The mat wars across the Sac-Joaquin Section are set to reach a fever pitch, and the returning data offers an unfiltered look at who holds the early cards. Built entirely on points scored at last season’s section tournament—stripping away incoming freshmen and offseason transfers to establish a purely objective, data-driven baseline—these projections reveal a fierce hierarchy across the region. As winter approaches, the race for section supremacy is wide open, with battle-tested powerhouses and rising contenders reloading for what promises to be an unforgettable campaign.

1-Central Catholic High – Returning 143.5 Points

Key Starters: Leonidas Agtarap (Sop), Noah Espinoza (Sop), Eliazar Valdez (Sr), Angel Nguyen (Sop), Barrett Silva (Jr), Jonah (Helo) Blackwell (Jr), Sean Griffin (Jr), Colton Gonzalez (Sr), Cole Collins (Sr), Eli Swartz (Jr)

Central Catholic High returns 143.5 points and features a formidable lineup anchored by a trio of dominant section medalists and state qualifiers. The squad is led by upperclassmen Eliazar Valdez and Sean Griffin, with Valdez capturing the section tournament title last season before advancing to compete at the state championships, and Griffin securing a stellar runner-up section finish alongside valuable state mat time. They are joined by Jonah Blackwell, who put together a strong postseason run to finish fourth at the section tournament and earn his second career trip to the state championships.

The roster is further bolstered by returning standouts who will be squarely in the mix to make deep postseason runs. Eli Swartz returns after securing his second consecutive state qualification following a fourth-place section finish and a 2-2 run at the state tournament. Young talent also adds immense depth, highlighted by sophomores Angel Nguyen and Noah Espinoza, who placed seventh and eighth respectively at the section tournament in their debut campaigns, alongside freshman quarterfinalist Leonidas Agtarap.

Rounding out this battle-tested group are returning section contributors Barrett Silva (7th place), Colton Gonzalez (8th place), and section qualifier Cole Collins, giving Central Catholic High a loaded, deeply experienced core entering the year as they look to assert their dominance.

2-Oakdale High – Returning 122.5 Points

Key Starters: Grant Dixon (Sop), Michaelangelo DeLeon (Sr), Avery Jones (Sr), Zeke Meza (Sop), Israel Mercado (Jr), Griffin Gerber (Jr), Xander Birakos (Sr), Matthew Cooley (Sr)

Oakdale High returns 122.5 points and features a competitive, upperclassman-heavy lineup anchored by a proven state-level competitor. The squad is highlighted by junior Griffin Gerber, who battled to a fifth-place finish at the section tournament to secure his state qualification. The roster is further bolstered by a strong contingent of veterans who made deep postseason runs. Seniors Michaelangelo DeLeon and Israel Mercado both fought their way to sixth place finishes at the section tournament, narrowly missing the state cut in fiercely contested brackets.

Leading the charge for the upperclassmen is senior Matthew Cooley. After finishing as a section runner-up as a sophomore, Cooley triumphed in claiming his first section title and went on to reach the CIF state podium by placing 3rd. His standout performance establishes him as one of the favorites this season to capture an individual state title for Oakdale.

Rounding out this deeply experienced group are returning section placers Grant Dixon (7th place) and Avery Jones (8th place), alongside section qualifier Zeke Meza and senior Xander Birakos. Together, this battle-tested core gives Oakdale High a resilient, well-rounded foundation entering the season.

3-Del Oro High – Returning 104.5 Points

Key Starters: Benson Tanner (Jr), Declan Leonard (Sr), Nate Mitchell (Sr), Eli Berry (Sr), Cooper Sheesley (Sr), Chase Young (Jr), Jase Gervacio (Sop)

Del Oro High returns 104.5 points and features a formidable, battle-tested lineup anchored by a core of upperclassmen who made deep postseason runs. The squad is led by Cooper Sheesley, who captured a section title last season, and three-time state qualifier Nate Mitchell, who battled to a third-place section finish and picked up three wins at the state championships. They are joined by senior Declan Leonard, who punched his ticket to the state tournament for the second consecutive year.

The roster is further bolstered by a deep group of postseason threats, including junior Chase Young, who secured a fourth-place section finish to become a two-time state qualifier before exploding as a bracket-buster to place eighth at the state tournament. Benson Tanner also adds high-level experience after narrowly missing state qualification with a fifth-place section finish.

Rounding out this loaded group are Eli Berry and sophomore heavyweight Jase Gervacio, both bringing crucial postseason mat time to the room and giving Del Oro High a deeply experienced and dangerous core entering the new year.

