Teams to watch in Class 1A this coming season
BY BRANT PARSONS — At Kabra Wrestling, we started working on content for the 2026-2027 high school wrestling season before we even drove home from Kissimmee in March.
While working on the preview, a few teams have stood out as being ready for a big season.
These are teams that could see a large number of starters back from last year and we’ve picked to have a notable year.
Each team stands out for its own reasons and the only criteria we had in picking was that it couldn’t be a team that finished in the Top 10 at state last season.
CARDINAL NEWMAN CRUSANDERS
The Crusaders had their best district finish since 2019 last season and they could return 100% of their postseason lineup. Parker Sullivan and Jason Ciano came within a single match of Kissimmee and will look to take the next step this season and bring some teammates along with them.
CORAL SHORES HURRICANES
The Hurricanes found themselves in a hotly-contested team battle in 1A-16 last season and this year Coral Shores could return the most points in the district. Gavin Matheis reached the podium last year and will look to move up it this year while he and Keefe will look to lead a few more teammates with them to Kissimmee.
CRYSTAL RIVER PIRATES
Only three teams in Class 1A could return more district points than Crystal River this coming season. That much talent still in the room leaves the Pirates as the early favorite to win a third-straight district title and do it in toughened new group. Zaid Moore and James Copeland will look to use their state tournament experience to grow themselves and some teammates into even bigger contenders this season.
DUNEDIN FALCONS
Last year’s Falcons squad won the school’s first IBT district title since 2018 — and they could return 13 of those 14 wrestlers. Giovanni Perez finished the year on the podium with Michael Rodriguez joining him in Kissimmee. If they can replicate and build off of that success, look for some of the six returning district finalists to potentially join them back at the state tournament.
FLORIDA CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS
The Patriots have bounced up to 1A-15 and could return the most points in the district and will be chasing their first district title since the program was resurrected. Jason Goff and Braeden Silva both reached the state tournament last season and have eyes on the podium in 2026-27.
NORTH BAY HAVEN BUCCANEERS
North Bay Haven’s lone district title came in 2024 and may return over 70% of their lineup this season to ensure another great battle with South Walton (who is also on this list). Three wrestlers who reached the state tournament a year ago could return, including state placer William McKenzie.
SLAM TAMPA SPARTANS
The Spartans had quite an inaugural season. SLAM Tampa won the district IBT title and reached the state duals tournament in Kissimmee. What could year two provide? With 11 of 12 starters possibly back, the future is massively bright here.
SOUTH WALTON SEAHAWKS
The other end of a great 1A-1 district team race with North Bay Haven (also listed here). The Seahawks might return 73.3% of their lineup from a year ago that could be led by state qualifiers Heiu Roberts and Cam Langston.
SPACE COAST VIPERS
10 of the Vipers’ 14 postseason wrestlers could return this season and that includes state qualifiers Angel Jones, Dominic Berger, and Ashton Swanson. In a loaded district, Space Coast should be a player this season.
TRINITY CHRISTIAN CONQUERORS
Heading into the school’s third season, the Conquerors could return 10 starters that include state qualifier and district champion Nicco Musso. That promise puts Trinity Christian in the race to win its first district title.
