As the 2026–2027 high school wrestling season approaches, the Central Coast Section (CCS) is primed for another action-packed year on the mat. From storied powerhouses stacked with state medalists to rising programs led by dangerous individual contenders, the battle for section dominance and state podium spots promises to be fiercely competitive.

This team preview breaks down the landscape across the section, highlighting the returning section champions, multi-time state qualifiers, and postseason blood-round contenders who will shape the team race this winter.

Methodology Note: The program rankings and team totals in this preview are calculated strictly based on returning points scored at last season’s section tournament. To maintain an objective, data-driven baseline, incoming freshmen and offseason transfers were not taken into consideration for these projections.

1-Gilroy High – Returning 138.5 Points

Key Returners: Roman Fonseca (Jr.), Eli Mendoza (Jr.), Gavin Pongsai (Sr.), Max Torrez (So.), Cruz Taylor (Sr.), Brian Haran (Sr.)

Gilroy High returns 138.5 points and features a formidable lineup anchored by a trio of dominant section champions and state placers. The squad is led by upperclassmen Eli Mendoza and Brian Haran, who both captured their second section titles last season. Mendoza put together a stellar postseason run to finish fourth at the CIF state tournament, while Haran also battled his way to the state podium, bringing home a fifth-place finish. Roman Fonseca adds to this elite core, coming off a season where he captured the section tournament title before advancing to finish in the top 12 at the state tournament.

The roster is further bolstered by returning standouts who will be squarely in the mix to make deep postseason runs. Senior Gavin Pongsai returns after securing his second consecutive section runner-up finish before advancing to compete at the state tournament. Joining him is sophomore Max Torrez, who showed immense resilience after being upset in the quarterfinal round of the section tournament; Torrez battled back to finish third before ultimately proving his caliber by finishing in the top 12 at the state tournament as a freshman.

Rounding out this battle-tested group is returning section standout Cruz Taylor. Taylor looks to build upon the crucial postseason mat time he gained after finishing sixth at the section tournament, giving Gilroy High a loaded, experienced core entering the year as they look to assert their dominance.

2-Los Gatos High – Returning 134.5 Points

Key Starters: Luke Schoch (Jr.), Trejon Pannell (Jr.), Michael Terrell (Jr.), Wesley Hayden (Jr.), Jisias Rodriguez (Jr.), Lucius Hayden (So.), Warren Wang (Sr.), Gregory Varela (Jr.)

Los Gatos High returns a strong 134.5 points and features a formidable, battle-tested lineup anchored by a core of junior standouts who made deep postseason runs. The squad is led by Michael Terrell, who captured his first section title last season after finishing as a runner-up during his freshman campaign. Terrell advanced to the CIF state tournament, where he battled to within a single match of reaching the podium. He is joined by fellow junior Luke Schoch, a former freshman section champion who secured a second-place finish at the section tournament last year and also wrestled his way to within one match of a state medal.

The roster is further bolstered by a deep group of state qualifiers, including junior Wesley Hayden, another former freshman section champion who finished second at the section tournament last season before competing at the state championships. Junior Jisias Rodriguez and sophomore Lucius Hayden also bring crucial state-level experience to the lineup; Rodriguez secured a fourth-place section finish, while Lucius Hayden achieved an impressive third-place finish in the upper weights as a freshman. Both wrestlers proved their caliber by going on to pick up a pair of hard-fought wins at the state tournament.

Rounding out this loaded group is junior Trejon Pannell, who looks to build upon the momentum of a strong fifth-place finish at the section tournament. Senior Warren Wang and junior Gregory Varela also bring valuable postseason mat time to the room as returning section qualifiers, giving Los Gatos High a deeply experienced and dangerous core entering the new year.

3-Palma High – Returning 102.5 Points

Key Starters: Aiden Garcia (Sr.), Rocco Fannuchi (Sr.), Dom Silva (Sr.), Eliart Manzur (Jr.), Jacob Martinez (Sr.), Bernie Phillips (Sr.)

Palma High returns 102.5 points and features a competitive, upperclassman-heavy lineup anchored by one of the state’s elite competitors. The squad is highlighted by senior Aiden Garcia, who captured his third section title last season and cemented his legacy by becoming a rare three-time CIF state winner.

