Mooresville (NC)

Head Coach: Ben Watson (entering 27th year)

Mooresville took all 14 to the 4A West tournament a year ago and ended up 2nd as a team - qualifying 9 for the state tournament. Those 9 had varying levels of success at the state tournament (some of that was due to the change in no consis until the semifinal round) … Luke Goodin claimed an individual title at 160, but the Blue Devils didn’t put any of the other 8 on the podium. Five return from that trip in 2021-2022 and all 5 have to be motivated to take that next step and claim a title.

Ray Watson, Davis Freeze, and Calvin Nguyen each won a match at the state tournament a year ago but fell in the quarters and didn’t end up on the podium. I expect that will change in 2022. Those three are joined by State Qualifiers Collin Neith and Greg Merriman … both have the ability to make the podium as well and we could be looking at 5 Blue Devils on the podium in 2022. Keep an eye on Desmond Jackson, Jaiden Noblezada, and Austin Emmert … each had a win at Regions, but couldn’t punch through in 2021. The expectation has to be that each of them will punch their ticket in 2022. Brady Rabb will also look to make some noise in 2022 after a solid freshman year in 20-21.

“Looking to have an individual state champion for the 7th year in row. Hope to have good number 30-40 kids. Want to do more than win matches!”

— Coach Watson

Doral Academy (FL)

Head Coaches: Alexis DeArmas

Staff: Willy DeArmas

Doral Academy continues to build up. What I mean by that is look at the trend … they have progressively gotten better, qualifying more wrestlers for the state tournament through super tough 3A Region 4 over time. All three of their State Qualifiers from a year ago return (and just one - Enrique Sanchez - is a senior). Sanchez and fellow qualifiers Jose Gutierrez and Julian Montero won matches at the 2021 state tournament and will look to punch through in 2022 and climb onto the podium.

Enzo Santoro won 3 matches at the 2021 Region 4 Tournament and will look to take that next step and qualify for Kissimmee. Keep an eye on Alexis Mendizabal and Albert Manzini as well … both will look to take a big step during their Junior year and qualify as well. David DeArmas and Athan Toro will also look to make their presence felt in 2022. On paper it doesn’t look like Doral has a ton of numbers, but the kids they have in the room are tough and ready to make some noise in 21-22.

“We are looking build on what we accomplished last year and to continue developing our program to get to the next level.”

— Coach DeArmas

Carrollton (GA)

Co-Head Coaches: Michael Cleek (entering 7th season); Nick White (entering 4th season)

Staff: Morgan Dudley and Mike Mason

Carrollton returns a number of wrestlers that made an impact in 2021 including 4 State Qualifiers, but they do lose their hammer in 220 lb. State Champ Brock Bibbee to graduation. Darius Sanders, Gita Marenco, Buck Merritt and Will Mason are all returning Qualifiers and should be to lead the way for the Trojans. All four won a match at the state tournament and each will be hunting a spot on the podium in 2022. Carrollton will turn to Hector Martinez and Joey Berry to make an impact in 2022 .. both finished 4th at Area in 2021, just missing a trip to Macon.

The Trojans will also look to Riley Rayburn, Richard Hollingsworth, Brody Autrey and others to make a contribution - especially if they are looking to make an impact in very deep 6A Area 5. Keep an eye on freshman Jacob Levy … if you don’t know the name now - you will by the time we hit February.

“Expectations are always high at Carrollton regardless of the competition. We are thankful to be in a tough region that will get us ready to compete at the state tournament in February. ”

— Coach White