4-Elk Grove – Returning 77.5 Points

Key Starters: Isaiah Gonzaga (Sr), Kayleb Chao (Sr), Jovani Sandoval (Jr), CJ Lopez (Jr), Jimmy Jimenez (Sop), Jake Hocker (Jr), Julien Brillantes (Jr), Brody Macdonald (Jr), Roman Baganz (Jr)

Elk Grove returns 77.5 points and features a deep, competitive lineup anchored by a strong group of state qualifiers and section medalists. The squad is highlighted by senior Isaiah Gonzaga, who captured an impressive section title after taking third as a sophomore, translating that momentum into a hard-fought 2-2 record at the state tournament. He is joined by fellow senior Kayleb Chao and junior Jovani Sandoval, who both secured fourth place finishes at the section tournament to punch their tickets to the state championships.

The roster is further bolstered by returning state-level competitor C.J. Lopez, who put together a strong run to pick up three wins at the section tournament. Brody Macdonald also adds vital postseason experience after grinding out a pair of wins at the section championships.

Rounding out this experienced group is a solid core of returning section qualifiers and competitors, including Jimmy Jimenez, Jake Hocker, Julien Brillantes, and Roman Baganz, all of whom bring crucial depth and veteran leadership to the room as Elk Grove aims for a powerful season.

5-Folsom High – Returning 77 Points

Key Starters: Nox Cruzat (Sop), Orion Hill (Sr), Phuc Nguyen (Sr), Chidubem Mmagu (Jr), Rocky Ortiz (Sop), Colin Graham (Jr)

Folsom High returns 77 points and features a competitive lineup anchored by a strong group of post-season standouts and multi-time state competitors. The squad is highlighted by senior Orion Hill, who captured his second section title and clinched his third trip to the state tournament, where he placed sixth to officially become a two-time state place winner. Adding crucial high-level experience is sophomore Nox Cruzat, who made massive waves as a freshman by capturing section runner-up honors and advancing to the state tournament.

The roster is further bolstered by sophomore Rocky Ortiz, who showcased his immense potential by putting up three wins in the 215-pound bracket at the section tournament as a freshman.

Rounding out this battle-tested group are Phuc Nguyen, Chidubem Mmagu, and Colin Graham, all of whom bring essential postseason mat time and match wins to the room, giving Folsom High a solid and experienced core as they look to make a significant impact this season.

6-Vacaville High – Returning 70.5 Points

Key Starters: Eli Mayer (Sr), Gabe Martinez (Jr), Brett Crowley (Sr), Jack Giangrasso (Sr), Damian Garcia (Jr), Gabe Ingraham (Sr), Aiden Yanez (Sop)

Vacaville High returns 70.5 points and features a deep, veteran-heavy lineup driven by a pair of proven state qualifiers. The squad is highlighted by seniors Jack Giangrasso and Eli Mayer, who both earned their trips to the state championships after gritty fifth place finishes at the section tournament.

The roster is further bolstered by a strong group of upperclassmen and rising talents who gained crucial postseason experience. Brett Crowley brings momentum to the room after placing eighth at sections and positioning himself to make the jump to state, while sophomore Aiden Yanez turned heads as a freshman by wrestling to a 3-2 record at 215 pounds during the section tournament.

Rounding out this highly experienced group are Damian Garcia, Gabe Martinez, and Gabe Ingraham, all of whom picked up valuable match wins at the section tournament, giving Vacaville High a well-rounded and battle-tested core entering the season.

7-St. Mary’s High – Returning 67 Points

Key Starters: Cody Holtberg (Jr), Titus Khamjoi (Sr), Joseph Sarafin (Sop), Maddex Stipe (Sop), Mehtaab Bhangu (Sr)

St. Mary’s High returns 67 points and features a focused, veteran-led lineup anchored by a trio of state-level competitors. The squad is highlighted by senior Titus Khamjoi, who broke through after two seasons of falling just short by capturing an impressive third-place finish at the section tournament and advancing to the state championships. He is joined by senior Mehtaab Bhangu, who punched his first career ticket to state with a fifth-place section finish and a 2-2 record at the big dance, alongside junior Cody Holtberg, who placed fourth at sections.

The roster is further bolstered by rising sophomore Joseph Sarafin, who made huge strides last season by advancing to the quarterfinal round of the section tournament as a freshman.

Rounding out this competitive core is returning section qualifier Maddex Stipe, giving St. Mary’s High a resilient and battle-tested group of foundational contributors entering the season.

8-Bella Vista High – Returning 49.5 Points

Key Starters: David Nguyen (Sop), Aristoteles Gordon (Sop), Matthew Powers (Jr), Elias Castaneda (Sr), Richard Mujagic (Sop), William Hedrick (Sr)

Bella Vista High returns 49.5 points and features a deep, veteran-heavy lineup anchored by a proven state-level podium finisher. The squad is highlighted by senior Elias Castaneda, who captured his first section title after placing fifth as a sophomore and capped off his stellar run by finishing on the state podium in sixth place.

