Gardendale (AL)

Head Coach: Brian Brasseal (8 years)

Staff: Michael Collins, Taylor Houchins, Russ Boackle, Ashton Quattlebuam

The Rockets have developed into one of the premier programs … not just in 5A-6A, but in Alabama as a whole. Last year, the Rockets were derailed a bit by things outside their control, but don’t be fooled into thinking that this year’s team can’t be back hunting for the title again. They do lose some hammers in Melton Powe, Kennedy Wyatt, and Keenan Wyatt - each of which is wrestling in college now. They also lose Brody Scoggins and Vincent Zeigler and must have some new faces step up if they are going to knock off McAdory, Mortimer Jordan, or the other top teams for 6A title.

The Rockets are led by a pair of Powe’s … Daishun and Isaiah make-up a exciting duo to watch and each will be back looking for a title in 2023. They are also joined by younger brother Damarcus Powe (a state placer at 106) as well as State Qualifier Gage Beyke. The Powe’s plus Beyke will lead the way, but whether Gardendale claims another title or not will likely come down to the continued development of the rest of the lineup … and a young lineup at that. Keep an eye on Triston Buckelew, Crue Powe and Isaac Jones down low as well as Jacob Towery, Jackson Attaway and Mason McDaniel. They, along with Damarcus Powe, should make-up the first four weights of the Rocket lienup. Braden Pickle, Ashton Wise, Broc Righter, Peyton Glass, Steven Hollis, Connor Howell, Parker Howell, Eric Peek, Nathan Smith, and Dominic Soriano will look to secure a spot in the middle around the two Rocket hammers in Isaiah and Daishun Powe. The top of the lineup features Brady Brooks, Sammy Sanchez, Christian Higgins, Jackson Stanford, CJ Donaldson, Paul Brasseal, Sean Thomas, Cody Wood, Ian Fricke, Michael Lowery, Matthew Edwards and Jake Bryan … each will look to take a varsity spot from 170-220 before the Rockets finish up top with Beyke. The key for the Rockets will from 170-220 … if they can support the Powe’s down low and Beyke up top - this is a team that could be back in the hunt for the title.

“We will be young, but I have big expectations for each individual.”

— Coach Brasseal

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.

Jasper (AL)

Head Coach: Tripp Otis (8th at Jasper; 11th overall)

Staff: Hezzie Morgan, Chris Goetz, Kalton Roye

The Jasper Vikings finished 6th in a combined 5A-6A a year ago and with the split into two classes … the Vikings should be in the hunt for the top spot in 5A this season. The Vikings lose State Placer Preston Reed and State Qualifier Moises Sanchez, but return the majority of their team including State Champ Cole Carter. Carter is joined by State Placers Colin Langley, Cooper Brooks, and Ethan Caldwell. All four will look to claim the top step this February. The strength of the Vikings lineup is up top with 2022 State Qualifier Jamie Burnham joining Carter and Langley … making 182-285 particularly tough for any other team.

The Vikings are also strong from 120-145 with State Qualifier Antonio Nash joining Caldwell and Brooks. If the Vikings can get Garrett Caldwell and JJ Martinez to make some noise at from 145 to 160 - this team will be tough with very few holes in the lineup. Keep an eye on freshman 106 Kortez Samuels … he could play an important role in how high the Vikings climb this season as well.

“We are excited for this upcoming season and the opportunity to compete in the new 5A classification. We return a state champion and 3 other placers while filling in the rest of our line up with some extremely tough competitors. We are looking forward to competing for a state title with this group and showing off all the hard work from this past off-season.”

— Coach Otis

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.

Hartselle (AL)

Head Coach: Joseph Hill (entering 4th year)

Staff: Danny Timms, Joey Schutt

Coach Hill only sent in a quote … so this will be an abbreviated State of the Program based on last year’s information.

Hartselle finished in the top 20 in a combined 5A-6A and will move to 6A in 2022-23. State Runner-up Lincoln Bryant and State Placer Gage Roberts are both slated to return as is State Qualifier Jackson Schutt. According to trackwrestling … Andril Tymchencko and Ethan England are both seniors and are eligible to return. Brian Holt is a Junior, but the majority of the squad should be sophomores. Jacob Doshier, Garrett Willingham, and Jameson Falciani could return also.

“We’re a young team with a lot of experience. Mostly sophomore led, this team returns one state finalist, one fourth place and one additional state qualifier. Most of this group has been starting since they were eighth graders and two years later looks like they’re turning the corner. We look for our upperclassmen to set the tone in competitions and practice while these sophomores learn from it to carry momentum for years to come. This could be an exciting year and we have expectations for this group.”

— Coach Hill

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.