Teams and Wrestlers to Watch

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION I

Ventura

The Cougars, Channel League champions six of eight years and second in Division I last season, unquestionably are the region’s best team and a contender for a section title. Senior Cristobal Gonzalez, who was 50-1 last season and finished third in the state, is top-ranked in the state at 189 pounds. Senior Dustin Clocherty (130 pounds), eighth in the state last season, also is ranked No. 1 in the state. Senior Joe Martinez (215), a state qualifier last season, is ranked No. 2. Junior Trevor Clocherty (135) narrowly missed qualifying for the state meet after placing fifth in the section. Senior Cody Naumec (119) placed sixth in the section. Senior Matt Saracini (103) placed second in league and senior Ismael Martin (152) was league champion. Senior Jay Fredricks (112), a transfer from Morro Bay, qualified for the section final. The roster is stocked with junior varsity league champions from last season.

Rio Mesa

Seniors Spikie Gonzalez (112), 32-14 last season, and Ramon Rodriguez (145-152), 30-12, are defending league champions. Senior heavyweight Paul Almanza placed second in league. Senior Bo Espinoza (215) and sophomore Scott Speakman (119-125) placed third in league. Senior Emmanuel Espino (171) and Hugo Mendez (189) are returning lettermen. Top newcomers include senior Rob Jenkinson (135), a transfer from Dos Pueblos.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION II

Camarillo

Chuck Sandlin, who last season became the first Camarillo wrestler to advance to the state tournament, is at Moorpark College, leaving the Scorpions, third in the Marmonte League last season, with little experience. The most notable returning wrestler is Josh Berman (152), who was 26-11 and placed second in league. Isaac Medina (160) was 11-15 .

Newbury Park

The Panthers, second in the Marmonte League last season, are favorites this season. Senior Vinnie Quiroz (152) and junior David Omoto (112) were league champions. Triplets Michael (119), David (125) and Jared (135) Brems, all juniors, are among the best in the lineup. Michael and David spent most of last season on the varsity. Jared was a junior varsity league champion. Senior Dillon Russell placed third in league . Junior Steve Bowen (130) and senior Nate McArthur (215) placed fourth in league.

Simi Valley

The Pioneers, defending Marmonte League champion, have one of the state’s best heavyweights in Chad Troxler. But most of the lineup is inexperienced. Senior Mike Lischke (112) was 14-13 last season. Junior Jarrod Garnand (215) was 7-6.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION IV

Harvard-Westlake

The Wolverines move to the Rio Hondo League after four years in the Mission League. Jeff Jeager (171-189), a four-year letterman who placed fifth in the section tournament last season, is the team’s only senior. Junior Brian Sofen (135) was 10-14. Sophomores Mike Schwimer (140) and Joe Goldstein (112) wrestled with the varsity. Sophomore Franklin Murphy (125) placed in three junior varsity tournaments.

Highland

Coach Mike Young should maintain what has rapidly developed into one of Southern California’s top programs. The Bulldogs won section dual meet and individual championships last season, and several top wrestlers return. Senior Stuart Young (152), the coach’s son, was 68-10, winning a section championship and placing fourth at the Masters Meet. Junior John Garfinkle (140) placed second in the division. Junior Robert Estrada (145) won a league title. Seniors Joe Moakley (189) and Garth Corrigon (135) placed second in league.

Moorpark

The two-time defending Frontier League champions placed sixth in the section tournament last season. Four league champions return. Senior Arvee Bermudez (103) won league titles each of the past two seasons. Junior Andy Belie (112), senior Justin Turner (152) and senior Jaime Villa (215), a heavyweight last season, also were league champions. Seniors Alec Golya (125) and Noah Fehrenbacher (135) placed second in league.

Palmdale

The Falcons appear to have their strongest team ever. Junior Devon Zemp (125) had a school record 205 takedowns last season and has a two-year record of 88-18. Other top returners include seniors Tyson Chiaro (160), Rickie Ford (171), Jacob Rice (152), Patrick Prime (152) and Richard Smith (152).

CITY SECTION

El Camino Real

The Conquistadores, City champions last season and three of the past six seasons, remain the City’s best. Senior Jared Maiden (171) placed second in the City each of the past two seasons. Seniors Keith Thomas (145) and Alex Perez (189) placed second in the City. Senior Tony Lara was a junior varsity City champion last season.

Granada Hills

Senior Viken Melkonian (171-189) was 24-4 and placed second in the City last season.

San Fernando

The Tigers, second in the City last season, have four returning City champions: brothers Andy (130) and Eddie Moro (135), senior Joe Hernandez (119) and junior Ricky Aguirre (103).