Month: November 2019

But I am sure you may be interested in the doings, particularly in the JV, Varsity and Girls divisions, if you’re interested in high school side of things.

SEAHORSE OPEN BRACKETS

TURKEY TAKEDOWN BRACKETS

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North Florida Matmen staff report

Just a couple of quick notes on this Thanksgiving morning…of all the things we do here, THIS is probably what I’m most consistently proud of. College kids don’t have a big fan base. It’s definitely a grind, and definitely a job, to have to stay on weight at the college level. They are graduated from high school, but they are not forgotten.

We will be back on Sunday night with an Iowa-Wisconsin recap. We will TRY not to editoralize against Chris Bono’s Badgers…it’s the one team on the schedule that it’s truly difficult for us.

Truett-McConnell 27, Huntingdon 26: At Cleveland GA on Monday night, the hosts ran out to a 16-0 lead before the Eagles roared back to make the dual exciting down the stretch. The dual was scored in TMU’s favor before Huntingdon’s Joseph Pearson (Ft Walton Beach ’17) secured a first-period fall, in 1 minute flat.

UNC-Pembroke 20, Limestone 19: At Pembroke Tuesday, the hosts had just enough bonus points in the lowers to hold off their conference opponents, with extra points at 125, 141 and 149. The Braves’ Kaleb Warner (165) sustained a 12-8 loss at the hands’ of the Saints’ Garrett Beam.

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Sometimes I get it right. Sometimes I get it really right. Sometimes I get it wrong. Sometimes I get it really wrong. If you were ready to toss your phone or laptop through a window because I either A) ranked you too low or B) ranked you too high in your district, maybe this will set your mind at ease.

Or not. Perhaps only a healthy dose of tryptophan, football and pre-Black Friday shopping will do that (although, actually, I’d prefer you lay off the shopping today. Let folks be with their families. That TV will keep until 0600 Friday).

Anyway, let’s set the Wayback machine to a year ago today — give or take a day or two — and see how I did with last year’s predictions. Let the laughter ensue! (or not). But first, a little data…gotta have a little stuffing to go with that turkey…

We were 8-for-10 on picking champions last year (1 better than the previous year). But the misses that we had were both very small and very large. We missed small (runnerup pick Bolles over Bishop Kenny in 1A-District 4, gap just two points) and we missed big (we had Mosley SIXTH in 1A-District 1).

We were 6-for-10 on picking last-place teams last year (1 worse than the previous year). These misses were smaller (Rocky Bayou, picked 10th in 1A-1, was 9th; Raines, picked 8th in 1A-3, was seventh; Leon, picked fifth in 2A-2, was fourth; Stanton, picked 8th in 2A-3, was seventh).

So, if I picked your team to win, you should be pleased, but if it’s the Panhandle districts especially, don’t be too over-confident. If I picked your team last, in any of our 11 districts, go get to work, kids.

It’s usually the middle where things get muddled. I had the first three teams right in six of the districts (if not necessarily the right order). And we were exactly right on the top three with 1A-5, 2A-2 and 3A-1.

Take heart. Look at Mosley. I had the Dolphins as a solid mid-pack team in November (6th, and that was with some decent kids that wound up not even wrestling for the team). They took it all the way to the district title. Look at Fort Walton Beach, which I had pegged for seventh in 2A-1, and they pushed all the way up to second place in the district. Think about Fernandina Beach, which was projected seventh in 1A-District 3 a year ago, and was less than 10 points out of third place when the smoke cleared at districts.

Where you’re projected today is just that: a projection.

Dig in, not too much, to your dinners today. While you don’t have competition until next week, I’m sure you’ll have practice at some point soon, and you don’t want a full belly. Leave that to us old folks. I’ll see you on the mats soon enough.

1A-District 1:

Predicted: 1. South Walton. 2. Marianna. 3. Arnold. 4. Rutherford. 5. Bay. 6. Mosley. 7. Wewahitchka. 8. Bozeman. 9. North Bay Haven. 10. Rocky Bayou Christian.
Actual: 1. Mosley. 2. Arnold. 3. Marianna. 4. South Walton. 5. Rutherford. 6. Bay. 7. Wewahitchka. 8. North Bay Haven. 9. Rocky Bayou Christian. 10. Bozeman.
Analysis: This district is always the toughest one for me to predict. I thought South Walton would have enough strength behind its stars to win the district, and their stars did well, but there wasn’t enough supporting cast point depth. We thought Arnold and Marianna would be the strongest challengers, and they were, but it was Mosley that they wound up chasing. The Dolphins were the surprise of the district, without question. We had the bottom four teams correct, but the order of 8-10 was a bit jumbled.

1A-District 2:

Predicted: 1. Wakulla. 2. Florida High. 3. Suwannee. 4. Godby. 5. Rickards. 6. Gadsden Cty.
Actual: 1. Wakulla. 2. Florida High. 3. Suwannee. 4. Godby.
Analysis: For the past couple of seasons, this has probably been the most “chalk” district to pick, and last year was no exception. Like as in 2017-18, I always think there will be more teams than there are, and as in 2017-18, it reduces down to four. That’s one thing you all have been able to count on from me. (Don’t this year; I did not include Rickards and Maclay). One thing about reclassification — we know there won’t be four teams in 2019-20. But for one more year at least, the chalk might still hold up.

1A-District 3:

Predicted: 1. Clay. 2. Yulee. 3. West Nassau. 4. Westside. 5. Bishop Snyder. 6. Baker Cty. 7. Fernandina Beach. 8. Raines.
Actual: 1. Clay. 2. Yulee. 3. West Nassau. 4. Fernandina Beach. 5. Bishop Snyder. 6. Westside. 7. Raines. 8. Baker Cty.
Analysis: Top three picks were on the money, always a gratifying thing. (Although, to be fair, it’s Clay; it’s a pretty safe pick). We thought Westside might be strong enough to give West Nassau a really strong push for third. The real surprise of the district was Fernandina Beach. The Pirates had fallen on some tough times, and had a new coach coming in to start the year. Instead, Fernandina pushed past the rest of the mid-pack teams and nearly gave West Nassau a solid run for third-place money.

1A-District 4:

Predicted: 1. Bishop Kenny. 2. Bolles. 3. Pedro Menendez. 4. Episcopal. 5. Bradford. 6. Wolfson. 7. FSDB.
Actual: 1. Bolles. 2. Bishop Kenny. 3. Pedro Menendez. 4. Episcopal. 5. Wolfson. 6. Bradford. 7. FSDB.
Analysis: No, we definitely not expect Bolles to knock off five-time defending champion BKHS, but even still the margin of victory was just two points and the Crusaders had three fewer wrestlers available to them. Bolles brought out some new guys we hadn’t seen a lot of — though they all had been in the lineup — while the Crusaders didn’t have everybody that did wrestle mid-year. We had the third- and fourth-place teams picked, and the last-place team. Bradford had a tougher finish to the season than was expected, but even still Wolfson needed almost every point to moved past the Tornadoes for fifth.

1A-District 5:

Predicted: 1. Crystal River. 2. Palatka. 3. Keystone Heights. 4. Eastside. 5. Leesburg. 6. Interlachen.
Actual: 1. Crystal River. 2. Palatka. 3. Keystone Heights. 4. Leesburg. 5. Eastside. 6. Interlachen.
Analysis: For the most part, this was accurate. We got the top three teams and the sixth-place team correct. While I didn’t think the spread was going to be 115 points between champ Crystal River and runnerup Palatka, the order was accurate. The only glitch was that we had Eastside fourth and Leesburg fifth. Eastside didn’t have as many kids come back as I thought they could have, and the Rams struggled a bit more than I thought they might.

2A-District 1:

Predicted: 1. Pace. 2. Gulf Breeze. 3. Niceville. 4. Tate. 5. Choctaw. 6. Crestview. 7. Ft Walton Beach. 8. Milton.
Actual: 1. Pace. 2. Ft Walton Beach. 3. Gulf Breeze. 4. Niceville. 5. Choctaw. 6. Crestview. 7. Tate. 8. Milton.
Analysis: Last year, I said that I knew 2A-1 better than I thought I did. This year, I say that I thought I knew 2A-1 better than I actually did, because I would have been able to see Ft Walton Beach come out of the woodwork and knock Gulf Breeze off the second-place perch. If any team embodied the spirit of wrestling not for the beginning of the season but for the end, it was Ft Walton last year. Did think Tate would have more returners than it did last year, also.

2A-District 2:

Predicted: 1. Lincoln. 2. Columbia. 3. Gainesville. 4. Chiles. 5. Leon.
Actual: 1. Lincoln. 2. Columbia. 3. Chiles. 4. Leon. 5. Gainesville.
Analysis: We were pretty sure on the top two, and we got those right. We thought Chiles might make some uptick after a really really young group repped the Timberwolves in 2017-18, but it made a lot more uptick than we thought, even pushing Columbia somewhat for second place. Thought also that Gainesville would have a few more returners than it did, and that was reflected in the district traditional finish down the stretch.

2A-District 3:

Predicted: 1. Orange Park. 2. Ridgeview. 3. Middleburg. 4. Englewood. 5. Ed White. 6. Terry Parker. 7. Stanton.
Actual: 1. Orange Park. 2. Englewood. 3. Ridgeview. 4. Terry Parker. 5. Middleburg. 6. Stanton. 7. Ed White.
Analysis: Largely a swing and a miss on this one. We did get Orange Park correctly picked, but the spread between the Raiders and Englewood — definitely the upset special of this district — was only 21 points, which is not huge. Terry Parker finishing fourth also was a surprise, too. We definitely leaned upon the Clay County dominance factor in this district, but Englewood certainly surprised us as we saw what they were doing last year.

2A-District 4:

Predicted: 1. Matanzas. 2. Creekside. 3. Bartram Trail. 4. Nease. 5. St Augustine. 6. Ponte Vedra. 7. Paxon.
Actual: 1. Matanzas. 2. Creekside. 3. Bartram Trail. 4. St Augustine. 5. Ponte Vedra. 6. Nease.
Analysis: We have gotten this one more or less spot-on. Picked the top three teams in order and we had the sequencing on St Augustine and Ponte Vedra right. What you can’t predict in this business are the impacts injuries have on a team, and that is what slid Nease down from fourth to sixth (we also couldn’t predict Paxon not coming to districts). So we’re pretty happy with what our choices were here.

3A-District 1:

Predicted: 1. Fleming Island. 2. Buchholz. 3. Flagler Palm Coast. 4. Fletcher. 5. Mandarin. 6. Oakleaf. 7. Sandalwood. 8. First Coast. 9. Robert E. Lee. 10. Atlantic Coast.
Actual: 1. Fleming Island. 2. Buchholz. 3. Fletcher. 4. Flagler Palm Coast. 5. Oakleaf. 6. Sandalwood. 7. Mandarin. 8. Robert E. Lee. 9. First Coast. 10. Atlantic Coast.
Analysis: More or less on with this one, we had the top four right (top two in order) and bottom three right, just a small adjustment in the order. I didn’t think there’d be a 30-point gap between Fletcher and Flagler. Not much spread in the middle, really (9.5 points between FPC and sixth-place Sandalwood). Mandarin we thought was going to be better than they were. I would be surprised if I’m off about a #DayTrained-group again this year.

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A year ago, Pace sent five wrestlers to the Class 2A state tournament and competed well enough to finish third in the Region 1 tournament at Chiles.

The Patriots return 11 wrestlers from that team, which held a substantial advantage over the rest of the field in winning the District 1 title, and — with nine of those 11 competing in the Region 1 tournament — are the pick to click once again in the district, which is the only district in the Matmen coverage area that neither gained nor lost teams from last year.

With three state qualifiers, Pace will be looking to take another step in the dual tournament series as well. The one drawback the Patriots face will be overcoming the loss of five key seniors, four of them region qualifiers — including the district’s lone state medalist in 2019. That might help open the door to some challengers in the district that might be able to push past Pace in either January or March.

Based on returners coming back — including a couple who were injured mid-season and lost for a chunk of last year — I think Gulf Breeze might have just enough back to return to the second spot in the district. The Dolphins do lose three seniors to graduation, all of them Saturday qualifiers at regions, and one state qualifier.

But Gulf Breeze does have 14 key returners back, including six region-qualifiers in 2019 (four of those reaching the second day), with one of those getting to Kissimmee.

Don’t be surprised at all if Ft Walton Beach finds its way into the Region 1 dual tournament or takes a top-two position in the district traditional meet.

The Vikings have the most starters or key returners back from last year’s team (15) of any in the district, eight of those region qualifiers and two of those eight made it to Kissimmee. Additionally, Ft Walton Beach lost just one wrestler to graduation in May/June.

I think there’s a gap between Gulf Breeze/FWB and my choice for fourth in the district, but the Eagles do have 10 wrestlers that can return in 2019-20. Of those, five have region-tournament experience.

Additionally, Niceville has what could be a key intangible that may work on its behalf, as the Eagles will be battling on behalf of their second-year coach, Tom Bierly, who sustained a stroke earlier in the autumn. An amalgam of interim coaches will be running the program in his absence.

Of the teams projected in the bottom half, I think Tate should be listed ahead of Crestview for the fifth position. Both the Aggies and Bulldogs have two region qualifiers returning among their returning starters & key returners, but Tate’s top wrestler from a year ago — who didn’t compete in the traditional series at all — should be back. Choctaw also has two region qualifiers back from last year’s team, but has a slightly-smaller nucleus of returners, plus — along with Pace — the biggest May/June graduating group. Milton may continue to have a numbers issue in 2019-20, and that’s going to be the biggest issue to overcome for the Panthers.

Projected finish: 1. Pace. 2. Gulf Breeze. 3. Ft Walton Beach. 4. Niceville. 5. Tate. 6. Crestview. 7. Choctaw. 8. Milton.

* — records as reported to/compiled by Matmen.

CHOCTAW (Ft Walton Beach)
Coach: Charles Bertubin, 2nd year.
2018-19: 16-15 in duals. 18th at Border Wars VI, 22nd at Capital City, 6th at Panhandle, 7th at Gator Brawl.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District quarterfinalist; Traditional: 5th at district, T-21st at region. 2018 — Duals: 5th at district; Traditional: 4th at district, 17th at region, T-69th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 5th at district, 20th at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Deagan Kilpatrick (sophomore, 33-18 at 106, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); David Tambula (senior, 35-17 at 113, district champ, 1 match from states); Ethan Pfhul (junior, 16-18 at 120, 1 match from regions); Eli Devoid (sophomore, 13-34 at 138, 1 match from regions); Samuel Santos (sophomore, 10-29 at 182, 1 match from regions); Jesse Sarver (sophomore, 12-27 at 182/195, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Michael Barton (junior, 21-32 at 220, 0-2 at districts); Chase Pelfrey (sophomore, 14-15 at 220/285, did not participate in post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): Brad Bates (12-27 at 126, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Logan Myers (57-8 at 152, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Hunter Pelfrey (27-19 at 160, 1 match from regions); Paul Roberts (23-8 at 170, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Aiden Savage (24-27 at 195, district 4th, 1-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Six Choctaw returners either did not wrestle or did not advance past the consi semis at districts a year ago. Numbers, particularly in the middle, could potentially be a problem this year.

