Somerset secures state wrestling title; Douglas’ Caro goes out on top again
KISSIMMEE
Six wrestlers were representing Broward County with the opportunity to call themselves champions at the FHSAA state wrestling championships at the Silver Spurs Arena on Saturday.
When the evening was complete, Broward had six individual champions and one state team title.
Jovani Solis, an eighth grader from Somerset Academy, completed a stellar undefeated season with a 11-4 victory over Johnathan Moder of Naples First Baptist at 132pounds, finishing with a 63-0 season.
His victory, plus two other teammates in championships matches led Somerset to the Class 1A title. It was Panthers first title since 2021. Those wins helped surpass Mater Lakes, who led entering the championship finals.
“I’ve got to say I’ve had some great ones over the years, and he’s the best I’ve ever seen,” Somerset coach Joe Biasucci said. “He’s dynamic and he told me last year he would never lose another match and that’s what he has done.”
Solis was clearly the better wrestler on the mat on Saturday as he was in all his four matches leading to the title.
“I put in all the hard work and I had dreams,” said Solis. “I had the dedication that made the me the person I am now.”
Kendrick Hodge (55-3) pinned Jason Simmons Cardinal Gibbons at 3:30 to win the 165-pound title.
Jake Austin (55-4) at 113 pounds gave Somerset the boost needed to stay within striking distance of the Class 1A title with an 8-4 victory over Topher Pearson of Live Oak Suwannee.
His victory moved the Panthers to within 5.5 points at Mater Lakes lead.
Early in the first round Austin led only 3-2 after a slow start but would control the match from there by staying on top of his opponent and putting him on the defense.
Sophomore Michael Mocco of Cardinal Gibbons became a two-time state champion with a dominating victory over Damian Soto of Mater Lakes 22-7.
That win also helped Somerset to the team title since it cost the Bears valuable points.
“It’s OK, it feels good.” said Mocco shortly after the victory. “I wish I had done better. My speed and low level attacking was the difference.”
His win also keeps Mocco (41-2) in line to equal the school record of four consecutive individual championships held by Jonathan Taylor from 2000-03.
Michael’s brother, Peter Mocco (17-0) of Coral Springs Charter also won a state title, defeating Jeremiah Chavis of Zephyrhills Christian by pin at 5:03.
“I feel really good, it’s amazing,” said Peter Mocco about the victory. “I used all my strength for pin.”
DOUGLAS’ CARO CAPS HISTORIC CAREER
It took a full three rounds for Gabriela Caro of Douglas High to solidify herself as the top female wrestler of all time in Broward County.
The senior cemented that claim with a 3-0 victory over Rachel Silva of Florida Christian for the 130-pound title. She had pinned Silva in her regional final.
When the match was complete Caro (21-0) ended her high school wrestling career with three state championship match appearances and back-to-back titles.
‘‘Fantastic, wonderful, amazing and great,” said Caro of winning another championship. “We’ve wrestled a couple of times and she is a great opponent.”
But when the match was complete, Caro removed her wrestling shoes and said: “This is the end of my wrestling career.”
Her three-year wrestling career at Douglas can never be matched for future female wrestlers at the school as she was the first in school history to compete in three state championship matches in the first three years of the FHSAA held the tournament. Last week, she officially announced she will be attending the University of Central Florida.
RESULTS CLASS 2A BOYS
Team scores: 1. Jesuit 201; Lake Gibson 146.5; 25. Dillard 19.5; 26. Miramar 17.0.
Consolation results — 215: Cody (Middleberg) p. Emile (Dillard) 1:38.
CLASS 1A BOYS
Team scores: 1. Somerset 156.5; 2. Mater Lakes 152.0; 6. Cardinal Gibbons 89.5; 12. Coral Springs Charter 36.0.
Championship results — 113: Jake Austin (SOM) d. Topher Pearson (SUWA) 18-4; 132: Jovani Solis (SOM) d. Jonathan Moder (FBN) 11-4; 165: Kendrick Hodge (SOM) p. Jason Simmons (CG) 3:30; 190: Peter Mocco (CSC) p. Jeremiah Chavis (ZCS) 5:03; 215: Michael Mocco (CG) d. Damian Soto (MLA) 22-7.
Consolation results — 120: Gonzales (Somerset) d. Redden (Booker) 11-5; 144: Florio (Cardinal Gibbons) d. Misciagno (Fernandina Beach) 6-0; 150: Picallo (Cardinal Gibbons) d. Bellon (Somerset) 5-4; 175: Perez (Somerset) d. Sweitzer (Bishop Verot) 4-2.
GIRLS’ TEAM
1. Hernando 104.5; 2. Flagler Palm Coast 84.0; 27. Douglas 26.
Championship results — 130: Gabriela Caro (Douglas) d. Rachel Silva (Florida Christian) 3-0.