along with having depth to jump into open spots, Buchholz returns state placer Dylan Leamon and state qualifiers Sullivan Harkins, Cody Rich, and Francis Kealey.
Ward Wrestling: Matanzas
In his 19th season, John White brings back a solid group of region qualifies led by district champion Jacob Gibson and district finalists Christopher Cavallo and Landen Blackburn.
Region 2
Kabra Wrestling: Jupiter
The Warriors have won five consecutive district IBT titles and return a lot this year for their new district and region challenge. Seniors Sam Gilbert and Aidan Spilker will lead the way for a team that returns seven of its 10 district champions from a year ago.
SE Wrestle: St. Cloud
State placer Carter Rivera is back for a Bulldogs team that has been putting it together. Six region qualifiers return, including district finalist Joenel Roman.
Ward Wrestling: Fort Pierce Central
Skyler West, Leonard Wilder and Nicholas Pena all reached the state tournament last year and they’re back to lead a team that has won seven district titles in the last nine seasons. West returns from a season where he finished on the podium in fourth place.
Region 3
Kabra Wrestling: Newsome
2025 state qualifier Mason Zalud is back along with blood round wrestler Brandon Kitzke. The Wolves are looking to battle for some silverware this year and should get a boost from state placing transfer Gaven Najera.
SE Wrestle: Palm Harbor University
The Hurricanes are going to be a hungry team after a disappointing end to last season and with five district champions back in the line-up, a better finish should be in the cards. David Cardullo, Jayce Paz, Cameron Mariner Po, Toby Horner and Jeffery Hartley are all back after winning district titles.
Ward Wrestling: Sarasota Riverview
The Rams had their best district finish in the 15 seasons Kabra has records for when they finished second last year. State qualifier Adam Long is back to lead an experienced group aiming for the district crown. District finalists Cayden Colon and Colin Sheehan are back and they welcome transfer Landon Warnke into the mix.
Region 4
Kabra Wrestling: South Plantation
The Paladins just fit into the criteria for picks after a Top 15 finish last year. Donovan Jenkins is the leader and returning state placer with his sights on even bigger things. State qualifiers Michiah Gillins and Chase Boyd are also back to lead a deep group that will be bolstered with some incoming freshman talent.
SE Wrestle: Goleman
This team is deep with experience with everybody in the lineup having at least two years wrestling under their belt. Blood rounders Bryan Gudino and Jacob Lopez will lead the way.
Ward Wrestling: Taravella
The Trojans feel this could be their best team since the 1990s and they might be right. Eight region qualifiers return and the room will be led by returning district finalists Louis Hernandez, Jonah Dixon, Amir Sameen, and Jelani Cruickshank.