CRESTVIEW
Coach: Damon Welch, 2nd year.
2018-19: 6-7 in duals. 25th at Capital City, 8th at Panhandle, 12th at Gator Brawl, 14th at Wakulla.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District quarterfinalist; Traditional: 6th at district, 24th at region. 2018 — Duals: 3rd at district; Traditional: 7th at district, 13th at region, T-64th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 6th at district, 17th at region, T-57th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Tyler Mason (junior, 10-22 at 126, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jacob Allen (senior, 3-12 at 138, 0-2 at districts); Benjamin Gross (junior, 9-16 at 138, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Malachi Santiago (junior, 20-18 at 145, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Rowan Gomez (junior, 8-25 at 152, 1 match from regions); Layne Franks (sophomore, 6-11 at 160, 1 match from regions); Luke Baker (senior, 8-11 at 170/182, did not compete in post-season traditionals); CJ Banks (junior, 8-11 at 182, 1 match from regions); Mathew Sharp (junior, 4-17 at 195, 1 match from regions); Kennard Madden (senior, 27-14 at 220, district champ, 1 match from states).
Key losses (graduation): Javan Alto (13-14 at 113, 1 match from regions); Nathan Behr (4-19 at 120, 0-2 at districts); Karter Watson (24-19 at 132, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Weston Tew (6-4 at 285, district champ, 1 match from states).
Matmen’s take: With the exception of Madden and Santiago, a majority of Bulldog returners took their lumps in 2018-19. They should be a year better and might have a shot at a top-half finish in the district.

FT WALTON BEACH
Coach: Tobi Marez, 14th year.
2018-19: 22-10 in duals. 13th at Border Wars VI, 11th at Southeastern Pools, 6th at Smiths Station, 2nd at Wakulla.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District semifinalist; Traditional: 2nd at district, 7th at region, 40th at states. 2018 — Duals: T-7th at district; Traditional: 6th at district, 15th at region, T-69th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 7th at district, 13th at region, T-19th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Reid Gannon (junior, 6-13 at 106, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Brandon Mallin (junior, 35-22 at 120, district runnerup, region 4th, 1-2 at states); Weston Burbidge (junior, 34-17 at 126, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Jarrod Hamilton (senior, 20-12 at 132, 1 match from regions); Maquis Muniz (sophomore, 10-9 at 132/138, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Canyon Dart (sophomore, 15-20 at 138, 1 match from regions); Martin Muniz (junior, 17-15 at 138/145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Ismond Santiago (sophomore, 9-6 at 138/145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Caleb Tourgee (junior, 28-13 at 152, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Jean Maldonaldo (senior, 19-8 at 152, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Corban Ferguson (senior, 18-12 at 160, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Eddie Alexis (senior, 48-12 at 170, district champ, region 3rd, 0-2 at states); Kaleb Williams (junior, 41-18 at 182, district 3rd, 1 match from states); Patrick Adams (senior, 26-29 at 195, district 3rd, 1 match from states); Spencer Mackenzie (sophomore, 8-18 at 220, 1 match from regions).
Key losses (graduation): Carlos Bogan (43-8 at 145, district champ, region champ, 1 match from state medal).
Matmen’s take: Vikings have the deepest room and the least graduation damage from May/June. Sorting out the middle early on, where there seemed to be a platoon situation last year, would be key to not-impossible hopes for a district title.

GULF BREEZE
Coach: Dave Daily, 4th year.
2018-19: 32-10 in duals. 2nd at Fight for the Fort, 3rd at Panhandle, 5th at Gator Brawl.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District runnerup, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: 3rd at district, 9th at region, T-50th at states. 2018 — Duals: 4th at district; Traditional: 1st at district, 3rd at region, T-34th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 2nd at district, 14th at region, T-52nd at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Brandon Walls (sophomore, 35-15 at 106, district champ, region 3rd, 0-2 at states); Max Kronlage (sophomore, 29-14 at 113, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Logan Merritt (sophomore, 9-16 at 120, district 4th, 2-2 at regions); Ian Daily (junior, 34-4 at 120, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Kelly Scanlon (senior, 42-19 at 126, district champ, 2-2 at regions); Riley Scanlon (sophomore, 19-29 at 132/138, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Dylan Lawrence (senior, 42-14 at 138, district runnerup, 1 match from states); David Tatum (senior, 7-20 at 145/152, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Sean Jones (junior, 15-6 at 152, 1 match from regions); Mason Bourgeois (senior, 1-8 at 160, 0-2 at districts); Phillip Frazetta (senior, 38-27 at 170, 1 match from regions); Samuel Rosenbalm (junior, 27-17 at 195, 1 match from regions); Bryson Wick (sophomore, 26-27 at 220, 1 match from regions); Cameron Anderson (senior, 18-12 at 285, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Michael Walls (21-7 at 132, district runnerup, region 4th, 1-2 at states); Calvin Malo (52-14 at 145, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Austin Earle (42-13 at 182, district 4th, 2-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Dolphins had several decent kids struggle in the post-season, due mostly to inexperience. That won’t be as present this year, and, getting Daily back for the full year — he was one match from states as a freshman and should surely get out this year — will be a blessing.

MILTON
Coach: Chafan Marsh, 3rd year.
2018-19: 4-15* in duals.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District quarterfinalist; Traditional: 8th at district, 26th at region. 2018 — Duals: T-7th at district; Traditional: 8th at district, 20th at region, T-69th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 8th at district, 24th at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): David Quarrells (junior, 1-6 at 138, 0-2 at districts); Michael McCain (junior, 5-8 at 145, 0-2 at districts); Daniel McDonal (senior, 12-8 at 160, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Aaron Kennington (senior, 8-9 at 170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Ethan Cale (senior, 6-9 at 220, 0-2 at districts).
Key losses (graduation): Dylan Hoard (4-10 at 120, 0-2 at districts); Ian Van Gestel (11-11 at 132, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Panthers have significant numbers and mat-time issues to overcome this year, with just one region qualifier back. Mat time is the biggest need every Milton wrestler will have as the season begins next week.

NICEVILLE
Coach: Tom Bierly, 2nd year (pending).
2018-19: 16-14* in duals. 16th at Border Wars VI, 10th at Capital City, 9th at Trojan, 18th at Green Cove Springs, T-79th at Girls’ State.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District semifinalist; Traditional: 4th at district, 15th at region. 2018 — Duals: District champ, region semifinalist; Traditional: 3rd at district, T-6th at region, T-27th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 4th at district, 8th at region, 24th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Noah Tritz (junior, 20-23 at 113, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Ethan Bueno (sophomore, 13-25 at 120, 1 match from regions); Jay Pinto (senior, 32-23 at 126, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Ty Hawkins (senior, 13-26 at 132, 0-2 at districts); Keane Creager (senior, 39-14 at 138, district champ, 1 match from states); McCoy Lamb (junior, 7-7 at 160, district 4th, did not compete at regions); Martin Black (sophomore, 14-25 at 160, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Bryce Travis (sophomore, 7-9 at 170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Sean Ripley (senior, 41-21 at 182, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Ramsey Kidder (senior, 21-29 at 220, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Grace Moore (33-23 at 106, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Luis Gallego (3-6 at 145, 1 match from regions); Collin Lentz (46-16 at 152, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Matthew Murphy (20-15 at 170, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Eagles have been a wild-card since Matmen started covering the northwest side of the state in 2015. Niceville has a big number of returners back and a bigger reason to wrestle its heart out in 2019-20; Eagles could push into the top three with a massive effort.

PACE
Coach: Reggie Allen, 2nd year at school.
2018-19: 23-3 in duals. 8th at Capital City, 17th at Trey Culotta, 7th at Scott Rohrer, 1st at Panhandle, 6th at Trojan.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District champ, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: District champ, 3rd at region, 22nd at states. 2018 — Duals: 5th at district; Traditional: 2nd at district, 9th at region, T-69th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 1st at district, 2nd at region, 37th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Natalie Lugo (sophomore, 9-33 at 106, 1 match from regions); Atticus Waters (sophomore, 30-19 at 113, district runnerup, region 4th, 0-2 at states); Derrick Lancero (senior, 39-15 at 120, district champ, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Ethan Billhimer (senior, 53-9 at 132, district champ, 1 match from states); Seth O’Gara (junior, 35-20 at 138, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Bryce Tressler (junior, 8-10 at 138, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Joseph Cortez (junior, 26-16 at 145, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Brody Andrews (junior, 18-26 at 170, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Wyatt Dillon (junior, 43-17 at 195, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Michael Poole (junior, 16-20 at 220, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Cameron Goodenow (junior, 29-21 at 285, district runnerup, region 4th, 0-2 at states).
Key losses (graduation): Tyler Tran (31-15 at 126, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Kishma Davis (47-4 at 152, district champ, region champ, 0-2 at states); Nate Golmon (55-3 at 160, district champ, region 3rd, state 3rd); John Gunther (15-1 at 182, district champ, did not compete at regions); Jasmine Casey (10-19 at 182, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Matmen’s take: Any other program in the district would not be able to weather losing two state qualifiers, including the lone medalist, so well. Could see the Patriots getting five wrestlers out again in late February/early March; I would expect Pace to extend its string of top-10 Region 1 finishes to five.

TATE (Cantonment)
Coach: Aaron Telatovich, 2nd year (7th overall).
2018-19: 8-20* in duals. 7th at Panhandle, 9th at Gator Brawl.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: district quarterfinalist; Traditional: 7th at district, 19th at region, T-50th at states. 2018 — Duals: 2nd at district, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: 5th at district, 10th at region, T-22nd at states. 2017 — 3rd at district, 3rd at region, 31st at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): David Luckey (sophomore, 24-13* at 120, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Marcus Virgin (junior, 17-10* at 126, 1 match from regions); Gabriel Durazo (senior, 9-12* at 126, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jacob Hutto (junior, 7-16* at 132, 1 match from regions); Brandon Biello (senior, 28-2* at 132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Paul Fina (junior, 23-26* at 138, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Christopher Schneider (sophomore, 6-19* at 138/145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Tanner Rutherford (senior, 2-10* at 145, 1 match from regions); Michael Higgins (junior, 10-9* at 152/160, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Chad Luckey (senior, 12-26* at 160, 0-2 at districts).
Key losses (graduation): Azaya Purifoy (41-10* at 195, district champ, region 3rd, 1-2 at states); Kevin Burgess (17-24* at 220, district runnerup, 0-2 at regions); Tyce Bethard (17-6* at 220, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Matmen’s take: Aggies should get Biello, their top performer in the regular season last year, back for a full season this year, and that will help. What might help even more will be some bigs that can step in and contribute right away.

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Probably no team more than Yulee is happy to see the Northeast side’s strongest 1A team, Clay, moving on after reclassification earlier this year.

The remade 1A-District 3 group kept the Hornets and fellow Nassau County teams West Nassau and Fernandina Beach, plus Raines. Coming in from Class 2A are Paxon and Raines, and moving over from 1A-District 4 are Bishop Kenny and Episcopal.

And, even after losing six seniors from last year’s region semifinalist (duals) team, I’d project that Yulee should return to the top of the district in which they’ve remained for the life of the Matmen site.

The Hornets can bring back as many as 11 wrestlers from last year’s team, and that experience should overcome a substantial graduation loss of six 2019 seniors, including Yulee’s lone state qualifier and medalist. Of those 11, six Hornets had 2019 region-tournament experience, with five of those getting to the second day. At least a couple of those kids stand solid chances of moving on to Kissimmee in March.

West Nassau won’t go away too easily, particularly if their returning experience stays intact through the tournament series in February.

The Warriors have the largest number of projected key returners back in the district, with 12 such wrestlers, but only six reached the region tournament and two of those six got to Saturday. West Nassau has only one May/June graduate to replace, and eight of this year’s 12 returners have one more year after this one.

When we think about Episcopal recently, we’ve thought low numbers, but high talent. Some of that talent remains, but senior Kyle Hopkins has transferred to an in-the-area school. We could not confirm at this writing which school it was, so we’ll just have to wait for week 1 to see where he is.

But the numbers situation should still be better. Even with the loss of Hopkins, plus losing just one May/June graduate (also a state qualfier), the Eagles could have up to eight wrestlers back, five of them region qualifiers, and Episcopal could still have a presence at state once again.

Raines won’t contend in dual-meet situations, barring massive recruitment efforts bearing fruit, but the Vikings have the most returning high-level talent in the district, with no graduations from the 2018-19 team.

Raines should have at least five returners back this year, four of those (all of them reaching the second day) region qualifiers. Three of those four got to states, led by returning heavyweight state medalist Jamon Goodwine (3rd last year).

Of the teams currently projected for the bottom half, I’d very easily see Fernandina Beach finish in the top half, maybe even third. The Pirates do have one state qualifier back from last year’s team, which seemed to start rebuilding its identity by season’s end, but they also have to overcome the loss of four May/June graduates. It’s a substantial rebuilding job underway at Bishop Kenny. The Crusaders have potentially six returners back, five of them region qualifiers, but only one of those made the second day. As well, Bishop Kenny has to replace six May/June graduates (including four district champs and two state qualifiers, both of whom went on to medal). Ed White comes into 1A this year; the Commanders could have five returners back with solid experience last year, but will have to replace their lone 2019 state qualifier due to graduation. Paxon did not compete in either the FHSAA duals or traditional tournament last year; at Parker Duals, a month before the traditional post-season began, the 1A Golden Eagles had just one wrestler competing. Simply rebooting the program is the first goal of the program.

New coaches are the watchword of the district. With two exceptions (Yulee and Ed White), every head coach in the district is either in his first or second season with their teams in that position.

Projected finish: 1. Yulee. 2. West Nassau. 3. Episcopal. 4. Raines. 5. Fernandina Beach. 6. Bishop Kenny. 7. Ed White. 8. Paxon.

* — records as compiled by Matmen; not complete due to missing results.

