Jensen Beach (FL)

Head Coach: Tom McMath (entering 17th season)

Staff: Chris Smith, Denzel Rego, Chris Favoroso, Kyle Kirkham

The Champs are back and will look to collect more titles in a deep 1A. Jensen Beach navigated a very tough Region 4 before taking both the dual and traditional titles a year ago. They will need to do the same if they are going to bring home the titles again in 2023. This is a team that remains largely intact from a season ago. State Runner-up Ryan Duguay and State Placers Johnny Dobbs and Matt O’Hara have graduated, but the firepower that the Falcons return is largely unmatched in 1A (we will get to how they match up with Gibbons and the other Region 4 powers in the previews).

Nationally-ranked Sebastian Degennaro returns as does fellow Champ Jewell Williams. But JB is far from being one or two hammers … this is a team that is stout from top to bottom. State Placers Ryan Mooney, Nate Sopotnick, Dylan Fox, and Gian Oritz all return with their sights set on claiming an individual title. The Falcons also return State Qualifiers Mike Pierce-Walker and Malachi Harriel and welcome 3A State Placer Charlie Armstrong who moves in from Okeechobee. Jensen Beach is not only one of the top teams in 1A … they are one of the best in Florida regardless of class. With Degennaro moving up a weight … expect the Falcons to fill the 106 lb. spot with another hamemr in Ben Norris. The Falcons also add a very tough Ashton Roeder to an already deep lineup. Colten Byrd, Luke Krakoff, and Toby Rooney could fill out the lineup and the Falcons are tough from top to bottom. Expect the Falcons to be back hunting another title in 2023.

“We are a very experience team that scores a lot of points and is fun to watch! We will continue to individually get better with the hope of having another run at both the dual and traditional state championships.”

— Coach McMath

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.

Braden River (FL)

Head Coach: Cezar Sharbono (5 years; Total 12 years)

Staff: Matt Eastman, Catia Sharbono (Girls), Ryan Gascon, Chance Sharbono

Braden River finished 25th in a deep 2A in 2022 … they lose State Place Dylan Howard, but return the majority of their hammers. State Placers Jessey Colas and Grady Murphy each took 7th a season ago and will look to climb the podium this year. Venice transfer (and returning State Qualifier) Gage Wiggins will also look to claim a spot on the podium in 2023. The Pirates have a legit shot of having 3 on the podium and scoring some significant points

How high the Pirates climb could come down to the continued development of Matthew Ireland, Nico Serrano, and Josh Turner. All 3 made regionals a year ago and if Braden River can get them through to Kissimmee then this is a team that could really make some noise. Keep an eye on Collin Ickes, Mario Maltez, Zabastian Velazquez, and Dillion Bryant as well. Braden River could really make a push if any of the following make a strong push in 2022-23. Senior heavyweights Bobby Pike and Marcus Walters, as well as sophomore Lucas Vacchelli. The Pirates also feature five freshmen that will look to make an impact as well … Braxton Goodland, Julios Barrios, Pierce Bryant, Eli Landrum, and Jeshua Serrano.

“Growing program looking to take the next step. Still young with only Four Sr’s on the roster. Have a Solid foundation with some talented young wrestlers stepping in to fill slots. Should be a solid in Duals and IBT.”

— Coach Sharbono

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.

Bishop Kenny (FL)

Head Coach: Paul Schloth

Staff: Roberto Cuetero, Mike Leeman

The Crusaders finished 21st in 2022 and with the group they have returning will look to knock on the door of the top 10 in 2023. Roberto Cuartero finished 4th a season ago at 152 and will lead a senior-heavy group into 2022-23. Cuartero is joined by returning State Qualifiers Christopher Hampton, Collin Hearn, and Luke Ghannam. Cuartero, Hearn, and Ghannam made a tough trio from 152-170 a year ago and that should be the strength of this squad again this season.

Jacob Harless, Jack Raynor, and Zachary Sellers all have post-season experience and will look to make it 7 Crusaders in Kissimmee this year. Whether the Crusaders climb into the top 10 will likely come down to how well those three and Jordan Hampton, Noah Ossi, and Max Thallemer continue to develop. Keep an eye on the Crusaders in 2023 … this is a team that could make some noise in the new look 1A.

“We have 4 state qualifiers and one state placer returning this season. After a solid offseason that included team camp in Boone NC(App State) and many club tournaments, expectations are high. The last State Champion at BK was 2018 and we are hoping to gain another in 2022-23 season. We talk about “wrestling on Saturday night in Kissimmee”.... as the goal for the veterans, but more importantly to really enjoy the journey on getting there. The interactions and coaching by the seniors with the new, younger guys is fun to watch.”

— Coach Schloth

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.