The roster is further bolstered by a strong contingent of upperclassmen and underclassmen who gained valuable postseason mat time. Matthew Powers put together a strong tournament with three wins at sections, while sophomore Aristoteles Gordon made an impressive splash by advancing to the quarterfinal round as a freshman.

Rounding out this deeply experienced group are David Nguyen, Richard Mujagic, and section qualifier William Hedrick, giving Bella Vista High a resilient, well-rounded, and battle-tested core entering the season.

9-Whitney High – Returning 48 Points

Key Starters: Luke Harris (Jr), Justin Giard (Sr), Theodore Young (Sr), Ryder Dewan (Jr)

Whitney High returns 48 points and features a competitive lineup anchored by an elite state-level competitor. The squad is highlighted by senior Theodore Young, who earned his second consecutive state qualification by finishing as the section runner-up.

The roster is further bolstered by junior Luke Harris, who put together a solid 3-2 performance at the section tournament, and senior Justin Giard, who narrowly missed a state berth after battling to a strong sixth-place finish at sections.

Rounding out this experienced group is junior Ryder Dewan, who added crucial match wins by finishing 2-2 at the section tournament, giving Whitney High a resilient foundation as they enter the new season.

10-Ponderosa – Returning 43 Points

Key Starters: London Gutierrez (Jr), Cooper Carling (Sop), Michael Hall (Jr), Xavier Kimbrough (Sop), Cole O`Brien (Jr), Dan Monier (Sr), Max Campbell (Jr)

Ponderosa returns 43 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 Michael Hall, who put together a strong tournament with three wins at sections, and senior Dan Monier, who battled to a seventh-place section finish.

The roster is further bolstered by a promising group of underclassmen who made early noise, including sophomore Cooper Carling and junior London Gutierrez, both of whom advanced to the quarterfinal round of the section tournament, with Carling achieving the feat as a true freshman. Cole O’Brien also added valuable experience, finishing just a match away from state qualification in sixth place.

Rounding out this battle-tested group is Xavier Kimbrough and Max Campbell, giving Ponderosa a resilient foundation of depth as they enter the new season.

Honorable Mention

Los Banos High – Returning 36.5 Points

Key Starters: Arthur Fernandez (Sop), Michael Coelho (Sr), Isis Villagrana (Sr), Luke Borelli (Jr)

Los Banos High returns 36.5 points and features a competitive lineup anchored by a pair of proven state-level competitors. The squad is highlighted by junior Luke Borelli, who put together a phenomenal run by placing fourth at the section tournament to punch his ticket to the state championships, where he gained valuable experience with a hard-fought match win. He is joined by senior Michael Coelho, who also secured his state qualification after battling to a strong fifth-place finish at sections.

The roster is further bolstered by sophomore Arthur Fernandez, who gained essential postseason mat time by picking up a win at the section tournament during his freshman campaign, alongside section qualifier Isis Villagrana. Together, this battle-tested core gives Los Banos High a resilient foundation entering the season.

Lincoln High (Stockton) – Returning 35 Points

Key Starters: Logan Her (Jr), Darien Respicio (Jr), Phoenix Leyva (Jr), Ryan Lew (Sr), Lamar Smith (Sr), Kyle Munoz (Sr)

Lincoln High returns 35 points and features a deep, veteran-heavy lineup anchored by a pair of tough section placers. The squad is highlighted by senior Ryan Lew and senior Kyle Munoz, who both showcased their grit by battling to eighth-place finishes at a fiercely contested section tournament.

The roster is further bolstered by a strong contingent of upperclassmen who gained crucial postseason mat time. Junior Logan Her made an impressive push by advancing to the quarterfinal round of the section tournament, while fellow juniors Darien Respicio and Phoenix Leyva each put together solid 2-2 performances at sections.

Rounding out this experienced group is section qualifier Lamar Smith, giving Lincoln High a well-rounded and deeply motivated core to build upon as they enter the new year.

Placer High – Returning 28 Points

Key Starters: Desmond Ivaldi (Jr), Trey Hankins (Sop), Steven Frink (Jr), Riley Nilsen (Sr)

Placer High returns 28 points and features a focused, competitive lineup anchored by a pair of strong upperclassmen who made deep postseason pushes. The squad is highlighted by junior Steven Frink, who fought his way to a sixth-place finish at the section tournament, finishing just a single match away from punching his ticket to the state championships.

The roster is further bolstered by senior Riley Nilsen, who brought veteran leadership and high-level grit to the mat by advancing to the quarterfinal round of the section tournament.