BISHOP KENNY (Jacksonville)
Coach: Nick Tillem, 1st year.
2018-19: 5-2 in duals. 4th at Westside Kiwanis, 18th at Capital City, 6th at Rob Bierbaum, 4th at Battle of the Border, 7th at Flagler Rotary, 12th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District champ, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: District runnerup, region 5th, T-23rd at states. 2018 — Duals: District champ, region semifinalist; Traditional: District champ, region 3rd, 8th at states. 2017 — Traditional: District champ, region 7th, T-17th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Ryan Mayer (junior, 13-14 at 106, 1A-District 4 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Will Weinbecker (junior, 1-10 at 113, 1A-District 4 4th, 0-2 at regions); Daniel Maher (senior, 15-17 at 126, 1A-District 4 runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Brock Hinson (senior, 9-17 at 132, 1A-District 4 runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Carter Wood (senior, 6-10 at 145/152, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Curtis Leggett (senior, 5-9 at 285, 1A-District 4 champ, 0-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Reilly Gentges (10-19 at 120, 1A-District 4 runnerup, 2-2 at regions); John Schloth (16-14 at 138, 1A-District 4 runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Joey Cusick (38-6 at 152, 1A-District 4 champ, region 3rd, state 5th); Andrew Slade (25-6 at 160, 1A-District 4 champ, region champ, state 6th); Nolan Scheets (26-13 at 170, 1A-District 4 champ, 2-2 at regions); Esa Farah (14-11 at 182, 1A-District 4 champ, 2-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Going to be a different vibe around Kenny this year and definitely so by next year, as there are only two returners that are not seniors in 2019-20. But the expectation to win and compete well at regions should remain.

ED WHITE (Jacksonville)
Coach: Jaylen Lee, 7th year.
2018-19: 3-5* in duals. 15th at Westside Kiwanis, 8th at Rob Bierbaum, 10th at Battle of the Border, 10th at Gateway, 35th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 7th at 2A-District 3, 20th at 2A-Region 1, T-65th at 2A states. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 5th at 2A-District 3, 23rd at 2A-Region 1. 2017 — Traditional: 8th at 2A-District 3, T-26th at Region 1.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Jorge Ramirez (junior, 6-15* at 132, 2A-District 3 3rd, 0-1 at regions); John Merritt (junior, 8-16* at 170, 1 match from 2A-Region 1); Jaison Patterson (junior, 17-8* at 182, did not participate in post-season traditionals); Jarred Ball (senior, 5-16* at 195, 2A-District 3 3rd, 1-2 at 2A-Region 1); Larry McCurdy (senior, 16-13* at 220, 2A-District 3 3rd, 0-2 at 2A-Region 1).
Key losses (graduation): Bruce Harting (13-11* at 106, 2A-District 3 runnerup, 2A-Region 1 4th, 0-2 at 2A states); Carl Otero (19-15* at 160, 2A-District 3 3rd, 1-2 at 2A-Region 1).
Matmen’s take: Until Commanders get numbers to match solid enthusiasm and athleticism, they will continue to struggle, and this year Harting’s lockdown points in the lowers aren’t there. Offseason work has to be better.

EPISCOPAL (Jacksonville)
Coach: Jefferson Brant, 1st year.
2018-19: 3-15 in duals. 13th at Westside Kiwanis, 7th at Rob Bierbaum, 8th at Trojan, 11th at Flagler Rotary, 13th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District semifinalist; Traditional: 4th at 1A-District 4, 12th at region, T-19th at states. 2018 — Duals: Did not participate; Traditional: 5th at 1A-District 4, 24th at region. 2017 — Traditional: 7th at 1A-District 4, T-9th at region, T-25th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Joe Jackson (junior, 30-18 at 106, 1A-District 4 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Noah Meyer (junior, 9-18 at 126, 1 match from regions); Will Thompson (junior, 2-6 at 138, 1 match from regions); Reid Hampton (senior, 25-12 at 145, 1A-District 4 runnerup, 1 match from states); Robert Jackson (senior, 9-18 at 152, 1A-District 4 4th, 0-2 at regions); Kaiman Clark (sophomore, 11-10 at 160, 1A-District 4 runnerup, 0-2 at regions); Daniel Cooper (junior, 9-14 at 170, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Charles Medure (sophomore, 4-13 at 182, did not compete at post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): Kyle Hopkins (senior, 37-2 at 113, 1A-District 4 champ, region champ, state runnerup; transferred in area to unknown school at time of this publication); Freddy Dollison (29-8 at 220, 1A-District 4 champ, region 3rd, 0-2 at states).
Matmen’s take: Numbers were gradually building upward even before Brant’s tenure; if he can keep it going, Episcopal will be known as a duals as well as an IBT side. There was some added off-season presence this year, which can only help the Eagles.

FERNANDINA BEACH
Coach: Eric Kubatzke, 2nd year.
2018-19: 10-18 in duals. 10th at Arlington Optimist, 7th at Battle of the Border, 4th at Westside RR, 7th at Bell-Raulerson.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 5th at district; Traditional: 4th at district, 13th at region, 53rd at states. 2018 — Duals: 5th at district; Traditional: 8th at district, 21st at region. 2017 — Traditional: 8th at district, 25th at region, T-72nd at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Jeremy Mahoney (junior, 37-7 at 113, district champ, region runnerup, 0-2 at states); Bryce Bourqain (junior, 10-19 at 126, 1 match from regions); Jeremiah Giedrys (senior, 28-19 at 152, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Kolby Kidd (junior, 7-16 at 285, 1 match from regions); Samuel Loper (sophomore, 10-11 at 285, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): Zhane Funchess (24-18 at 160, 1 match from regions); Nathan Manning (30-9 at 182, district champ, region 4th, 0-2 at states); Uriah Giedrys (35-11 at 195, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Robbie Elefterion (35-13 at 220, district 3rd, 1 match from states).
Matmen’s take: Where Pirates go might be harder to tell this year than next year, when there’s been two years of a new regime and recruitment going on. But one thing we noticed last year was that kids and coaches alike had a great deal of energy.

PAXON (Jacksonville)
Coach: Phillip Abbott, 1st year.
2018-19: 0-11 in duals. 14th at Arlington Optimist, 15th at Gateway.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: Did not compete. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 7th at 2A-District 4, 27th at 2A-Region 1. 2017 — Traditional: 7th at 2A-District 4, T-26th at 2A-Region 1.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Logan Holman (sophomore, 4-11 at 145, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): None.
Matmen’s take: We will see how far the team has come when the season ends, but right now the rebuild job is from the ground up. Hopefully the Golden Eagles can start by keeping everyone that comes out for the sport in it through season’s end.

RAINES (Jacksonville)
Coach: Aaron Mason, 2nd year as HC.
2018-19: 1-13 in duals. 9th at St John Memorial, 16th at Somerset Scuffle, T-8th at Gateway, 19th at George Jenkins, 27th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 7th at district, T-7th at region, T-23rd at states. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 7th at district, 23rd at region. 2017 — Traditional: 7th at district, T-16th at region, T-56th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): DaQuan King (sophomore, 30-16 at 106, district runnerup, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Damari Williams (sophomore, 5-14 at 113, 1 match from regions); Raynarde Thomas (junior, 24-11 at 170, district champ, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Jamari Watson (sophomore, 19-16 at 182, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Jamon Goodwine (senior, 33-4 at 285, district champ, region champ, state 3rd).
Key losses (graduation): None.
Matmen’s take: Vikings have three hammers back and Watson promises to be close. Of the teams in the district, Raines is most likely to finish highest at Kissimmee. If they could get even 12 kids in the lineup, this team would have the potential for monstrous accomplishment.

WEST NASSAU (Callahan)
Coach: Adam Bolger, 1st year.
2018-19: 14-9 in duals. 9th at Westside Kiwanis, 6th at Battle of the Border, 10th at Wakulla, 4th at Bell-Raulerson.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 3rd at district, T-21st at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 7th at district, 23rd at region. 2017 — Traditional: 7th at district, T-16th at region, T-56th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Garrett Butler (sophomore, 16-20 at 106, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Brendan Ferenchik (senior, 29-9 at 120, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Kyle Overturf (junior, 6-19 at 126, 0-2 at districts); Anthony Neely (senior, 15-5 at 126/132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Demetrio Thomas (junior, 7-12 at 138, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Deonte Robinson (junior, 14-12 at 145, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Taison Mullins (junior, 18-12 at 152, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Requan Works (senior, 36-6 at 160, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Beau Andrews (junior, 4-18 at 182, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jackson Rowell (junior, 17-22 at 195, 1 match from regions); Carson Johns (junior, 13-18 at 220, 1 match from regions); Patrick Connors (senior, 16-7 at 285, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): Bradly Kraai (23-6 at 132, district runnerup, did not compete at regions).
Matmen’s take: Warriors had a few kids not get out at districts and another trio that didn’t wrestle the post-season at all; full seasons from them, plus progress from the returner that did get past districts, could be a very strong challenge to Yulee indeed.

YULEE
Coach: Brandon Crowder, 12th year.
2018-19: 24-9 in duals. 2nd at Cam Brown, 9th at Devil Dog (SC), 2nd at Battle of the Border, 12th at North Metro (GA), 12th at Wakulla, 8th at Westside RR, 1st at Bell-Raulerson.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District runnerup, region semifinalist; Traditional: District runnerup, 10th at region, 27th at states. 2018 — Duals: District 3rd; Traditional: District runnerup, 9th at region, T-34th at states. 2017 — Traditional: District runnerup, 6th at region, 13th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Aaron Gray (sophomore, 1-14 at 106, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Gerson Ramos (sophomore, 7-9 at 106, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Tristan Martinez (junior, 30-16 at 113, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Andrew Killmeyer (senior, 6-12 at 120, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Bryce Bees (senior, 32-12 at 126, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Aston Ricks (junior, 48-16 at 138, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Jesse Johnson (sophomore, 26-28 at 145, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Daniel Lopez (senior, 14-10 at 152/160, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Ayden Batten (sophomore, 2-10 at 160, 0-2 at districts); Keleb Reddish (sophomore, 7-14 at 182, 1 match from regions); Kevin Beverly (sophomore, 22-7 at 182, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Bradley Durrance (senior, 47-8 at 220, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Orion Duffy (46-14 at 132, district 3rd, 1 match from states); David Wyatt (20-28 at 152, 1 match from regions); Christopher Francis (19-21 at 170, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Michael Crawford (41-13 at 195, district runnerup, region runnerup, state 4th); Grayson Pope (31-16 at 285, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Nathanael Lowe (13-6 at 285, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Matmen’s take: Hornets are just about the reloading rather than rebuilding stage, and this past year’s senior group is considerable. Biggest wish for program might just be a calm, injury-free, tragedy-free year, and things will work themselves out by February.

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Wherever Clay has gone in northeast Florida, its string of district titles follows it.

That should continue for the Blue Devils in 2019-20, as they move over from 1A-District 3 to District 4 this season; District 4 was Clay’s home when the germination of the Matmen site began.

After a young team with a first-year head coach — albeit no stranger to the program — struggled and grew together to build a season that ended somewhat below Clay expectations but one nearly every team would want to have by its conclusion — the Blue Devils can bring back as many as 16 projected key returners from last year’s team.

Of those, the Blue Devils return 11 region qualifiers, led by senior and 2019 state medalist Tazz Hampton. Eight of those 11 got to the second day of regions, with four qualifying for states. Clay does lose three May/June graduates, including a state qualifier, but should be the odds-on favorite to win its 21st consecutive district title.

Bolles has a returning stable of wrestlers that’s nearly as deep as Clay’s — the Bulldogs can return up to 14 projected key returners from last year’s district champion group — and like Clay, 11 of those 14 were region qualifiers.

However, the Bulldogs saw just three of those 11 get to the second day of regions a year ago, and did not send anyone to Kissimmee, although there were a couple of near-misses. There was some off-season work done as well, so don’t expect Bolles to be shut out of states again for what would be the third time in four years.

From early indications, Ridgeview has another smallish group starting out, but the Clay County Panthers might be most well-known for their star power than their depth, with two returning state qualifiers, including the 2A 2019 runnerup and a two-time state medalist in junior Matthew Rodriquez.

The Panthers could return as many as five 2A-Region 1 qualifiers from last year’s team, but does lose three key May/June graduates, including a 2019 state qualifier.

Bishop Snyder took the biggest hit, graduation-wise, of any team in the district, as six May/June graduates moved on to what’s next. However, just three wrestled for the Cardinals in the post-season last year.

And Snyder can return up to eight projected key returners from last year’s team, which flirted with being ranked in the top 10 in the northeast area. Six of those eight made it to regions, but only one saw the second day.

Of the teams I’m projecting in the bottom half, the “safest” pick of the group is probably Wolfson, which is bringing back the most returning projected key returners (seven), but the Wolfpack is also going to have to overcome the loss of five May/June graduates, which could make filling a lineup difficult. Bradford is the most known of the unknown teams; last year, the Tornadoes lost their head coach early in the season, but rallied, and they have three region qualifiers back (four in all) with no graduation loss. University Christian is back on radar with an experienced head coach, a few individuals that could make a splash, but how soon the Christians can be a competing team at even a district level is still an unknown. That’s also true for Baldwin, which started a first-year independent team a year ago. The Indians have athletic ability on campus — their football team is highly competitive — but it might be a couple of years before that translates over on the wrestling mats.

Projected finish: 1. Clay. 2. Bolles. 3. Ridgeview. 4. Bishop Snyder. 5. Wolfson. 6. Bradford. 7. University Christian. 8. Baldwin.

* — records as compiled by Matmen; not complete due to missing results.

BALDWIN
Coach: Immanuel Henderson, 2nd year.
2018-19: 0-3* in duals reported to Matmen. 15th at Arlington Optimist, 14th at Gateway, 10th at Bell-Raulerson.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): None. Competed last year as independent first-year team.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): None (no wrestlers had 15 matches reported).
Key losses (graduation): (no wrestlers had 15 matches reported).
Matmen’s take: Will be exciting to see what Indians bring to the table in Year 2; they’ll need more consistent in-season competition now that they’re a fully-fledged FHSAA side. We should learn more about team’s future direction this year.

BISHOP SNYDER
Coach: Jeremy Mosley, 6th year.
2018-19: 12-4 in duals. 11th at Westside Kiwanis, 9th at Rob Bierbaum, 8th at Ed Kilpatrick, 11th at Wakulla, 28th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 3rd at district; Traditional: 5th at district, 20th at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 6th at district, 20th at region. 2017 — Traditional: 6th at district, T-27th at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Christian Villanueva (junior, 24-12 at 113, district 3rd, 1 match from states); Austin Davoli (senior, 1-3 at 120, district 4th, did not compete at regions); Backtash Wallizada (junior, 6-24 at 132, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Clayton Beasley (junior, 13-22 at 145, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); James Baker (senior, 11-13 at 160, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Kennan Wilder (junior, 20-18 at 170, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Jose Indio (senior, 12-18 at 182, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Angel Lecointe (sophomore, 8-17 at 220, 1 match from regions).
Key losses (graduation): Elijah Bishop (13-13 at 120, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Matthew Drummond (6-9 at 126, 1 match from regions); JP Villanueva (14-9 at 126, did not compete in post-season traditionals); John Bokros (21-16 at 152, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Thomas Graden (34-7 at 195, district champ, 1 match from states); Mark Morante (13-11 at 220, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Matmen’s take: Cardinals have a group of quality returners back for this year, but still seem to miss out on off-season work that would help them take next steps as a program. They do have consistency trending in their favor.

