PRESCOTT — Having claimed a Division III state championship a year ago, wrestling powerhouse Sahuarita is ready to make another go of it in 2023, but other grappling kings like ALA-Gilbert, Mica Mountain, Safford and even Walden Grove may have something to say about that before it’s all said and done.

THE FAVORITE

The Mustangs scored 160.5 points to take home the team title a season ago, just outlasting Walden Grove’s 144 points, while ALA-Gilbert North was a distant third at 122.5.

Sahuarita returns three state champion wrestlers in Gabriel Gallardo (150 lbs.), Sergio Pena (144 lbs.) and Julian Prieto (157 lbs.) to go along with 138-pound two-time state finalist Christian Lopez and medalists Daniel Geurrero (106 lbs.), Justin Fox (120 lbs.) and Isaiah Miller (132 lbs.).

Geurrero, Lopez, Gallardo and 113-pound Sebastian Serrano all claimed a section championship in their respective weight classes last weekend.

“We believe we will be competing for the team championship,” Sahuartia head coach Paul Vasquez said.

The Walden Grove wrestling team poses for a photo earlier this season. Walden Grove aims to challenge Sahuarita for a title this season. (Victor Gonzalez, Walden Grove Athletics/Courtesy)

THE CHALLENGER

Walden Grove head coach Victor Gonzalez conceded that Sahuartia is the favorite to win a Division III state crown this month, but he’s hoping his kids have something to say about it.

“We have worked extremely hard this entire year to give ourselves a shot this coming weekend and it’s up to us to make the most of it,” Gonzalez said. “We are hoping to make a run and contend for the team state title.”

The Red Wolves will do it with four outstanding grapplers in Zack Bates (120 lbs.), Pedro Mendoza (126 lbs.), Enzo Morales (144 lbs.) and Esteban Carrillo (157 lbs.).

THE DARK HORSE

Poston Butte’s 12th place finish at state a season ago with 54 points was only the beginning of their ascension in Division III wrestling.

Last weekend, Poston Butte claimed the Division III-Section II team title with three section champs and two runner ups.

Andrew Williams at 106 pounds, Shevy Landis at 126 and Armando Herring at 144 all claimed a Section II title Feb. 11.

Joshua Furman (157 lbs.) and Robert Gaitan (215 lbs) were runner up.

“Poston Butte’s team goal is to finish in the Top 5 at the Division III state tournament next weekend after a great showing at sectionals,” Poston Butte head coach Traston Yates said.

It is the first time Poston Butte won a section title in school history, and have qualified 10 grapplers for state competition.

The Poston Butte wrestling team won the Division III-Section II crown Feb. 11, 2023, and have qualified 10 grapplers for the Division III State Championships. (Traston Yates, Poston Butte Athletics/Courtesy)

OTHERS TO WATCH

Although they may not have a wrestler in every weight class come Feb. 16 at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Coconino has four grapplers ready to battle anyone that comes their way.

Cooper French (165 lbs.), Reed Merrell (175 lbs), Bridger French (150 lbs.) and Nolan Wilson (132 lbs.) were all section finalists this season.

“My expectations are the same as every year – bring the best possible version of ourselves and compete with the best in the state,” Coconino head coach Mike Schmieder said.

AND DON’T FORGET

Don’t sleep on Yuma, which finished ninth overall a season ago with 67.5 points and is back in 2023.

Led by Sabian Russell, who just won sectionals at 132 pounds, making him a three-time section champ, Yuma has a few others to watch out for.

Joseph Bowen was state runner up in the heavyweight class a season ago, while Raymond Nunez (150 lbs.) is expected to place at state.

For a full bracket at each weight class, click here.

STATE MEET INFO

The Division III state meet is scheduled to take place Thursday, Feb. 16, through Saturday, Feb. 18, at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1826 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. For more information, visit azpreps365.com.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.