Rounding out this battle-tested group are junior Desmond Ivaldi, who put together a strong 3-2 record at sections, and sophomore Trey Hankins, who gained valuable postseason experience with a match win, giving Placer High a resilient core entering the season.

Sutter Union High – Returning 24.5 Points

Key Starters: Phoenix Clarke (Sr), Declan Shea (Jr)

Sutter Union High returns 24.5 points and features a tough, battle-tested lineup anchored by an elite state-level competitor. The squad is highlighted by junior Declan Shea, who put together a stellar postseason run to place third at the section tournament, successfully earning his trip to compete at the state championships.

The roster is further bolstered by senior Phoenix Clarke, who brings valuable postseason mat time and grit to the room after picking up a hard-fought match win at the section tournament. Though historically a powerhouse out of the Northern Section—where they twice captured the prestigious section team title—Sutter Union demonstrated last season by finishing ninth in the Sac-Joaquin Section standings that their trademark toughness travels anywhere, giving them a dangerous foundation heading into the winter.

Oak Ridge High – Returning 23 Points

Key Starters: Bradley Zamora (So.), Lucas Van Velzer (Jr.), Bryce Birkett (Sr.), Noah Gleichenhaus (Jr.), Blake Meggers (Sr.)

Oak Ridge High returns a solid 23 points, bringing back a deep and well-rounded roster that features a mix of battle-tested upperclassmen and promising young talent. The lineup is anchored by senior Blake Meggers, who brings valuable podium experience after battling his way to a seventh-place finish at the section tournament last year.

The veteran core is further bolstered by senior Bryce Birkett alongside a pair of juniors, Lucas Van Velzer and Noah Gleichenhaus. Both Van Velzer and Gleichenhaus gained crucial late-season mat time, each picking up a hard-fought victory to finish 1-2 during the section qualifying rounds.

Rounding out this experienced group is sophomore Bradley Zamora, who showcased his high upside by qualifying for the section tournament as a true freshman. Together, this deep returning core will look to build upon last year’s postseason experience and push for an even stronger team finish this season.

El Dorado High – Returning 23 Points

Key Starters: Isaak Villasenor (Sr), Dennis Warden (Sr), Austin Girardin (Sr)

El Dorado High returns 23 points and features a focused, veteran-led lineup anchored by a tough trio of upperclassmen. The squad is highlighted by senior Isaak Villasenor, who put together a strong tournament performance by wrestling his way to a 3-2 record at the section championships.

The roster is further bolstered by senior Dennis Warden, who demonstrated his grit by battling to a seventh-place finish at the section tournament.

Rounding out this competitive core is senior Austin Girardin, who added crucial postseason experience by advancing to the quarterfinal round of the section tournament, giving El Dorado High a resilient and motivated foundation to build upon.

Chavez High – Returning 23 Points

Key Starters: Frank Fuentes (Sr)

Chavez High returns 23 points, anchored by a proven state-level competitor and elite postseason contender. The squad is highlighted by senior Frank Fuentes, who put together a phenomenal run at the section tournament to capture a third-place finish and punch his ticket to the state championships. Fuentes translated that momentum into an impressive 3-2 performance at the big dance, giving Chavez High a battle-tested and dangerous weapon entering the season.

Turlock High – Returning 22 Points

Key Starters: Hunter Smith (Jr), Cole Cronon (Sr), Jayden Perez (Sr), Shane Petty (Sr), Mattius Gonzalez (Jr), Conner Ashbaugh (Sr), Freddy Luna (Sr)

Turlock High returns 22 points and features a deep, veteran-heavy lineup anchored by a proven state-level qualifier. The squad is highlighted by senior Cole Cronon, who established a remarkable trend of consistency by advancing to the quarterfinal round of the section tournament for two consecutive years before breaking through this past season with a fourth-place finish to punch his ticket to the state championships.

The roster is further bolstered by senior Shane Petty, who put together a solid 2-2 performance at the section tournament, alongside Jayden Perez and Freddy Luna, who both gained valuable mat time with section wins.

Rounding out this battle-tested group are Hunter Smith, Mattius Gonzalez, and Conner Ashbaugh, all returning section qualifiers who give Turlock High a well-rounded and resilient core entering the season.

Grace Davis High – Returning 22 Points

Key Starters: Matthew Ratteree (Sr), Gabriel Champagne (Jr)

Grace Davis High returns 22 points and features a competitive lineup anchored by a rising upperclassman star. The squad is highlighted by junior Gabriel Champagne, who put together a brilliant postseason run by placing fourth at the section tournament and successfully advancing to compete at the state championships.

The roster is further bolstered by senior Matthew Ratteree, who brings essential postseason mat time and match experience to the room after picking up a win at the section tournament. Together, this dynamic duo gives Grace Davis High a compact, highly motivated foundation as they enter the new season.