BOLLES
Coach: Matt Morris, 32nd year.
2018-19: 9-7 in duals. 10th at Westside Kiwanis, T-11th at Capital City, 16th at Keystone, 9th at Ed Kilpatrick, 15th at Flagler Rotary, 24th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District runnerup, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: District champ, 15th at region. 2018 — Duals: District runnerup, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: 3rd at district, 7th at region, 33rd at states. 2017 — Traditional: District runnerup, T-9th at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Jacob Witt (sophomore, 34-15 at 106, district champ, 1 match from states); Mac Walters (sophomore, 9-16 at 113, 1 match from regions); Denny Vohs (sophomore, 25-18 at 120, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Dalton Posick (senior, 31-16 at 126, district champ, 1-2 at regions); Jakie Judge (sophomore, 4-14 at 126/132, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Skylar Malone (freshman, 3-6 at 132, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Julian Morris (senior, 7-7 at 138, district champ, 2-2 at regions); Jeffrey Ashby (freshman, 1-3 at 145, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Luke Selmont (junior, 4-8 at 152, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Jack Pyburn (sophomore, 13-16 at 170, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Ethan Asbury (junior, 33-19 at 182, district runnerup, 1 match from states); David Adewale (junior, 33-19 at 220, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); JT Jameson (senior, 10-12 at 220, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Cam Neal (junior, 8-17 at 285, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Rick Garcia-Bengochea (19-21 at 160, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Kyle Coffindaffer (9-12 at 195, district champ, 0-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Bulldogs put all their eggs into dethroning former rivals last year, but didn’t get the payoff in the form of a state appearance. This year’s team might be able to take a few more steps comared to young group of a year ago.

BRADFORD
Coach: Derrick Mitchell, 1st year.
2018-19: 1-13* in duals reported to Matmen. 14th at Trojan Invitational.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 6th at district, T-25th at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 4th at district, T-11th at region, T-56th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 3rd at district, T-23rd at region, T-72nd at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): James Smith (junior, 9-7* at 132, district champ, 1-2 at regions); Dakota Rosier (sophomore, 2-8* at 152, 1 match from regions); Michael McDuffie (senior, 5-12* at 220, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Michael Porchiazzo (junior, 6-8* at 285, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): None.
Matmen’s take: Program in disarray at the start of the season seemed to have settled itself down by its end. That, plus success in other sports and at youth levels should translate into a few more kids coming out this season.

CLAY
Coach: Hunter Hill, 2nd year as HC.
2018-19: 21-6 in duals. 11th at Border Wars VI, 9th at Captain Archer, 9th at Somerset Scuffle, 7th at Green Cove Springs Rotary, T-43rd at Girls’ State.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District champ, region runnerup; Traditional: District champ, region 4th, 21st at states. 2018 — Duals: District champ, region champ, state semifinalist; Traditional: District champ, region champ, state runnerup. 2017 — Traditional: District champ, region champ, state runnerup.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Tazz Hampton (senior, 106, district champ, region champ, state 4th); Maverick Rainwater (sophomore, 16-9 at 106, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Dalton Huckelberry (junior, 12-10 at 113/120, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Josh Kumpf (sophomore, 11-12 at 120, district champ, 1-2 at regions); Luke Davis (senior, 34-15 at 126, district champ, 1 match from states); Cale Hoskinson (junior, 132, district champ, region champ, 1 match short of state medal); Luke Boree (sophomore, 11-17 at 132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Andrew McGowan (sophomore, 138, district champ, region 4th, 0-2 at states); Madisyn Blackburn (sophomore, 7-4 at 140, 5th at girls’ state); Jered Mosley (sophomore, 21-22 at 152, district champ, 1-2 at regions); Luca Fiannca (sophomore, 10-13 at 170, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Jordan Chorman (sophomore, 3-12 at 170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Almando Martinez (junior, 14-21 at 182, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Jordan Bell (senior, 29-17 at 195, district 3rd, 1 match from states); Joe Grelli (senior, 220, district champ, region 4th, 0-2 at states); Derrick Mosley (sophomore, 27-12 at 285, district runnerup, 1 match from states).
Key losses (graduation): Justin Byler (35-17 at 113, 1 match from regions); Grant Stanish (145, district champ, region 4th, 0-2 at states); Wil Dorvilus (17-16 at 160, district champ, 2-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Last year was a gut-punch for the program, but Blue Devils weathered it and got back up to produce a solid year. Key now is how soon Clay can come all the way back and be what it was, but direction is trending in the right ways.

RIDGEVIEW
Coach: Bart Rodriquez, 2nd year as HC.
2018-19: 6-7 in duals. 10th at Swede Umbach, 14th at Allstate Wildcat, 17th at Scott Rohrer, 9th at Battle of the Border, 8th at Gator Brawl.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: T-5th at 2A-District 3; Traditional: 3rd at 2A-District 3, 10th at 2A-Region 1, T-19th at 2A states. 2018 — Duals: 2A-District 3 champ, 2A-Region 1 quarterfinalist; Traditional: 2A-District 3 champ, 8th at 2A-Region 1, T-16th at 2A states. 2017 — Traditional: 3rd at 2A-District 3, 9th at 2A-Region 1, T-19th at 2A states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Matthew Rodriquez (junior, 52-1 at 106, 2A-District 3 champ, 2A-Region 1 champ, 2A state runnerup); Gabriel Guzman (senior, 44-5 at 113, 2A-District 3 champ, 2A-Region 1 3rd, 0-2 at 2A states); Clay Propes (sophomore, 11-25 at 120, 2A-District 3 runnerup, 0-2 at 2A-Region 1); Shawn Tahir (senior, 7-10 at 126, 2A-District 3 champ, 1-2 at 2A-Region 1); Logan Champion (junior, 8-27 at 132, 2A-District 3 4th, 0-2 at 2A-Region 1); Rick Warren (senior, 12-4 at 145, did not compete in post-season); Isaac Gaeta (senior, 1-6 at 145, 1 match from regions); Rae Barger (junior, 7-26 at 160, 0-2 at districts).
Key losses (graduation): Reed Propes (33-16 at 152, 2A-District 3 runnerup, 0-2 at regions); John Tiedeman (10-11 at 170, 0-2 at districts); Od’Juan Whitfield (28-12 at 220, 2A-District 3 champ, 2A-Region 1 champ, 0-2 at 2A states).
Matmen’s take: Panthers have best wrestler in the district, who will be returning to 1A after wrestling there for now-district rival University Christian as an eighth-grader. Numbers will define Ridgeview’s success and ability to challenge as a team.

UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN
Coach: Wes Champ, 1st year at school.
2018-19: No program in 2018-19.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — No program. 2018 — No program. 2017 — Traditional: 6th at district, 14th at region, T-51st at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): None.
Projected key additions: Avery Miller (junior, 12-18 at 112/113, did not compete in post-season traditionals; transferred from Oakleaf).
Key losses (graduation): None.
Matmen’s take: If administration supports the program — and indicators suggest it is trying — it could bring about the rebirth of a really storied program, that was an area-wide force as recently as seven years ago.

WOLFSON
Coach: Scott Marabell, 7th year.
2018-19: 12-18 in duals. 13th at Gateway.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 5th at district, T-25th at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 6th at district, T-25th at region. 2017 — Traditional: 4th at district, T-27th at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Andrew Harbin (sophomore, 20-10 at 106, 1 match from regions); Max Lewallen (sophomore, 19-19 at 126, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Aakash Thornton (sophomore, 14-12 at 132, 1 match from regions); Cameron Frison (senior, 24-14 at 152, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Elijah Galarza (senior, 12-10 at 170/182, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Devin Collins (sophomore, 3-9 at 220, 1 match from regions); Ernest Soles (sophomore, 5-14 at 285, 1 match from regions).
Key losses (graduation): Keayon Gray (9-10 at 113, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Chris Santiago (9-6 at 113, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Aries Fahnbulleh (25-7 at 120, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Hays Lewallen (5-17 at 138, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Kevon Bryant (14-13 at 160, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Matmen’s take: Wolfpack lost six graduates, including team’s only Saturday qualifier at regions from a year ago, but team has some solid ability at a few weights. Like many teams in the city, level of competition determines how far Wolfson might go.

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Here’s how strong 1A-District 2 is going to be within the region this year: four of the region’s top eight teams from last year, including all three of the top three, are in this district.

You’ll earned your stripes in this district.

A year ago, Wakulla had a dream season, with a tiny Forgotten Coastal town reaching the dual state finals against mighty Lake Highland Prep, one of the nation’s elite teams and probably best anywhere in the South. Were it not for a certain 3A club in Clay County, the War Eagles would inarguably be the best team in the north.

And with good reason. Wakulla has as many as 15 key returners back from last year’s team — even after losing three seniors, two of those state qualifiers, including 285 finalist Darius Wilkins.

The War Eagles can return up to 12 region qualifiers (all 12 reached the second day, with eight getting out to states), with the other three playing key roles a year ago (and most likely starting this year). Senior state medalists John Trevor Hinsey (3rd), Noah Wilson (4th) and Matthew Owen (6th) will all be looking for Saturday-night stints.

2019 District 2 and Region 1 runnerup Florida High lost an anchor of the program in May/June graduate Max Metcalf. But Metcalf was the only graduation loss sustained, and with the potential-returner numbers the Seminoles can bring back, they’re still the pick to click for the runnerup spot.

Florida High brings back as many as 12 wrestlers from the 2018-19 team. Ten of those were region qualifiers (seven getting to Day 2), with four returning state qualifiers, including senior medalists Tyler Reeve (3rd) and Brooks Dyer (4th), along with junior Emil Ganim (6th in 2019).

Because of what I would expect would be their edge in IBTs, I’m going to stay with Suwannee as the pick for third. 2019 Godby coach John Wainwright has deep Live Oak ties, and is taking over the coaching reins this year.

Wainwright will have as many as nine key returners back, eight of those region qualifiers and four of those eight state qualifiers. The Bulldogs will have to replace three key May/June graduates, two of them state qualifiers, including 2019 Kissimmee runnerup Terrell Williams.

Marianna would have been a champion contender had the Bulldogs stayed in District 1; here, in this district, i’ll battle with Suwannee for third. The Bulldogs appear to be the better dual team, though, with 13 wrestlers back, including three 2019 state qualifiers (including one via transfer), although they did lose four key wrestlers, including a state medalist, from last year’s team. With the reclassification, Godby goes from a locked down fourth to a team that will have to battle to hold fifth this year. The Cougars have just seven wrestlers back from last year’s team. All of them were region qualifiers but only two got to the second day. Godby former state champion MaShawn Knight is heading up this year’s team. Baker Cty could have up to nine wrestlers back from last year’s team — more than the Cougars — but only two of those qualified for the 2019 region tournament. Still, though, the Wildcats should be better than a year ago.

We’re never actually sure if Rickards or Maclay are going to have programs or not (Rickards started the year with one, but only competed in one tournament and not the post-season; Maclay is listed by FHSAA as accredited, but there’s never varsity results).

Projected finish: 1. Wakulla. 2. Florida High. 3. Suwannee. 4. Marianna. 5. Godby. 6. Baker Cty. Not projected: Maclay, Rickards.

BAKER CTY (Glen St Mary)
Coach: Tucker McCullough, 2nd year.
2018-19: 9-11* in duals (missing results from Bradford dual tournament). 8th at Cam Brown, 7th at Westside Roundrobin.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 4th at district; Traditional: 8th at district, 25th at region. 2018 — Duals: 4th at district; Traditional: 4th at district, 16th at region, T-56th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 5th at district, 22nd at region, T-72nd at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Aaron Norman (junior, 7-9* at 113/120, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Juan Torres (senior, 10-9* at 120, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); David Jackson (senior, 18-12* at 126, district 4th, 2-2 at regions); James Knabb (senior, 7-9* at 132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Billy Martin (senior, 12-13* at 145, 1 match from regions); Clayton Dennison (sophomore, 9-14* at 152, 1 match from regions); Toby Kinghorn (sophomore, 19-11* at 160, 1 match from regions); Davon Woolf (junior, 6-9* at 195, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Ian Doyle (sophomore, 19-14* at 220, 1 match from regions).
Key losses (graduation): None.
Matmen’s take: If Wildcats can generate numbers they can move out of the bottom of this loaded district. Seniors have had successes, and program can build on that.

FLORIDA HIGH (Tallahassee)
Coach: Clay Allen, 10th year.
2018-19: 7-6 in duals. 3rd at Cam Brown, 9th at Capital City, 38th at Knockout Christmas, 7th at Keystone, 5th at Battle of the Border, T-9th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District runnerup, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: District runnerup, region runnerup, 8th at states. 2018 — Duals: District runnerup, region semifinalist; Traditional: district runnerup, 5th at region, T-30th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 2nd at district, 3rd at region, 6th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Emil Ganim (junior, 33-18 at 113, district champ, region 3rd, state 6th); Brooks Dyer (senior, 34-8 at 120, district champ, region champ, state 4th); Tyler Reeve (junior, 36-6 at 126, district runnerup, region champ, state 3rd); Dean Wright (freshman, 12-19 at 132, district 4th, 2-2 at regions); Liam Hawkes (sophomore, 4-14 at 132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Dennis Ganim (senior, 33-18 at 138, district champ, 1 match from states); Micah Perdue (junior, 10-8 at 152, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Noah Perdue (senior, 30-18 at 160, district champ, region runnerup, 0-2 at states); Chauncy Riggsby (senior, 27-15 at 170, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Syre Ganim (senior, 8-9 at 170/182, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Diego Duprey (sophomore, 3-6 at 195, district runnerup, 0-2 at regions); Joshua Nable (sophomore, 5-22 at 220, district 4th, 0-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Max Metcalf (45-9 at 145, district runnerup, region 3rd, state 5th).
Matmen’s take: There are some weights where this year’s returning group didn’t wrestle in the post-season a year ago, but a few of them have had success. Winning begets winning, and Seminoles know how to win.

GODBY (Tallahassee)
Coach: MaShawn Knight, 1st year.
2018-19: 9-25 in duals. 19th at Capital City, 18th at Keystone, 15th at Trojan, 36th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: T-3rd at district; Traditional: 4th at district, 16th at region, T-65th at states. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 4th at district, 18th at region, T-64th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 4th at district, T-18th at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Jeremy Hector (junior, 23-30 at 106, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Nigel Brown (senior, 29-19 at 132, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Thomas Branson (senior, 10-38 at 145, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Madison Melton (senior, 10-18 at 152, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Julian Green (senior, 12-14 at 182, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Robert Harrell (junior, 15-31 at 195, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Joshua Yarbrough (senior, 285, district runnerup, 1 match from states).
Key losses (graduation): Ja’Tyren Walker (16-8 at 220, district champ, region runnerup, 0-2 at states).
Matmen’s take: Knight will bring a fresh perspective to the group; it will benefit the Cougar bigs. Godby does need to recruit some more lowers and middles to be a region threat.

