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1A State Championship Preview: Mater Lakes Reigns, But Zephyrhills Christian and Gibbons Ready to Challenge

Team Outlook: Who Holds the Edge?

According to Kabra Wrestling’s latest Class 1A State Preview:

Mater Lakes Academy sits atop the team race as the clear favorite to win the 1A championship.

Zephyrhills Christian and Cardinal Gibbons trail closely behind as the most likely challengers.

Other strong programs—Merritt Island, First Baptist-Naples, Suwannee, and more—are expected to place multiple wrestlers and add depth to the race.
Kabra WrestlingThe Florida Wrestling Room

What’s Driving the Narrative?

With traditional powers like Jensen Beach and Somerset Academy having moved up to 2A, the 1A landscape has shifted—creating an opening that Mater Lakes is poised to capitalize on. They enter the season with multiple standout individuals and a cohesive team behind them. Still, programs like Zephyrhills Christian and Cardinal Gibbons have the pedigree and talent to contest every point.
The Florida Wrestling Room

Wrestlers to Watch: 1A’s Best and Brightest

Here are the key contenders across weight classes, based on Kabra Wrestling’s rankings and state previews:

Eli Jolicoeur (Suwannee) – Ranked #1, Jolicoeur boasts key wins over top opponents this season and leads his bracket with confidence.
Kabra Wrestling

Cale Wimberly (Zephyrhills Christian) – Ranked #3, a dynamic grappler who brings firepower to a deep Zephyrhills lineup.
Kabra Wrestling

Elijah Castanon (Miami Christian) – The #2 seed in his weight class with strong regional performances powering his candidacy.
Kabra Wrestling

Kellen Mesina (Mater Lakes Academy) – Sitting at #1 in his class, a four-time state qualifier with a track record of rising under pressure.
Kabra Wrestling

Lukah Zherka (Aubrey Rogers) – Ranked #2, a formidable contender who could surprise if his bracket opens up.
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Anthony Acquafredda (Cocoa Beach) – #3 seed noted for his technical skill and consistency.
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Alex Giglietti (Merritt Island) – #1 ranked and leads a strong upper-half of his bracket, with semifinal pressure shaping his path.
Kabra Wrestling

Lincoln Sledzianowski (St. John Neumann) – A returnee ranked #1 at 132; one of the most favored wrestlers in the state.
Kabra Wrestling

These wrestlers symbolize the individual excellence driving each team—expect matchups among them to be tournament-defining moments.

Prediction Summary

CategoryForecast

Team ChampionMater Lakes Academy, bolstered by top-ranked wrestlers, stands as the favorite but won’t have an easy path.

Top Dogs to WatchEli Jolicoeur, Kellen Mesina, Lincoln Sledzianowski—among others—are poised to headline the finals.

ChallengersZephyrhills Christian and Cardinal Gibbons bring depth and top-end talent ready to challenge.

Final Thoughts

The Class 1A bracket is loaded with proven wrestlers and emerging stars—and with Mater Lakes looking to consolidate its dominance, the challenge is set. Fans should keep their eyes glued to the mats: my bet is a well-earned team title for Mater Lakes, but the clash of elite individuals like Jolicoeur and Mesina could steal the spotlight.