The roster is further bolstered by a strong contingent of state-level competitors who made deep postseason runs. Junior Eliart Manzur secured a runner-up finish at the section tournament before advancing to the state championships, where he picked up a hard-fought win. He is joined by seniors Bernie Phillips, who placed third at sections to earn his state qualification, and Jacob Martinez, who battled to a fourth-place section finish and also gained valuable mat time by competing at the state tournament.

Rounding out this deeply experienced group are senior veterans Rocco Fannuchi and Dom Silva. Both wrestlers bring crucial postseason mat time and leadership to the room after putting together strong runs to finish sixth at the section tournament, giving Palma High a battle-tested and dangerous core entering the season.

4-Junipero Serra – Returning 92.5 Points

Key Starters: Luca Gordon (Jr.), Ryder Doleschal (Sr.), Henry Fallice (Sr.), Dominic Andrini (Jr.), Sebastian Garcia (Sr.), Ian Keyak (Sr.), Leon Bleess (Jr.), Luke Hanna (Sr.), Soloman Zumbardo (Jr.)

Junipero Serra returns 92.5 points and features a deep, competitive lineup anchored by a strong group of state qualifiers and Central Coast section medalists. The squad is highlighted by senior Sebastian Garcia, who finished second at the section tournament once again but maximized his state experience by advancing to the quarterfinals. With that run, Garcia cemented himself as a three-time Central Coast medalist, having previously placed fifth as a freshman. He is joined by fellow senior Ryder Doleschal, who secured a third-place finish at the section tournament before putting together a solid 3-2 record at the state championships to officially become a two-time state qualifier.

The roster is further bolstered by returning state-level competitors Leon Bleess and Soloman Zumbardo. Junior Zumbardo achieved a strong third-place section finish before battling to an even 2-2 record at the state tournament. Meanwhile, junior Leon Bleess secured a fourth-place finish in the section tournament and gained valuable mat time by competing at the state championships.

Rounding out this experienced group is a solid core of returning section qualifiers and competitors who bring crucial depth and veteran leadership to the room. Seniors Ian Keyak and Luke Hanna, along with junior Dominic Andrini, each return after picking up a pair of hard-fought wins at last year’s section tournament. Joining them are junior Luca Gordon and senior Henry Fallice, who both look to build upon their previous section tournament qualifications as Junipero Serra aims for a powerful season.

5-Bellarmine Prep – Returning 82 Points

Key Starters: Jason Liau (Sr.), Jacob Pham (Sr.), Dylan Felipe (So.), Julian Holguin (So.), Eli Carlos (Sr.), James Hayden (Sr.)

Bellarmine Prep returns 82 points and features a competitive lineup anchored by a strong group of postseason standouts and state tournament competitors. The squad is highlighted by sophomore Julian Holguin, who captured the section title during an impressive freshman campaign and put together a solid 3-2 record. Adding crucial veteran leadership is senior James Hayden, who returns after securing a second-place finish at the section tournament before advancing to the state championships, where he picked up a pair of hard-fought wins.

The roster is further bolstered by senior Jason Liau, who looks to build upon his postseason success after battling to a third-place finish at the section tournament and earning valuable experience competing at the state level. Senior Jacob Pham also adds depth and established prowess to the lineup, coming off a strong sixth-place finish at the section tournament.

Rounding out this battle-tested group are returning section qualifiers Dylan Felipe and Eli Carlos. Both wrestlers bring essential postseason mat time to the room, giving Bellarmine Prep a solid and experienced core as they look to make a significant impact this season.

6-Aptos High – Returning 49 Points

Key Starters: Jack Moreno (Jr.), Dominic Cabot (Sr.), Cruz Contreras (Sr.), Johnny Stoner (Sr.), Cole Moules (Sr.)

Aptos High returns 49 points and features a deep, senior-heavy lineup driven by a pair of proven state-level competitors. The squad is highlighted by senior Cruz Contreras, who battled to a fourth-place finish at the section tournament before making his second career trip to the state championships, where he put together a strong 2-2 record. He is joined by fellow senior Cole Moules, who also captured a fourth-place section finish to earn his state qualification. Moules brings incredible momentum and work ethic to the room, having made a massive jump in his development since going just 1-2 at the section tournament two years prior.

The roster is further bolstered by senior Dominic Cabot, who brings critical postseason mat time after fighting his way to a sixth-place finish at the section tournament. Rounding out this highly experienced group are junior Jack Moreno and senior Johnny Stoner, both of whom gained valuable postseason experience as section qualifiers, giving Aptos High a well-rounded and battle-tested core entering the season.