MARIANNA
Coach: Drew Mayo, 1st year.
2018-19: 18-10 in duals. 4th at Cam Brown, 21st at Capital City, 4th at Panhandle, 6th at Gator Brawl, 7th at Wakulla, T-79th at Girls’ State.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: T-3rd at district; Traditional: 3rd at district, T-7th at region, T-30th at states. 2018 — Duals: District champ, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: 3rd at district, 8th at region, T-17th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 5th at district, T-16th at region, T-43rd at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): William Carrel (sophomore, 22-28 at 106, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Audra Phillips (sophomore, 2-10 at 106, 0-2 at girls’ state); Dustin Arnold (senior, 21-14 at 120, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Jayson Kyle (junior, 8-21 at 126, 1 match from regions); Trett Phillips (sophomore, 11-27 at 138, 1 match from regions); Ethan Heinemann (sophomore, 21-37 at 145, 1 match from regions); Cody Lewis (sophomore, 14-40 at 152, 1 match from regions); Christian Cosson (junior, 36-20 at 160, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); John Maddox (senior, 50-12 at 170, district 3rd, region 3rd, 1 match from state medal); Corey Davis (senior, 46-8 at 182, district champ, region 3rd, 0-2 at states); Lawson Jackson (sophomore, 13-27 at 220, 1 match from regions); Roosevelt Williams (senior, 17-19 at 285, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions).
Projected key addition: Chase Maddox (junior, 32-22 at 160, district champ, region 4th, 1-2 at states; transferred from South Walton)
Key losses (graduation): Neal Smith (19-10 at 113, district champ, 1-2 at regions); Hunter Monday (27-26 at 132, 1 match from regions); Antonne Williams (8-13 at 170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jonah Mercer (47-19 at 195, district runnerup, region 3rd, state 6th).
Matmen’s take: Bulldogs’ most experienced kids will thrive even in this district environment. Key will be how well the kids that struggled a year ago fare in terms of making strides.

SUWANNEE (Live Oak)
Coach: John Wainwright, 1st year at school.
2018-19: Unknown (missing results from Diamondback Duals). 12th at Border Wars VI, 13th at Capital City, 10th at Allstate Wildcat, 5th at Trojan, 19th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: T-3rd at district; Traditional: 3rd at district, 3rd at region, 17th at states. 2018 — Duals: 3rd at district; Traditional: 3rd at district, 4th at region, T-25th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 3rd at district, 5th at region, T-56th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Yoamet Perez (sophomore, 7-10 at 106, district 3rd, did not compete at regions); Bryson Green (sophomore, 2-5 at 113, district 3rd, did not compete at regions); Timothy Jolicoeur (junior, 30-13 at 120, district runnerup, region 4th, 1-2 at states); Jordan Ware (junior, 22-11 at 126, district 3rd, region 4th, 1-2 at states); Jaxon Sansouci (senior, 16-11 at 132, district champ, region runnerup, 0-2 at states); Tyson Musgrove (sophomore, 6-16 at 138, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Caleb Parsons (junior, 10-12 at 138, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Pablo Oliva (senior, 14-16 at 160, district 3rd, 1 match from states); Blaine Howard (junior, 18-11 at 182, district runnerup, region runnerup, 1-2 at states).
Key losses (graduation): Jaquary Pratt (30-9 at 145, district 3rd, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Terrell Williams (29-4 at 152, district champ, region champ, state 3rd); Billy Duchaj (20-13 at 220, district 3rd, 1 match from states).
Matmen’s take: Where Suwannee has experience, it’s going to be exceptionally good. The Bulldogs need inexperienced kids to step up and find some more bigs, as well, in 2018-19.

WAKULLA (Crawfordville)
Coach: William Pafford, 9th year.
2018-19: 26-3 in duals. 4th at Border Wars VI, 2nd at Capital City, 1st at Gator Brawl, 1st at Wakulla, 3rd at Green Cove Springs Rotary, T-61st at Girls’ State.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District champ, region champ, state runnerup; Traditional: District champ, region champ, 6th at states. 2018 — Duals: District champ, region runnerup; Traditional: District champ, region runnerup, 16th at states. 2017 — Traditional: District champ, region runnerup, 8th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): George Hernandez (junior, 46-18 at 106, district champ, region 3rd, 0-2 at states); Julian Harvey (sophomore, 18-8 at 106, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jackson Merrick (junior, 40-23 at 113, district runnerup, region 4th, 1 match from state medal); Raymond Hatchman (junior, 42-18 at 120, district 3rd, 1 match from states); Matthew Owen (senior, 61-8 at 126, district champ, region runnerup, state 6th); Isaiah Wilson (sophomore, 25-12 at 132, district 3rd, region 4th, 0-2 at states); Chase Roberts (senior, 138, district runnerup, region runnerup, 0-2 at states); Noah Wilson (senior, 63-6 at 145, district champ, region champ, state 4th); Jackson Osteen (junior, 35-22 at 152, district 3rd, 1 match from states); Cole Baggett (junior, 41-23 at 160, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Hayden Reeves (sophomore, 29-17 at 170, district champ, 1 match from states); Jayvon Brown (sophomore, 182/195/220, did not compete in post-season traditionals); John Trevor Hinsey (senior, 58-6 at 195, district champ, region champ, state 3rd); Slade Watkins (senior, 47-13 at 220, district runnerup, region champ, 1 match from state medal); Jayven Hearns (sophomore, 14-7 at 285, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): Charlie Owens (36-12 at 132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Andrew Annand (51-12 at 182, district champ, region champ, 1-2 at states); Darius Wilkins (57-5 at 285, district champ, region runnerup, state runnerup).
Matmen’s take: Best 1A public school team in Florida. War Eagles will have tough time duplicating 2019 dual state run in 2020, as this year they’ll have to go through Gibbons/Somerset in semi.

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Not many districts in Florida will begin the 2019-20 season with three district champions won in the previous year.

Sure, there’s Lincoln, gunning for its 10th consecutive traditional tournament title (and third straight duals title) in 2020. But coming into the district this year is 2019 2A-District 3 champion Orange Park and last year’s 1A-District 1 champ, Mosley.

But all teams in the district are going to be chasing the Trojans, who are the favorites to win in 2A-District 2 once again. Other teams in the district have more wrestlers back than Lincoln’s 11 projected key returners, more than its eight returning region qualifiers and three state qualifiers.

If there’s anything for the opponents to hang their hat on, it’s that Lincoln graduated six key competitors in May/June — twice as many as any other team in the district. But if last year taught us anything, that knowing how to win, that having been there before, continues to be a strength in the Trojan room. And that very well could be the key difference that tips the scales in Lincoln’s favor.

At least from an IBT standpoint, we’re looking at Orange Park as best equipped for the runnerup spot. The Raiders have 12 wrestlers back from last year’s team and lost just one graduate in May/June.

Of those returning 12 for Orange Park, nine were region qualifiers and four went on to Kissimmee. The Raiders also have the most individual state hardware returning — in fact the only such — in seniors Jacob Campbell and Jacob Moore, both of whom took sixths at Silver Spur Arena in March.

It’s not often that a dual tournament region semifinalist is projected for third, but that’s the strength in this district. Columbia has the most returners back from last year — 17 that had either 15 matches or post-season experience — and the Tigers are better built for duals than Orange Park, at least at this point, so still stand a solid chance of reaching the Region 1 duals tournament for the third straight year.

Columbia returns two state qualifiers from last year’s team, but lost three wrestlers to graduation, all of whom either qualified for states in 2019 or earlier in their careers. Seven of last year’s 17 projected returners did not compete in the traditional tournament series, and several of them showed real quality a year ago, so their ability to step into starting roles could be a blessing fro the Tigers.

Chiles is a group that took a couple of years’ worth of hits, but the Timberwolves are climbing and have a solid chance for a top-half finish, which means more in an eight-team district than in a five.

Chiles has more returning region qualifiers than any other team in the district (11 in all) among their 12 projected returners, including one state qualifier, and their graduation losses were not massive. Nine of those 12 returners have two more years of HS eligibility.

Of the teams projecting for the bottom half of the district, I look for Mosley — the lone team moving into the district from 1A in the previous year — to come out as the most-likely challenger for a top-half position. The Dolphins have 11 wrestlers back and know how to win, having won a District 1 title in 1A last year. Middleburg lost a trio of state-qualifying seniors from last year’s team, and of the nine projected returners back for the Broncos this year, five did not compete in last year’s post-season. Leon started having numbers issues before this season, but the Lions need an infusion of bodies, with just seven returners, but one was a state qualifier last year. Under a new head coach but an experienced support crew, Gainesville could bring up to 11 wrestlers back from last year’s team, including six region qualifiers, but none of those six got past the first day. We could see some change on that front very soon, but this year might be too soon to project that.

Projected finish: 1. Lincoln. 2. Orange Park. 3. Columbia. 4. Chiles. 5. Mosley. 6. Middleburg. 7. Leon. 8. Gainesville.

CHILES (Tallahassee)
Coach: James Marschka, 15th year.
2018-19: 8-5 in duals. 3rd at Arlington Optimist, 16th at Capital City, 4th at St John, 7th at Trojan, 5th at Wakulla.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 3rd at district; Traditional: 3rd at district, 12th at region, T-50th at states. 2018 — Duals: 4th at district; Traditional: 4th at district, 25th at region. 2017 — Traditional: District runnerup, 10th at region, T-52nd at states
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Hunter Brown (sophomore, 23-16 at 106, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Brady Dawkins (sophomore, 2-9 at 113, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Olufemi Egberongbe (junior, 24-12 at 120, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Alex Adkins (junior, 16-18 at 126, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Mitchell Monk (sophomore, 8-8 at 132, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Preston Scoggins (sophomore, 13-16 at 132/138, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Andrew Mullins (sophomore, 11-13 at 138, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Will Wiggins (junior, 18-17 at 145, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Kevonte Times (senior, 22-11 at 160, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Kyle McGill (junior, 34-9 at 170, district champ, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Austin Wheeler (senior, 18-16 at 182, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Elijah Borden (senior, 7-19 at 195, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Gage Bunton (4-13 at 152, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Sam Neely (3-4 at 285, district 3rd, did not compete at regions).
Matmen’s take: Timberwolves have weathered the worst and are now back on the way up. With three wrestlers right on the doorstep of Kissimmee a year ago, watch for Chiles to get multiple kids out to states in March.

COLUMBIA (Lake City)
Coach: Peter Whittington, 4th year.
2018-19: 21-2 in duals. 6th at Capital City, 6th at Allstate Wildcat, 2nd at Keystone, 3rd at Gator Brawl, 11th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District runnerup, region semifinalist; Traditional: District runnerup, 8th at region, T-42nd at states. 2018 — Duals: District runnerup, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: District runnerup, 5th at region, T-18th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 3rd at district, 12th at region, T-75th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Brett Millard (junior, 31-28 at 106, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Braxton Abbott (sophomore, 14-8 at 106/113, did not participate in post-season traditionals); Thomas Greene (sophomore, 36-20 at 120, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Ian McGuigan (senior, 56-11 at 126, district champ, region 3rd, 1 match from state medal); Alex McGuigan (senior, 51-13 at 132, district champ, region 3rd, 0-2 at states); Daveyon Brown (senior, 28-8 at 138, did not participate in post-season traditionals); Kaleb Davis (junior, 12-13 at 145, did not particpate in post-season traditionals); Trevon Patterson (junior, 14-7 at 145/152, did not participate in post-season traditionals); Obie Smith (junior, 28-19 at 152, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Preston O’Quinn (senior, 33-19 at 160, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Joseph Rice (sophomore, 20-15 at 170, 1 match from regions); David Thompson (senior, 17-9 at 170, did not participate in post-season traditionals); Shawn Raggins (sophomore, 15-16 at 182, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Noah Stubblefield (senior, 7-12 at 182, did not participate in post-season traditionals); Julius Moreland (sophomore, 23-23 at 195, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Zhaquez Griffin (senior, 9-6 at 220, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Jaycob Jones (sophomore, 16-13 at 285, did not participate in post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): Matthew Arango (36-19 at 138, district champ, region 4th, 0-2 at states); Matt Ross (41-14 at 145, district champ, region 3rd, 1-2 at states); Chad Sapp (21-5 at 195/220, did not participate in post-season traditionals).
Matmen’s take: Tigers have deepest room of returners and should extend string of top-10 region finishes. A couple of injuries down the stretch kept Columbia from a second-straight top-5; those kids should be back and healthy.

GAINESVILLE
Coach: Simon Jee, 1st year.
2018-19: 8-31 in duals. 14th at Johnny Rouse, 11th at Corey Hill, 16th at Ed Kilpatrick.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 4th at district; Traditional: 5th at district, T-21st at region. 2018 — Duals: 3rd at district; Traditional: 3rd at district, 18th at region, T-69th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 4th at district, 22nd at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Alexis Felix (sophomore, 5-10 at 106, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Lewis Williams (sophomore, 10-17 at 113, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Brennan Kade (sophomore, 21-21 at 120, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Shamar Lewis (sophomore, 4-10 at 126, district 4th, did not compete at regions); Nicholas Hanson (senior, 14-20 at 138, 1 match from regions); Ja’ron Roberson (senior, 3-13 at 145, 1 match from regions); Logan Fernandez-Smith (senior, 12-15 at 152, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Joshua Cohn (senior, 12-15 at 182, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Luis Bonilla (senior, 6-9 at 195, district 4th, 0-1 at regions); Joseph Martino (junior, 9-10 at 195/220, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Dallas Figueroa (junior, 4-16 at 220, district 4th, 0-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Jonte’ Criswell (16-19 at 160, 1 match from regions); Bronson Carter (25-9 at 170, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Gregory Milinkovic (20-14 at 285, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Jee wrestled at Cypress Bay HS before coming to UF for school; he’s young, but he was coached by one of the state’s best (Allen Held) and has a support structure behind him (Ryland Wagner, among others). Getting Hurricanes to believe is the first task.

LEON (Tallahassee)
Coach: Charles Ringel, 17th year.
2018-19: 3-4 in duals. 8th at Cam Brown, T-23rd at Capital City, 13th at Trojan, 17th at Wakulla.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 4th at district, 17th at region, T-65th at states. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 5th at district, 22nd at region. 2017 — Traditional: 5th at district, 15th at region, T-13th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Lukas McKinney (junior, 12-11 at 113, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Alex Crago (junior, 6-12 at 120, 1 match from regions); Derek Holloman (senior, 4-7 at 132, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Cole Dalton (senior, 6-10 at 138, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Ethan Eudy (senior, 24-12 at 145, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Tramia Dillard (junior, 3-5 at 152, 1 match from regions); Josh Seabrooks (junior, 220, district champ, region 3rd, 0-2 at states).
Key losses (graduation): Jaquenez Madison (24-8 at 160, district runnerup, did not compete at regions); Jalani Stockton (20-13 at 170, district 4th, 1-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Lions lost two of their top four kids, with the most experience on last year’s team, to graduation. Leon will have decent experience in the middles but could use a little more at both bookends.

