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.

Tullahoma (TN)

Head Coach: Sean Adkins

Staff: Jeff Lester, Cody Cleveland, Trevor Schmidt

The Wildcats finished just outside the 1A top 10 a season ago … but with the group they have returning they have a real shot to not only break into the top 10, but push for a spot in the top 5. They do graduate 4 State Qualifiers - Cole Moore, Cadan Avans, Brett Smith, and Zech Swiger - so having those behind them step up will play a huge role in how well Tullahoma does this season. The Cats return State Placers Jerzy Hendrix and Cody Agnell along with State Qualifiers Justin Frank, Beau Banks, Connor Avans, and Caleb Adkins.

Those six set a solid foundation and make the Wildcats tough from 132-182. Caiden Mears and Eric Barragan will also be key for the Cats in the middle. Chandler Kile, Nathan Jones, and DeCarlos Slaughter will be called on to take care of things at the top of the lineup. If the pieces around Hendrix and Agnell come together, this will be a tough team come February.

“Tullahoma has a lot of upperclassmen from 132 thru HWT and should be solid in that area. Jerzy Hendrix and Cody Agnell are returning medalists from last year and are looking to move up on the podium. Justin Frank is coming off a 32-win season as a freshman and has grown into the 106-weight class this year and should improve even more. If Tullahoma can get some production out of the 113-126 classes and get everyone healthy and keep them that way, it should be an exciting season.”

— Coach Adkins

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.

Tallassee (AL)

Head Coach: John Mask (entering 23rd season)

Staff: Dustin Cook, Jake Baker, Nic Taunton, Mark Griggs

Tallassee qualified 4 for the 5A-6A State Tournament a season ago and the Tigers now make the move to the newly split 5A class this season. Brendan Emfinger has graduated, but the Tigers return Christian McCrary and Land Bell (Bryant Hathcock was listed as a freshman but is not listed to return) … each of whom qualified a year ago as either a freshman or sophomore. Meaning this is a young squad with a ton of upside. Bell and McCrary each won matches in Huntsville and will look to climb onto the podium this season. The Tigers also return 6 others with post-season experience - so the expectations should be pretty high.

Rutland Phillips and Mason Nelson return down low for the Tigers with Land Bell, Ethan Jones and Christian McCrary handling the lineup from 138-152/160. The Tigers will need some new faces to step in from 120-132. Caden Griffith, Jude Rogers, and Micah Cole will look to take care of the top part of the lineup and keep an eye on freshman Nollin Addeo who could make some noise up top as well.

“We are excited about the upcoming season. We must raise our standards in every area and work to get better. I am looking forward to starting practice in November, our goal this year as a team is to qualify all 14 wrestlers for the state tournament.”

— Coach Mask

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.