7-Palo Alto High – Returning 37 Points

Key Starters: Kenneth Godoy (Jr.), Brian Miller (Sr.), Tyler Tonella (Sr.)

Palo Alto High returns 37 points and features a focused, veteran-led lineup anchored by a highly experienced state competitor. The squad is highlighted by senior Brian Miller, who earned his third trip to the state championships after an impressive third-place finish at the section tournament. Miller put together a deep postseason run, ultimately battling his way to the blood round of the state tournament.

The roster is further bolstered by senior Tyler Tonella, who fought to a strong fifth-place finish at the section tournament and provides critical upperclassman leadership. Rounding out this competitive core is junior Kenneth Godoy, who gained valuable postseason mat time by picking up two hard-fought wins at sections, giving Palo Alto High a resilient and battle-tested trio entering the season.

8-Hollister High – Returning 32 Points

Key Starters: Daniel Moreno (Sr.), Carson Quesada (Sr.), Lukas Lucatero (Jr.), Tanner Frisco (Sr.), Michael Hubbard (Sr.), Stephen Seymour (Sr.)

Hollister High returns 32 points and features a deep, veteran-heavy lineup anchored by a proven state-level competitor. The squad is highlighted by senior Stephen Seymour, who captured an impressive runner-up finish at the section tournament. Seymour translated that deep section run into his second career trip to the state championships, where he put together a strong 2-2 record to officially cement his status as a two-time state qualifier.

The roster is further bolstered by a strong contingent of upperclassmen who gained valuable postseason mat time. Seniors Daniel Moreno and Carson Quesada both bring crucial experience to the room after successfully picking up two hard-fought wins each at the section tournament.

Rounding out this deeply experienced group are seniors Tanner Frisco and Michael Hubbard, alongside junior Lukas Lucatero, all of whom earned their spots as section qualifiers. Together, this large group of returning postseason veterans gives Hollister High a resilient, well-rounded, and battle-tested core entering the season.

9-St. Francis – Returning 30 Points

Key Starters: Liam Leyva (So.), Hunter Luna (Jr.), Rowan Joseph (Sr.), Ryder Williams (Sr.), Mateo Jimenez (Sr.), Ricky Gaoteote (Sr.)

St. Francis returns 30 points and features a competitive lineup anchored by a pair of state-level competitors who made deep postseason runs. The squad is highlighted by junior Hunter Luna, a former freshman section finalist who battled to a fourth-place finish at the section tournament last season before advancing to the state championships, where he reached the blood round. He is joined by senior Ricky Gaoteote, who also put together a strong postseason run, finishing fourth at the section tournament and earning valuable experience as a state qualifier.

The roster is further bolstered by a solid group of returning section qualifiers who bring essential postseason mat time to the room. Seniors Rowan Joseph, Ryder Williams, and Mateo Jimenez provide crucial veteran leadership and depth for the lineup. Meanwhile, sophomore Liam Leyva looks to build upon his section tournament qualification from his freshman campaign and take the next step toward the podium. Together, this experienced group gives St. Francis a resilient foundation as they enter the new season.

10-Everett Alvarez High – Returning 27

Points Key Starters: Joseph Albert (Jr.)

Everett Alvarez High returns 27 points, anchored by a proven champion and elite postseason contender. The squad is highlighted by junior Joseph Albert, who captured a section title following an impressive trajectory that began with a fifth-place section finish as a freshman. Albert translated that section’s dominance into a deep run at the state championships, battling all the way to the state blood round to give Everett Alvarez High a battle-tested and dangerous weapon entering the season.

Honorable Mention

Mountain View High – Returning 25 Points

Key Starters: Justice Commendatore (Jr.), James Cunningham (Sr.)

Mountain View High returns 25 points and features a focused, upperclassman-led lineup anchored by a pair of proven postseason contenders. The squad is highlighted by junior Justice Commendatore, who battled to a strong fifth-place finish at the section tournament.

The roster is further bolstered by senior James Cunningham, who brings critical mat time and leadership to the room after fighting his way to a sixth-place section finish. Together, these two battle-tested returning section placers give Mountain View High a resilient and highly motivated core to build upon entering the season.

North Monterey County High – Returning 24 Points

Key Starters: Qusay Altowit (Sr.), Cristobal Mares (Jr.)