LINCOLN (Tallahassee)
Coach: Mike Crowder, 25th year.
2018-19: 21-3 in duals. 1st at Cam Brown, 3rd at Capital City, 1st at Trojan, 6th at Braves.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District champ, region champ, state semifinalist; Traditional: District champ, region champ, T-33rd at states. 2019 — Duals: District champ, region finalist; Traditional: District champ, region runnerup, 26th at states. 2017 — Traditional: District champ, region champ, 11th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Elijah Hendley (junior, 31-16 at 106, district champ, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Steven Leger (senior, 3-13 at 126, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jimmy Martin (senior, 17-19 at 132, district runnerup, 0-2 at regions); Reed Watterson (senior, 23-8 at 138, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Nathan Draughon (senior, 10-19 at 138/145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jace White (senior, 18-14 at 145, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Andrew Collins (senior, 33-17 at 170, district 3rd, 1 match from states); Tanner Washburn (senior, 41-13 at 182, district champ, region runnerup, 1 match from state medal); Jeremiah Brown (junior, 28-20 at 195, district champ, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Wyatt Yown (junior, 27-19 at 220, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Tyler Moss (senior, 19-7 at 285, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): Mark Munroe (37-11 at 113, district champ, region runnerup, 0-2 at states); Ikeon Myles (32-12 at 120, district champ, region champ, 0-2 at states); Caleb Bushong (9-12 at 126, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Elliott Crum (42-6 at 152, district champ, region runnerup, did not compete at states due to injury); Tony Davis (36-6 at 160, district champ, region runnerup, 1 match from state medal); Jonquille Rivers (33-9 at 285, district champ; region runnerup, 0-2 at states).
Matmen’s take: Trojans should have at least one state medalist if not a couple more once March rolls around. Some of their returners, that didn’t compete in last year’s post-season, are going to surprise folks with their ability to hammer.

MIDDLEBURG
Coach: Richie Dusinberre, 4th year.
2018-19: 10-7 in duals. 6th at Westside Kiwanis, 10th at Keystone, 8th at Battle of the Border, 12th at Trojan, 21st at Flagler Rotary, 29th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 2A-District 3 runnerup, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: 5th at 2A-District 3, 11th at region, T-48th at states. 2018 — Duals: 3rd at 2A-District 3; Traditional: 3rd at 2A-District 3, 11th at region, T-50th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 2A-District 3 runnerup, 7th at region, 26th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Riley Girgis (sophomore, 34-16 at 106, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Devon Gill (senior, 14-7 at 106/113, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Casey Crafton (sophomore, 13-18 at 113/120, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Enoch Long (sophomore, 13-4 at 126, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Ephraim Long (sophomore, 13-5 at 132, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Michael Higginbotham (junior, 15-13 at 152/160, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Alex Nayfack (junior, 21-24 at 160, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Ethan Larsen (sophomore, 9-9 at 170, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Chris Conaway (junior, 10-19 at 182, district 4th, 0-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Storm Mercado (37-5 at 138, 2A-District 3 champ, region champ, 1 match from state medal); Chris Burch (30-16 at 145, 2A-District 3 champ, region 4th, 0-2 at states); Bryce Williams (27-11 at 152, 2A-District 3 champ, region 3rd, 1-2 at states).
Matmen’s take: Biggest loss from the seniors that moved on in May/June isn’t just the wins (which were considerable enough), but the trio was the link to Middleburg’s last district title. Some rebuilding and numbers are needed.

MOSLEY (Lynn Haven)
Coach: John Winkler, 4th year.
2018-19: 11-11 in duals. 19th at Border Wars VI, 20th at Capital City, 15th at Keystone, 5th at Panhandle, 13th at Gator Brawl.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 2-1 (T-3rd) at 1A-District 1; Traditional: 1A-District 1 champ, 9th at 1A-Region 1, T-45th at 1A states. 2018 — Duals: T-5th at 1A-District 1 (3rd in pool); Traditional: 7th at 1A-District 1, 13th at 1A-Region 1, 36th at 1A states. 2017 — Traditional: 8th at 1A-District 1, T-18th at 1A-Region 1.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Cole Bell (sophomore, 31-29 at 106, 1A-District 1 3rd, 1-2 at 1A-Region 1); Jaylan Griffin (senior, 21-18 at 132/138, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jonathan Griffin (senior, 33-22 at 138, 1A-District 1 3rd, 1-2 at 1A-Region 1); Kaydon Lester (junior, 25-19 at 138/145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Logan Gall (senior, 34-25 at 145, 1A-District 1 champ, 1 match from 1A states); William Carmichael (senior, 9-7 at 152, 1A-District 1 runnerup, 2-2 at 1A-Region 1); Ashton Freeman (sophomore, 4-11 at 152, did not compete in post-season traditionals); James Hall (junior, 4-11 at 182, 1A-District 1 4th, 0-2 at 1A-Region 1); Alexus Heintzelman (senior, 4-5 at 195, 1A-District 1 3rd, 0-2 at 1A-Region 1); Logan Strickland (senior, 5-9 at 220, 1A-District 1 3rd, 1-2 at 1A-Region 1); Daniel Bockstege (senior, 16-19 at 285, 1 match from 1A-Region 1).
Key losses (graduation): Lonnie Bell (36-24 at 132, 1A-District 1 3rd, 1 match from 1A states); Caleb Ward (31-15 at 160, 1A-District 1 runnerup, 1-2 at 1A-Region 1); Garrison Kovacs (45-12 at 170, 1A-District 1 champ, 1A-Region 1 champ, 1 match from 1A state medal).
Matmen’s take: Dolphins are going to give some good fight wherever they have matchups in the lineup, but they need more lowers in order to contend for third and fourth in this district. Full teams are a must. Middle of lineup will be a strength.

ORANGE PARK
Coach: Justin Daniels, 5th year.
2018-19: 18-9 in duals. 1st at Arlington Optimist, 1st at Rob Bierbaum, 3rd at Trojan, T-59th at Girls’ State.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 2A-District 3 champ, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: 2A-District 3 champ, 6th at region, 16th at states. 2018 — Duals: 2A-District 3 runnerup, region quarterfinalist; Traditional: 2A-District 3 runnerup, 14th at region, T-39th at states. 2017 — 2A-District 3 champ, 7th at region, T-28th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Davon Bailey (junior, 33-7 at 113, 2A-District 3 runnerup, 1 match from states); Cameron Broughton (senior, 33-12 at 138, 2A-District 3 runnerup, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Arlo Wilson (senior, 17-18 at 145, 2A-District 3 4th, 0-2 at regions); Vincent Walker (senior, 9-11 at 152, 2A-District 3 3rd, 1-2 at regions); William Evans (senior, 6-11 at 160, 1 match from regions); Jacob Campbell (senior, 43-6 at 170, 2A-District 3 champ, region 4th, state 6th); Jacob Moore (senior, 37-9 at 182, 2A-District 3 runnerup, region 3rd, state 6th); Julian Moore (sophomore, 32-10 at 195, 2A-District 3 champ, region 4th, 1-2 at states); Andrea Smith (sophomore, 6-9 at 195, 1 match from girls’ state medal); Jordan Cooper (senior, 12-9 at 220, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jonothan Garcia (junior, 16-14 at 220, 2A-District 3 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Reese Sheehan (junior, 17-14 at 285, 2A-District 3 runnerup, 1-2 at regions).
Projected key addition: Gabe Hecht (junior, 20-15 at 220, did not compete in post-season traditionals, transferred from Oakleaf).
Key losses (graduation): Dean Ganci (35-7 at 132, 2A-District 3 champ, 1 match from states).
Matmen’s take: Raiders have the most individual talent coming in, but it took some difficult steps, at times last year, to compete at an elite level in duals. If Orange Park can fill all weights, things get more interesting.

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At long last, the hour has come. It’s time to strike while the iron is hot.

For three seasons — you can see it in their capsule — the song has remained the same for Fleming Island over the past three seasons. District champ. Region champ. State runnerup. Each time, the Golden Eagles have edged closer, and closer, and closer, to 3A state kings South Dade. Is 2020 the year that Fleming Island pushes past the Buccaneers and brings the 3A title (or both 3A titles) to Clay County?

With a group that lost just two 2019 seniors to graduation — but both were state qualifiers and included two-time state champion Briar Jackson — the Golden Eagles aren’t willing to settle for northern supremacy.

Fleming Island has as many as 19 key returners back from last year’s team — yes, nineteen, as even the Golden Eagle backups saw enough varsity mat time to qualify.

Of those 19 returners, 11 of them are returning district champions. Ten of them qualified for states. And four of them were medalists, led by seniors Luke Chop (3rd last year), Chad Nix (2x 3rd, with an additional third in 2018 in 2A), and Gannon Janssen (6th, after first-day injury), along with junior Gavin Smith (5th last year).

While I don’t expect anyone else in the district to come close to the Golden Eagles, I do expect a pair of 2A migrants — recently jumped up to 3A — to be the strongest challengers for the runnerup spot. Based on the group of returners coming back versus the seniors that have moved on, I look for Bartram Trail to just have enough back to serve as the early favorite for that runnerup spot. The Bears do lose four seniors, including three 2019 state qualifiers (among them two-time medalist Nicholas Vugman), and that’s significant.

But Bartram will bring back 11 key returners, including a good batch of lowers and a nice 1-2 punch at 220/285, with one returning 2A state qualifier from last year’s team. The Bears also might have one of the best girls wrestlers in the area, with senior Talia Megas hoping to better her fourth-place girls’ state finish in 2019.

If Bartram falters in any way, though, I will not be surprised to see Creekside in the runnerup spot. The Knights have had more past success than the Bears — even when Bartram was favored — and return 10 starters, including one 2019 district champ and one state qualifier, again in 2A.

The downside that the Knights face heading into the season is the loss of a really solid senior class. Creekside lost seven seniors, including a pair of region champions up top, and that kind of leadership loss is going to be a challenge to overcome.

I think Sandalwood is the solid fourth in this district. The Saints have, after Fleming, the most possible projected returners back in the district, with 13 kids that either started the post-season or had 15 matches during the regular season.

As well, Sandalwood’s stronger kids spent some time at the heavily Fleming Island-influenced North Florida Wrestling Academy this offseason, and that will certainly be a benefit. The Saints only lost two key seniors to graduation

Of the bottom half of the group, I think Oakleaf has the most to work with, with a couple of kids that are legitimate state-qualifier threats. While the Knights need to find some bigs, they’ve got experience in the lowers. Mandarin has been the sleeping giant among big schools in the area for years now, and while 2020 might not be the year the Mustangs finally qualify someone out for states, I would be very surprised — after a year of #DayTrained work — if it did not happen in 2021. Nease has a rebuilding job in play after losing two former state qualifiers to graduation; the Panthers’ supporting cast in prior years has to step forward. For the fourth time in as many years, Atlantic Coast has a new head coach, but the biggest issue the Stingrays face is that only one projected returner from last year’s team even saw the region tournament.

Projected finish: 1. Fleming Island. 2. Bartram Trail. 3. Creekside. 4. Sandalwood. 5. Oakleaf. 6. Mandarin. 7. Nease. 8. Atlantic Coast.

ATLANTIC COAST (Jacksonville)
Coach: Hector Zayas, 1st year.
2018-19: 10-8 in duals. 12th at Westside Kiwanis, 6th at Gateway Conference, 22nd at Flagler Rotary, 5th at Bell-Raulerson.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 10th at district, 30th at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 10th at district, 33rd at region. 2017 — Traditional: 9th at district, 22nd at region, T-58th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Cameron Courtenay (senior, 21-12 at 106, 1 match from regions); Eric Harper (junior, 17-13 at 113, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Nick Shay (junior, 6-11 at 120, 1 match from regions); Joel Dudley (sophomore, 8-16 at 132, 1 match from regions); Noah Gambrell (junior, 7-10 at 132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Tyler Exum (junior, 4-16 at 138, 0-2 at districts); Aryam Gholinezhad (sophomore, 4-19 at 145, 0-2 at districts); Zach Crawford (senior, 15-17 at 285, 1 match from regions).
Key losses (graduation): Kevin Thompson (24-10 at 126, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Seth Stratton (22-16 at 160, 1 match from regions); Quintin Donald (11-8 at 195, 0-2 at districts); Seth Miller (30-11 at 220, district 4th, 1 match from states).
Matmen’s take: Biggest issue is simply taking the elementary steps toward building a program; most of the Stingrays’ most-experienced wrestlers graduated. A top-half showing in the Gateway, once again, isn’t out of the realm of possibility, though.

BARTRAM TRAIL (St Johns)
Coach: Chad Parker, 6th year.
2018-19: 24-9 in duals. T-5th at Rob Bierbaum, 4th at Trojan, 8th at Flagler Rotary, 17th at Green Cove Springs Rotary, T-26th at Girls’ State.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 3rd at 2A-District 4; Traditional: 3rd at 2A-District 4, 4th at 2A-Region 1, 23rd at 2A states. 2018 — Duals: 3rd at 2A-District 4; Traditional: 4th at 2A-District 4, T-6th at 2A-Region 1, T-16th at 2A states. 2017 — Traditional: 2nd at district, 6th at region, T-44th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Vincent DeLeo (sophomore, 26-25 at 106, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Michael Moore (senior, 28-21 at 113, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Trevor Tagarelli (junior, 15-13 at 120, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Gregory Memory (senior, 22-19 at 120/126, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Cathan Simpson (junior, 14-10 at 126/132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Emmanuelle Sutherland (senior, 5-3 at 128, 2-2 at girls’ state); Talia Megas (junior, 8-3 at 134, girls’ state 4th); Stephen Ferris (senior, 15-23 at 152, 1 match from regions); Elijah Sutherland (sophomore, 17-20 at 170, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Dominick Fields (sophomore, 26-13 at 182/195, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Troy Craven (junior, 5-19 at 195, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Clarke Hamilton (junior, 28-12 at 220, district champ, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Ryan Piersza (junior, 26-19 at 285, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Jerry Gomer (28-11 at 126, district champ, region champ, 0-2 at states); Nicholas Vugman (55-4 at 132, district runnerup, region champ, state 3rd); Joseph Governara (27-19 at 138, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Luis Parrales (37-10 at 160, district champ, region champ, 1-2 at states).
Matmen’s take: If the Bears can shore up the middle of their lineup, they could be in pretty good shape by January duals time. This team might be stronger in duals than it otherwise shows in IBTs, which will be different compared to last year, but with seven returning region qualifiers, they’re still solid.

