TAMPA — Jesuit pulled off a three-peat in winning the Class 2A, District 8 championship at Chamberlain on Saturday.
The Tigers tallied 236.5 points, well ahead of runnerup Robinson’s 141.
“Every one is different,” Jesuit coach Mike Scicchitano said in comparing his three straight district championship teams. “It’s always very rewarding as a coach to see the work the team puts in. The kids are rewarded for their hard work. That makes me very happy.”
Jesuit placed eight wrestlers in the finals and came away with six champions. Hillsborough had five finalists, but other than Jesuit, Robinson was the most proficient with three of its four finalists winning titles.
Pinning their opponents were Jesuit’s Jarrett Roop (106 pounds), Nick Mosco (195) and Austin Underwood (285). Underwood, a Virginia signee who improved to 26-0, had the quickest pin, 1:13 against Robinson’s Jacob Wyre.
Also capturing titles for the Tigers were R.C. Consuegra (126), Adam Lewis (138) and Brian Buser (152).
Robinson’s Kionte Crocker (145), Luis Peguero (182) and Kendonte Nichols (220) earned championships to help the Knights finish ahead of third-place Hillsborough at 124.5 and Gaither, which took fourth at 123.5. Host Chamberlain had 91.
2A-7: Brandon takes expected title step
SEFFNER — Juggernaut Brandon cruised to the Class 2A, District 7 title at Armwood High against teams from Hillsborough and Polk counties.
The Eagles won with 283 points, with runnerup Lake Gibson well behind with just 137. King took fifth at 72.
With county and district titles in tow, Brandon is after another region crown and aims to extend its current state championship run of 13.
Of Brandon’s 13 finalists, 12 won their divisions. The Eagles did not have anyone in the 285-pound class and Joe Marcano lost in the 182 final. Brandon’s champions included: Frankie Bruno (106), Kyle Norstrem (113), Ty Lucas (120), James Flint (126), Dylan Lucas (132), Devon Berrian (138), Troy Joyce (145), Tommy Fretwell (152), Dakota Greene (160), Dontae McGee (170), Bailey Shepherd (195) and Robert Enmon (220).
A-10: Tampa Prep falls short vs. Southeast
TAMPA — No. 12-ranked Bradenton Southeast topped runnerup and host Tampa Prep 174 to 130 for the Class A, District 10 team title.
The Terrapins brought eight wrestlers and qualified seven, taking four individual district titles.
Berkeley Prep finished third with 116 points, advancing nine. Clearwater Central Catholic was fourth, moving 12 wrestlers through with 110 points and one champion, Taylor Romera at 182.
Middleton was fifth, moving seven wrestlers through to region with one champion.
The host Terrapins got a huge boost from eighth-graders Anthony Artalona (120) and Leo Tarantino (138), who won their weight classes. Michael McCloskey (145) and Bryan Greenbaum (152) both claimed titles, McCloskey just back from an injury and Greenbaum claiming his second straight district title.
“If these kids go out there and have their best tournament, they are going to be state placers not just making it to the state finals,” Terrapins coach Andy Bricker said.
The best matchup was at 106 pounds between Tampa Prep’s fifth-ranked Aaron Mills and Tampa Bay HEAT’s Cullen Tefler. Tefler won a close 5-3 decision.
3A-8 at Durant: Riverview took third and the host team fourth in a tournament won by North Port.
East Bay’s Ricardo Calderon (182) and Mason Culver (285) won individual crowns, as did Durant’s Austin Haley (120) and Newsome’s Alvin Burns (220).
3A-6 at Lakeland George Jenkins: Strawberry Crest was third (105) and the top Hillsborough County team as winner Lakeland (220) and runnerup Lakeland George Jenkins (216) dominated the meet.
Plant’s 170-pounder Patrick Merkel will go to region as a district champion, as will Plant City heavyweight Lance Doenges.
Plant was fourth (76), Wharton fifth (58), Plant City sixth (54) and Tampa Bay Tech eighth (14).
2A-10 at Braden River: Lennard finished sixth (87.5), well behind winner Venice (169).
Times correspondents Andy Warrener and Derek J. LaRiviere contributed to this report.