Smiths Station (AL)

Head Coach: Tommy Sanders (2008-present at Smiths Station)

Staff: Murray Zogg, Robert Peterson, Eric Basnett

The Panthers lose their two hammers up top in State Champions Kyle Watson (220) and Steven Flagg (285) as well as State Placer Kyle Fontenot who was 3rd at 145. But with four State Qualifiers returning from 2022, this team should be back in the mix for a top 5 finish again in 2023. State Qualifiers Eli Sanders, Timothy Luttrell, Wylie Shomaker, and Lance Peterson will lead the way as well as Robert Sanborn who should fill in at 195. Peterson won the South section at 182 last season and should be the Panthers best shot to climb high on the podium in 2023.

Jaden Sanford, Richard Munguia, and Bryson McDonald all have post-season experience and should solidify a good lower part of the lineup with Sanders, Luttrell, and Dustin Dunbar. From 106-138 the Panthers should be very good. They will also be good up top with Shomaker, Sanborn, Peterson - the key will be from 145-182 (with Shomaker anchoring one of those spots). Look for Andrew Bryant, AJ Williams, Nathaniel Jarmon, Eric Short, Kylan Pace and Kenneth Doster to be in the mix for the other spots. Keep an eye on Ken Felder and Marshal Culbertson as well. The Panthers have the pieces in place to be in the mix, but will need everyone to step up and help fill the void left by Watson, Flagg, and Fontenot.

“We return 9 starters from last year’s team that finished 5th at state. Seven of those starters are state qualifiers so we will have some experience throughout our lineup. Our expectations are to become a physical team that improves weekly.”

— Coach Sanders

NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.

Central Phenix City Girls (AL)

Head Coach: Matt Gittens (entering 4th year)

Staff: Nic Griggs, Ben Green

From top to bottom - Central Phenix City has one of the largest girls programs in the state and should be competitive with the other top dogs in Daphne and Thompson this season. Savannah Daniel, Caidence Sellars, Nevaeh Jackson, Zoe Jones, and Ashlynn Johnson make up the core of this squad. Add in Arianna Dinkins and Hannah McDuffie and this team will be tough … especially up top with Jackson, Jones, McDuffie, and Johnson. None of the seven mentioned above is a senior - so this is team is not only one to watch in 22-23, but also for years to come.

““Winning Traditions Start Here”
We as a staff and athletic program live by that, If we can take care of the little things; the big things will fall in place according to our works and work ethic. Expectations remain the same: “DO YOUR BEST” winning and losing is a very minor aspect in the grand scheme of what we’re building. Do your best, put your best foot forward, and seize the day. Our state champion and a huge cornerstone has chosen not to return to the program, that doesn’t stop what we’re building... Every young lady knows what’s at stake and everyone to this point has picked up the slack just fine.”

— Coach Gittens

NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.

Bob Jones (AL)

Head Coach: Matt Sweatman (8 at Bob Jones)

Staff: Paul Lynch, Nick Mothersele, Seth Dupree

Bob Jones finished 6th in Alabama 7A, but lose State Runners-up Manny Marrero and Evan Pippin as well as State Qualifiers Tank Mays and Jaden Edwards. The team could make some noise, but will need those that didn’t qualify a season ago to make some noise this season. The Patriots should be very good up top with returning State Placer Tafari Alcime and Maddox Sunderman manning the 220 and 285 lb spots. 2022 State Qualifier Jack Shaver also returns and will be counted on to lead the bottom part of the lineup. Shaver will be joined at the bottom of the lineup by Colton West and Troy Hennigan - both have post-season experience and the trio have the potential to put the Patriots up in any dual.

Keep an eye on Scott Davidson, Will Zerangue, and Ronin Amsler as well. All three wrestled at the sectional tournament a season ago and if they can make some noise in 22-23 then the Patriots have a shot to have 8 or more punch their ticket to the big dance. Newcomers Zander Samargia (transfer from Texas), Dunyea Dorsey (transfer from Dothan) as well as Kaden Clark and Sheldon Sharp should be in the mix for a spot in the lineup and help push Bob Jones into contention in a super deep 7A North Sectional.

“We’re excited to get the year started with a deeper room than we’ve had in the last couple years. Should be very talented at the bottom and the top of our lineup. Our guys have bought into the work it takes to be successful and we hope to continue creating a culture of tough wrestlers that do the right things on and off the mat.”

— Coach Sweatman

NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.