CREEKSIDE (St Johns)
Coach: Richard Marabell, 12th year.
2018-19: 21-5 in duals. 2nd at Rob Bierbaum, 2nd at Westside Roundrobin, 14th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 2nd at 2A-District 4, 2A-Region 1 semifinalist; Traditional: 2nd at 2A-District 4, 5th at 2A-Region 1, T-42nd at 2A states. 2018 — Duals: 2A-District 4 champ, 2A-Region 1 champ, 2A state semifinalist; Traditional: 2A-District 4 runnerup, 4th at 2A=Region 1, 21st at 2A states. 2017 — Traditional: 2A-District 4 champ, 5th at 2A-Region 1, 32nd at 2A states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Cody Smith (sophomore, 25-10 at 106, district champ, 1 match from states); Andrew Feek (sophomore, 3-3 at 113, district 4th (injured), did not compete at regions); Hunter England (junior, 14-7 at 113, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Michael Galiani (senior, 11-11 at 132, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Hunter Brown (junior, 21-17 at 145, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Jose Barrera (senior, 7-10 at 145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Josh Benavides (senior, 12-14 at 152, 1 match from regions); Jalen Hines (senior, 33-15 at 160, district runnerup, region 4th, 0-2 at states); Antonio Carter (sophomore, 16-9 at 170, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Bryan McKnight (junior, 18-8 at 220, district 3rd, injured at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Colin Brown (35-10 at 120, district runnerup, 1 match from states); CJ Sexton (31-10 at 126, district 4th, 1 match from states); Jake Summers (17-14 at 138, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Jack Tellin (15-9 at 170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Caleb Dickens (25-16 at 182, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Trey Chesser (33-8 at 195, district champ, region champ, 1-2 at states); Saul Storey (25-6 at 285, district runnerup, region champ, 1 match from state medal).
Matmen’s take: Injuries affected a few of the Knights’ projected key returners for this year, but a couple of those kids showed some real promise. We typically see Creekside at their best by post-season time in late February; with better health in 2019-20, it’s a solid runnerup threat.

FLEMING ISLAND (Orange Park)
Coach: PJ Cobbert, 6th year as HC, 13th year at school.
2018-19: 17-1 in duals. 3rd at Danny Byron, 3rd at Bill Scott Memorial, T-26th at Knockout Christmas Classic, 1st at Keystone Memorial, 2nd at Ships N Duels, 2nd at MyHOUSE Tri-County, 1st at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: District champ, region champ, state runnerup; Traditional: District champ, region champ, state runnerup. 2018 — Duals: District champ, region champ, state runnerup; Traditional: District champ, region champ, state runnerup. 2017 — Traditional: District champ, region champ, state runnerup.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Hunter Herrington (junior, 39-14 at 106, district champ, did not compete at regions); Riley Holton (junior, 46-15 at 113, district champ, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Ryan Hobson (senior, 39-23 at 126, district champ, region runnerup, 0-2 at states-injured); Isaac Padgett (sophomore, 16-7 at 126/132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Dalton Baysinger (junior, 22-15 at 132, district champ, region 4th, 1-2 at states); Garrett Cole (junior, 23-14 at 132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Dalton Williams (senior, 37-14 at 138, district champ, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Gannon Janssen (senior, 48-12 at 145, district champ, region 3rd, state 6th); Braden Hill (senior, 6-9 at 145/152/170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Hunter Williams (sophomore, 14-4 at 145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Connor Rogers (senior, 23-6 at 145/152, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Luke Chop (senior, 55-6 at 152, district champ, region 3rd, state 3rd); Tanner Hill (senior, 52-11 at 160, district champ, region 3rd, 1-2 at states); Gavin Smith (junior, 48-17 at 170, district champ, region 3rd, state 5th); Nick Janssen (senior, 30-16 at 182, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Chad Nix (senior, 53-7 at 195, district champ, region champ, state 3rd); Robert Tyre (sophomore, 15-1 at 195/220/285, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Jeffrey Lascano (senior, 45-7 at 220, district champ, region 3rd, 1-2 at states); Raul Gonzalez (junior, 36-14 at 285, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): Briar Jackson (57-7 at 120, district champ, region champ, state CHAMPION); Anthony Breeden (41-14 at 182, district champ, region runnerup, 1-2 at states).
Matmen’s take: Golden Eagles are a lock to repeat as district champions, this year and probably next year, but the goals are much bigger than that. Preseason work on the national stage has been something Fleming hasn’t done before, and it could pay substantial dividends in January and March.

MANDARIN (Jacksonville)
Coach: Lance Day, 1st year.
2018-19: 8-13 in duals. 9th at Arlington Optimist, 7th at Gateway Conference, 20th at Flagler Rotary, 22nd at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 7th at district, T-19th at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 7th at district, 30th at region. 2017 — Traditional: 7th at district, T-23rd at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Nathan Bremer (junior, 34-8 at 106, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Ethan Harvey (junior, 4-19 at 120, 0-2 at districts); Xaine Evans (junior, 12-16 at 138, 1-2 at districts); Jaden Rosario (junior, 5-14 at 138/145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Caleb Thompson (sophomore, 11-14 at 182, 1 match from regions); Zachary Kellar (senior, 3-12 at 170/182, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Nick Wilbur (junior, 24-14 at 285, district 3rd, 1 match from states).
Key losses (graduation): Jamison Harris (30-10 at 132, district runnerup, 1 match from states); Zach Nelson (21-13 at 152, 1 match from regions); Kevin Castro (26-16 at 220, 1 match from regions).
Matmen’s take: Mustangs have wanted to be big fish in a small pond, only to take lumps against teams with a different vision for themselves. I don’t see the Days being willing to accept that limitation for Mandarin, so if the kids buy in quickly, the progress will be noticeable from the jump.

NEASE (Ponte Vedra Beach)
Coach: Bradley Lucas, 1st year.
2018-19: 16-14 in duals. 2nd at Westside Kiwanis, 3rd at Rob Bierbaum, 6th at Bell-Raulerson.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 4th at 2A-District 4; Traditional: 6th at 2A-District 4, 16th at 2A-Region 1, T-50th at 2A states. 2018 — Duals: 4th at 2A-District 4; Traditional: 3rd at 2A-District 4, 12th at 2A-Region 1, T-69th at 2A states. 2017 — Traditional: 3rd at district, 4th at region, T-62nd at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Jalon Lumar (senior, 17-3 at 120/126, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Chad Severt (sophomore, 8-10 at 132, 1 match from regions); Leroy Heard (senior, 9-17 at 138, 1 match from regions); Peter Simon (sophomore, 13-18 at 145, 1 match from regions); Colin White (senior, 23-16 at 160, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Anthony Tanza (junior, 11-9 at 160/170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Conner Holmes (sophomore, 12-17 at 182, 1 match from regions).
Key losses (graduation): Gavin Riccobono (41-4 at 126, district 3rd, region runnerup, 1-2 at states); Jacob Satterfield (23-3 at 152, district champ, 2-0 at regions, injured); Kirill Kim (32-13 at 170, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Angel Rodriguez (20-16 at 195, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Lucas, who lives in St Johns, was the long-time assistant at Terry Parker before coming to Nease, which has been ravaged by graduation and transfer losses over the past two seasons. It could take some time, but Lucas will be in for the long haul and build from the ground up if need be.

OAKLEAF (Orange Park)
Coach: Marcus Miller, 1st year.
2018-19: 7-15 in duals. 8th at Westside Kiwanis, 5th at Keystone, 14th at Fandetti-Richardson Brawl, 10th at Trojan, T-24th at Green Cove Springs Rotary, T-79th at Girls’ State.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: T-5th at district; Traditional: 5th at district, 24th at region. 2018 — Duals: 4th at district; Traditional: 4th at district, 12th at region, T-34th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 6th at district, 19th at region, T-70th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Marcus McGee (sophomore, 34-12 at 106, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Daniel Crisostomo (sophomore, 6-15 at 113, 0-2 at districts); Chantel Lania (Gilbert) (sophomore, 0-2 at girls’ state); Logan Gilbert (junior, 31-22 at 132, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Landon Hillman (sophomore, 6-35 at 138, 0-2 at districts); David Parkes (junior, 39-15 at 145, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); James McClintic (junior, 12-22 at 152, 1-2 at districts); Jaden Bono (sophomore, 2-38 at 160, 0-2 at districts); Gabe Castro (sophomore, 6-31 at 170, 0-2 at districts).
Key losses (graduation except as noted): Avery Miller (junior, 12-18 at 112/113, did not compete in post-season traditionals; transferred to University Christian); Abdiert Escobar (junior, 35-13 at 120, district 3rd, 1 match from states; transferred to Clay); Owen Bronson (27-21 at 126, 1 match from regions); Gabe Hecht (junior, 20-15 at 220, did not compete in post-season traditionals; transferred to Orange Park); Yawo Yovogan (6-21 at 285, 0-2 at districts).
Matmen’s take: Wrestling has been an after-thought at Oakleaf for perhaps too long, operating in the massive shadow that football casts out there, but I look for the Knights to match the passion that Miller will bring to the position. Some talent in a few spaces, that should shine this year.

SANDALWOOD (Jacksonville)
Coach: John Eldeb, 2nd year as HC.
2018-19: 13-13 in duals. 2nd at Arlington Optimist, 27th at Tournament of Champions, 3rd at Gateway Conference, 2nd at Bell-Raulerson.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 6th at district, 31st at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 8th at district, 34th at region. 2017 — Traditional: 4th at district, 12th at region, T-58th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Hunter Milner (sophomore, 22-19 at 113, 1 match from regions); Gabriel Daltro (junior, 15-11 at 120, 1 match from regions); Juvens Augustin (junior, 29-18 at 126, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Jermell McCall (sophomore per Track/senior per district bracket, 12-15 at 132, 1 match from regions); Theodore Tolliver (junior, 4-5 at 138, 1 match from regions); Caleb Saphave (junior, 8-7 at 138, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Lavaughn Brown (senior, 35-13 at 145, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Matthias Comboul (senior, 2-11 at 152, 0-2 at districts); Joshua Brown (junior, 25-20 at 170, 1 match from regions); Joshua Newkirk (junior per Track/senior per district bracket, 22-15 at 182, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Johnathan Woods (sophomore, 2-7 at 195, 0-2 at districts); Chase Whitentoh (junior, 4-14 at 195, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Devin Smith (senior, 10-9 at 220, 1 match from regions).
Key losses (graduation): Leonardo Alonzo (28-6 at 160, district 3rd, 2-2 at regions); Christian Henry (14-12 at 285, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Matmen’s take: Saints might not be back fully to the Gateway championship years earlier in the 2010s, but a very young group was third in last year’s event. We’re seeing a bit more buy-in in terms of off-season work, with three or four kids hitting it, and that plus depth should keep Sandalwood in the top half.

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This year’s group of teams from 2A-District 3 — centered in the heart of Jacksonville — has blown in from three other districts.

Gone are Orange Park and Middleburg (2A-District 2) and Ed White and Ridgeview (1A-District 3). Fletcher, First Coast and Robert E. Lee are in from 3A-District 1, Ponte Vedra has moved over from 2A-District 4 and Westside is in from 1A-District 3. All but one of this year’s eight teams are Gateway Conference rivals. Only Englewood, Stanton and Terry Parker remain from last year’s group.

It’s probably the most wide-open district of the 10 in the Matmen coverage area. That being said, teams that have recently had a tradition of winning and competing reasonably well against the area’s best might stand the best chance to take the district title. And given that, I’m going to go with Fletcher as my November choice to click.

The Senators do lose three wrestlers from last year’s 11th-place team in the 3A-Region 1 tournament — including 285 state medalist Stanley Hollenbach — and those guaranteed points will be missed. But Fletcher will bring back up to 10 key returners from last year’s team. Other teams, even in the district, do have more returners back.

But of the teams that had to contend with the area juggernaut in Fleming Island, as well as Buchholz (a final-16 team in the dual state tournament series), Fletcher has the most regional qualifiers (six), with two of those getting to Saturday. Those two, at least if not more, should be in line to lead the Senators going to Chiles in early March.

Another team that has had to contend against some of the area’s strongest clubs, in past years, is Westside. The Wolverines also can bring back up to 10 returners from last year’s team.

That number includes five 1A-Region 1 qualifiers, two of those getting to states and one — junior Ray Bolden (5th) — taking home hardware from Kissimmee. Bolden is the lone wrestler in the district that won a state medal, and will be an anchor for Westside in both the Gateway and district races.

Englewood is the strongest team of the three that remained in the district after re-classification. The Rams have up to 14 wrestlers back from last year’s third-place district team.

What’s still unknown is who, with certainty, will step forward as Englewood’s team leader. Last year’s team lost three wrestlers — including its farthest advancer at regions — and only two of the Rams’ returning seven qualifiers won a match at regions last year, neither of them making it to the second day.

Ponte Vedra has the lay of the land to some extent, having been in 2A and seeing the competition at least at the region level. The Sharks can bring back up to 10 wrestlers from last year’s team, five of them reaching Chiles last year.

One downside is that no Shark individual has qualified for the state tournament since Frank Giordano did it for the Sharks in 2013 (two PVHS wrestlers, one of them returning, were one victory short of states). But Ponte Vedra will certainly have added incentive, in light of the loss of teammate Zander Laurin in late May after he was killed in an auto accident while out running.

Of the four teams not projected in the top half as of now, I think First Coast might be best-positioned to maybe make a run into that top half. The Buccaneers lost two wrestlers to graduation and a third via transfer, with 12 back this year. Many of them (FCHS has just one 2019 region qualifier back) don’t have post-season resumes, but that has a lot to do with the competition level from the district from which they came. Same holds true for Robert E. Lee, but I would slightly favor the Buccaneers’ stronger schedule on the whole. Like Englewood, the Generals could have up to 14 key returners back, but like First Coast, just one reached the region tournament. Terry Parker lost five to graduation, including 2A state medalist and career wins leader Landon Dains, but the Braves have four region qualifiers back, plus girls’ state medalist Emily Mills (fifth last year). Stanton has up to 12 key returners returning, seven of those region qualifiers. Don’t think the Blue Devils can’t move up the ladder a spot or two, particularly with more numbers.

Projected finish: 1. Fletcher. 2. Westside. 3. Englewood. 4. Ponte Vedra. 5. First Coast. 6. Robert E. Lee. 7. Terry Parker. 8. Stanton.

* — records as reported to Matmen; do not include all results due to missing events.