North Monterey County High returns 24 points and features a focused, upperclassman-led lineup anchored by a proven state-level competitor. The squad is highlighted by senior Qusay Altowit, who captured an impressive runner-up finish at the section tournament. Altowit translated that deep section run into earning his spot as a state qualifier, giving North Monterey County High a highly motivated, battle-tested, and dangerous weapon entering the season.

The roster is further bolstered by junior Cristobal Mares, who brings critical postseason mat time to the room after successfully earning his spot as a section qualifier. Together, these two returning upperclassmen give North Monterey County High a resilient and well-rounded core to build upon entering the season.

San Lorenzo Valley High – Returning 24 Points

Key Starters: Gabriel Attia (Sr.)

San Lorenzo Valley High returns 24 points, anchored by a proven upperclassman and highly experienced state competitor. The squad is highlighted by senior Gabriel Attia, who earned an impressive runner-up finish at the section tournament. Attia translated that deep section run into his second career trip to the state championships, where he battled to a hard-fought 1-2 record to officially become a two-time state qualifier, giving San Lorenzo Valley High a resilient, battle-tested, and dangerous leader entering the season.

Fremont High – Returning 23 Points

Key Starters: Aydan McCune (So.), Landen Squires (Jr.), Dwight Cahiga (Jr.), Marcus Brooks (Sr.), Victor Lopez Villatoro (So.), Jorge Villagomez (Sr.)

Fremont High returns 23 points and features a competitive lineup looking to make an impact behind a solid core of returning postseason competitors. The squad is highlighted by junior Landen Squires, who put together a strong run last season to secure a fifth-place finish at the section tournament.

The roster is further bolstered by a deep group of returning section qualifiers who bring valuable postseason mat time to the room. Senior veterans Marcus Brooks and Jorge Villagomez will provide crucial leadership and experience for the lineup. Meanwhile, junior Dwight Cahiga and sophomores Aydan McCune and Victor Lopez Villatoro look to build upon their section tournament qualifications from last year and take the next step toward the podium. Together, this battle-tested group gives Fremont High a resilient foundation as they enter the new season.

Capuchino High – Returning 23 Points

Key Starters: Ronin Blackner (Jr.), Jesse Chavez (Sr.), Brenden Siu (Sr.), Daniel Casemiro (Jr.), Kaua Vasconcellos (Sr.)

Capuchino High returns 23 points and features a deep, veteran-heavy lineup anchored by a proven postseason contender. The squad is highlighted by senior Jesse Chavez, who battled to a strong fifth-place finish at the section tournament. Chavez brings critical postseason mat time, leadership, and momentum to the room.

The roster is further bolstered by an experienced contingent of returning upperclassmen who gained valuable postseason experience. Senior Kaua Vasconcellos brings crucial momentum to the room after successfully picking up two hard-fought wins at the section championships. Rounding out this battle-tested core are senior Brenden Siu and juniors Ronin Blackner and Daniel Casemiro, all of whom successfully earned their spots as section qualifiers. Together, this highly experienced group gives Capuchino High a resilient, well-rounded, and highly motivated foundation to build upon entering the season.

Silver Creek High – Returning 21.5

Points Key Starters: Santos Tizoc (Jr.)

Silver Creek High returns 21.5 points, anchored by a proven upperclassman and elite postseason contender. The squad is highlighted by junior Santos Tizoc, who captured an impressive runner-up finish at the section tournament for the second consecutive year. Tizoc translated that consistent section success into a deep run at the state championships, battling his way to within a single match of reaching the state podium, giving Silver Creek High a highly motivated, battle-tested, and dangerous weapon entering the season.

Christopher High – Returning 20 Points

Key Starters: Jacob Allen (Sr.), Brandon Bruns (Sr.), Caleb Zukowski (Jr.), Dominic Marini (Sr.)

Christopher High returns 20 points and features a focused, veteran-heavy lineup anchored by a proven postseason contender. The squad is highlighted by senior Brandon Bruns, who battled to a strong fourth-place finish at the section tournament to earn his state qualification.

The roster is further bolstered by a strong contingent of upperclassmen who gained valuable postseason mat time. Seniors Jacob Allen and Dominic Marini bring crucial leadership and experience to the room, alongside junior Caleb Zukowski, all of whom successfully earned their spots as section qualifiers. Together, this deeply experienced group of returning postseason veterans gives Christopher High a resilient, well-rounded, and battle-tested core entering the season.