ENGLEWOOD (Jacksonville)
Coach: Joseph Stetzer, 3rd year.
2018-19: 21-7 in duals. T-6th at Arlington Optimist, T-8th at Gateway, 3rd at Bell-Raulerson.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 4th at district; Traditional: District runnerup, 23rd at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 4th at district, 21st at region. 2017 — Traditional: 4th at district, 18th at region, T-44th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Rayquan Staples (junior, 21-15 at 106, district 4th, did not compete at regions); Adrian Vasquez (sophomore, 18-14 at 113, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Ricardo Rivera-Resto (sophomore, 12-20 at 120, district champ, 0-2 at regions); Hunter Padgett (senior, 7-7 at 126, district runnerup, did not compete at regions); Lynden North (sophomore, 32-10 at 138, district 3rd, 1-2 at regions); Ernesto Rodriguez (junior, 9-16 at 145, 1 match from regions); Darren Dukes (sophomore, 5-14 at 152, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Sam Howard (junior, 24-15 at 160, district runnerup, 1-2 at regions); Jordan Mitchell (senior, 27-15 at 170, district runnerup, 0-2 at regions); Shammy Augustin (senior, 12-16 at 182, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Eric Moore (senior, 10-15 at 195, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Darryl Sam (junior, 11-12 at 220, 1 match from regions); Anthony Guerra (senior, 6-10 at 220, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Kaloosh Henley (junior, 12-7 at 285, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): Dairo Guerra (27-13 at 132, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Ben Paramo (24-6 at 138/145, did not compete at post-season traditionals); Chris Lands (285, district champ, 1 match from states).
Matmen’s take: Rams really showed promise over the course of the 2018-19 season, but it didn’t translate at the region level last year. More off-season mat time would have helped with that, but Englewood will be a solid contender in both Gateway and district.

FIRST COAST (Jacksonville)
Coach: William McCullom, 1st year as HC.
2018-19: 20-9 in duals. 7th at Westside Kiwanis, 13th at Bill Scott, 1st at Gateway, T-14th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 3rd at 3A-District 1; Traditional: 9th at 3A-District 1, 22nd at 3A-Region 1. 2018 — Duals: T-5th at 3A-District 1; Traditional: 9th at 3A-District 1, T-27th at 3A-Region 1. 2017 — Traditional: 10th at 3A-District 1.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Jonah Ingram (senior, 20-7 at 113, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Dreshawn Thompson (junior, 28-18 at 132, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Jace Austin (sophomore, 5-14 at 132/138, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Josiah Mossor (junior, 26-18 at 138, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Keyshawn Brown (senior, 25-14 at 138/145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Nick Jefferson (senior, 6-14 at 145, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Nick Monroe (sophomore, 18-23 at 145/152, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Anthony Walker (sophomore, 9-20 at 152, 1-2 at 3A-District 1); Devante Wyatt (senior, 45-9 at 170, 3A-District 1 3rd, 1 match from 3A states); Sean Wilson (junior, 8-11 at 182/195, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Hakeem Culberson (senior, 31-17 at 195, 1 match from 3A-Region 1); Grayson Peterson (junior, 13-16 at 220, 0-2 at 3A-District 1).
Key losses (graduation except as noted): Jason Schwartz (39-9 at 126, 3A-District 1 runnerup, 1 match from 3A states); Austin Mims (12-19 at 160, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Gustavo Martinez (senior, 21-12 at 285, 3A-District 1 4th, 1-2 at 3A-Region 1; transferred to Sandalwood).
Matmen’s take: Getting the Gateway victory a year ago was the season highlight, but Buccaneers couldn’t sustain momentum even a week later, let alone in the post-season. With nearly half the returners not wrestling at district, this group has to start over a bit.

FLETCHER (Neptune Beach)
Coach: David Harrison, 6th year.
2018-19: 6-3 in duals. 3rd at Westside Kiwanis, T-35th at Knockout Christmas, 17th at Keystone, 2nd at Gateway, 10th at Flagler Rotary, 16th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 3rd at 3A-District 1, 11th at 3A-Region 1, T-28th at 3A states. 2018 — Duals: T-5th at 3A-District 1; Traditional: 5th at 3A-District 1, 13th at 3A-Region 1, T-45th at 3A states. 2017 — Traditional: 3rd at 3A-District 1, T-10th at 3A-Region 1, T-21st at 3A states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Ryden Ashmore (sophomore, 6-15 at 106, 1 match from 3A-Region 1); Jacob Larsen (sophomore, 2-17 at 120, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Christopher Strong (sophomore, 5-11 at 132, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Tyler Dalldorf (senior, 13-10 at 138, 3A-District 1 4th, 0-2 at 3A-Region 1); Tyson Petrie (senior, 9-10 at 152, 3A-District 1 4th, 0-2 at 3A-Region 1); Tyriek Caldwell (senior, 10-8 at 152, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Stone Rockhill (senior, 17-13 at 160, 3A-District 1 4th, 1-2 at 3A-Region 1); Joel Rodriguez (junior, 28-14 at 170, 3A-District 1 4th, 2-2 at 3A-Region 1); Michael Strong (junior, 28-12 at 182, 3A-District 1 3rd, 1-2 at 3A-Region 1); Ethan Hollenbach (junior, 30-11 at 220, 3A-District 1 3rd, 2-2 at 3A-Region 1).
Key losses (graduation): Douglas Tappin (22-18 at 145, 1 match from 3A-Region 1); Mathew Strong (14-10 at 195, 3A-District 1 4th, 1-2 at 3A-Region 1); Stanley Hollenbach (25-5 at 285, 3A-District 1 champ, 3A-Region 1 3rd, 3A state 4th).
Matmen’s take: Senators are the most battle-tested, at the highest levels of area competition, of the teams in the district. That should translate into a much-smoother path for this year’s crop of seniors, who’ve had to battle for every scrap of success for three years.

PONTE VEDRA
Coach: Josean Gonzalez, 2nd year.
2018-19: 6-11 in duals. T-6th at Arlington Optimist, 4th at Rob Bierbaum, 11th at Trojan, 25th at Flagler Rotary, 6th at Westside Roundrobin, 33rd at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 5th at 2A-District 4; Traditional: 5th at 2A-District 4, 18th at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 6th at 2A-District 4, 26th at region. 2017 — Traditional: 6th at district, 23rd at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Julian Villegas (sophomore, 8-18 at 106, 2A-District 4 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Michael Stephens (sophomore, 8-12 at 113, 2A-District 4 3rd, 1-2 at regions); James Richie (junior, 5-13 at 120, 1 match from regions); Jackson Shewey (senior, 10-11 at 126, 1 match from regions); Stephen Kowitski (senior, 8-15 at 132, 1 match from regions); Alex De Almeida (senior, 24-18 at 138, 2A-District 4 4th, 1-2 at regions); Ethan Baur (senior, 30-12 at 145, 2A-District 4 runnerup, 1 match from states); Rett Maritato (junior, 24-17 at 152, 2A-District 4 4th, 1-2 at regions); Austin Schottel (junior, 7-19 at 160, 1 match from regions); Harlan Nikolov (senior, 7-9 at 220, did not compete in post-season).
Key losses (graduation except as noted above): Preston Turner (19-8 at 120, injured, did not compete in post-season); Zander Laurin (8-24 at 170, 1 match from regions); Troy Maritato (19-10 at 182, 2A-District 4 champ, 1 match from states).
Matmen’s take: Sharks should, with Baur, pick up their first state-qualifier slot in seven years, but do not be surprised if this year’s group is much larger and even more motivated. PVHS also, if early indicators are correct, should have a substantial girls’ team this season.

ROBERT E LEE (Jacksonville)
Coach: Ricky Hicks, 6th year.
2018-19: 10-7* in duals. 5th at Arlington Optimist, 15th at Capital City, T-8th at Keystone, 5th at Gateway, 19th at Flagler Rotary, 26th at Green Cove Springs Rotary.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: T-5th at 3A-District 1; Traditional: 8th at 3A-District 1, T-19th at 3A-Region 1; T-56th at 3A states. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 6th at 3A-District 1, 18th at 3A-Region 1, T-48th at 3A states. 2017 — Traditional: 8th at 3A-District 1, T-23rd at 3A-Region 1, T-70th at 3A states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Shawn Butler (junior, 14-178 at 106, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Donovan White (sophomore, 9-18* at 113, 1 match from 3A-Region 1); Gregory Mitchell (junior, 21-21* at 126, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Javaughn Johnson (sophomore, 5-14* at 132, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Jonathon Wilson (senior, 13-16* at 132, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Ty’Juan Jones (junior, 16-21* at 138, 1 match from 3A-Region 1); Ahmahd Denmark (junior, 32-19* at 152, 3A-District 1 3rd, 2-2 at 3A-Region 1); Savion Johnson (junior, 16-13* at 160, 1 match from 3A-Region 1); Vincente Waugh (senior, 14-7* at 152/160/170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Easton Bruce (junior, 10-8* at 170, 1 match from 3A_Region 1); Zachary Morton (sophomore, 9-22* at 182, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Craig Harper (junior, 8-12* at 220, 0-2 at 3A-District 1); Jaden Barger (junior, 5-12* at 220, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Edward Peterson (senior, 5-18* at 285, 0-2 at 3A-District 1).
Key losses (graduation): Nicholas Gilson (20-10* at 145, 1 match from 3A-Region 1); Christopher Telusma (44-14* at 195, 3A-District 1 3rd, 3A-Region 1 4th, 1 match from 3A state medal).
Matmen’s take: Like their fellow 3A counterparts migrating in, Generals starters should find a bit more regular-season success. If Lee can establish a set lineup fairly quickly, it might make a push for the top half of the district more easily.

STANTON (Jacksonville)
Coach: Forrest Wheeler, 2nd year at school.
2018-19: 11-21 in duals. 12th at Arlington Optimist, 12th at Gateway, 5th at Westside RR.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: T-5th at district; Traditional: 6th at district, 25th at region. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 7th at district, 24th at region, T-50th at states. 2017 — Traditional: 6th at district, 25th at region.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Jack Walsh (junior, 9-12 at 113, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Artin Rezael (junior, 15-24 at 120, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Matthew Mock (junior, 7-24 at 126, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Gabriel Navarro (senior, 30-19 at 138, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Grant Kelsey (junior, 32-18 at 145, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions); Liam Salem (junior, 16-24 at 152, 1 match from regions); Khoi Nguyen (sophomore, 6-11 at 160, 1 match from regions); Kaymin Baldwin (sophomore, 10-10 at 160/170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Alejandro Fluitt (junior, 7-8 at 160/170, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Avery Debelen (senior, 13-18 at 170, district 4th, 0-2 at regions); Timothy Sinclair (senior, 6-11 at 182, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Charles Woo (senior, 28-22 at 195, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions).
Key losses (graduation): None.
Matmen’s take: Best-case scenario entering the year is a sizable group back with no graduation holes to fill. Check. Next is to build a schedule that will test the better Blue Devils while at the same time bringing the younger kids along; on that, we’ll have to see.

TERRY PARKER (Jacksonville)
Coach: John Dunn, 21st year.
2018-19: 23-25 in duals. 8th at Arlington Optimist, 11th at Gateway, 8th at Bell-Raulerson, 31st at Girls’ State.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: 3rd at district; Traditional: 4th at district, 14th at region, T-28th at states. 2018 — Duals: 4th at district; Traditional: 6th at district, 19th at region, 41st at states. 2017 — Traditional: 5th at district, 19th at region, T-68th at states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Tijuan Boyance (senior, 13-14 at 145, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Tazia Bates (sophomore, 9-17 at 145, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Lonnie Sanders (senior, 25-18 at 152, district 4th, 1-2 at regions); Darius Farmer (senior, 14-3 at 152, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Ashley Saddler (senior, 39-15 at 160, district champ, 2-2 at regions); Andrew Hodges (junior, 10-15 at 160, did not compete in post-season traditionals); Emily Mills (senior, 27-23 at 195, girls’ state 5th, 1 match from regions); Marquis Walton (senior, 2-5 at 285, district 3rd, 0-2 at regions); Evan Jefferson (junior, 33-10 at 285, did not compete in post-season traditionals).
Key losses (graduation): Amber Goodbread (17-37 at 106/113, 0-2 at girls’ state at 106, district 3rd at 113, 1-2 at regions); Danielle Farmer (13-22 at 138, 1 match from girls’ state medal, 1 match from regions); Estaban Lenhardt (17-20 at 170, 1 match from regions); Landon Dains (67-2 at 182, district champ, region champ, state 5th); Ben Sabella (27-7 at 220, district runnerup, 2-2 at regions).
Matmen’s take: Losing the locked-in points, never mind the day-in, day-out leadership, that Dains brought at literally every level of competition will be a problem for the Braves; but, the bigger issue may be finding some lowers. Last year’s (boys) team rarely had anyone below 145, making duals problematic.

WESTSIDE (Jacksonville)
Coach: Christopher McNealy, 7th year.
2018-19: 15-17 in duals. 5th at Westside Kiwanis, 4th at Gateway, 3rd at Westside RR.
Post-season stats (last 3 years): 2019 — Duals: Did not compete in 1A-District 3; Traditional: 6th at 1A-District 3, 14th at 1A-Region 1, T-54th at 1A states. 2018 — Duals: Did not compete; Traditional: 5th at 1A-District 3, 14th at 1A-Region 1, T-56th at 1A states. 2017 — Traditional: 3rd at 1A-District 3, T-11th at 1A-Region 1, T-51st at 1A states.
Projected key returners (15+ matches or post-season experience this past season, with 2018-19 weights): Jacare Johnson (sophomore, 26-22 at 113, 1A-District 3 4th, 1-2 at 1A-Region 1); Seth Britton (junior, 38-10 at 126, 1A-District 3 runnerup, 1-2 at 1A-Region 1); Ernest Terry (junior, 28-15 at 132, 1 match from 1A-Region 1); Tashuan Young (sophomore, 8-10 at 132, did not compete in post-season); Steven Millikin (junior, 23-22 at 138, 1A-District 3 3rd, 0-2 at 1A-Region 1); Jalonie Harris (junior, 17-10 at 145, did not compete in post-season); Angelo Philpot (senior, 45-8 at 160, 1A-District 3 champ, 1A-Region 1 3rd, 1-2 at 1A states); Savion King (senior, 14-15 at 182, did not compete in post-season); Samir Thompson (junior, 14-12 at 220, did not compete in post-season); Ray Bolden (junior, 46-7 at 285, 1A-District 3 3rd, 1A-Region 1 3rd, 1-2 at 1A states).
Key losses (graduation): Abdelkareem Noubani (19-22 at 170, 1 match from 1A-Region 1); Jakius Hunt (15-16 at 220, 1A-District 3 4th, 1-2 at 1A-Region 1).
Matmen’s take: If anyone can take down Fletcher, it would be the Wolverines with their combination of technique and athleticism. Not many graduation losses off last year’s team; Westside’s solid football season will provide a boost, confidence-wise, as well.

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