State Championship Boys 6-A Preview
Why: The Woodlands are the two time defending champions. They have been impressive all season long. They have rebuilt nicely and they are as prepared for this state meet as they are every year. They have a 15:46 team average and a 25 second split. El Paso Eastwood is having a spectacular year and they are looking for it to end up in a state championship. They won the Desert Twilight XC Festival and then they won the Region of Doom over the the state's best teams except for The Woodlands. Flower Mound is dangerous and have the best 1-2 punch in the state. We will have to wait a see if they have enough to climb off the third place spot of the awards stand that they've been on the last two years. Are they a year away from the top spot or is this the year? Southlake Carroll jumped out of the gates strong and fast at the beginning of the year. They hit a little lull at Region I, but they were still able to qualify and that is all they really needed to do. That was then and this is now, if you think they are out of it, I encourage you to think again as Southlake Carroll is never out of it.
One thing to watch out for is the emotional incentive for The Woodlands. One of their teammates passed away over the summer and it hit the team, school, and the community hard. This year has been dedicated to Tanner Noble and the state meet is not an exception. They unveil some new uniforms to continue their dedication to Noble and they will no doubt be running to honor his life and his memory.
Individuals: There are over 100 6A boys who have run under sixteen minutes. Hint hint, this will not be a race for the passive runner. The pace should carry any and everybody to a PR. There is no doubt that ALEX MAIER is the favorite he is last year's runner-up and has been the top UIL runner all season long. But, wait a minute, don't tell that to WES MCPHAIL! McPhail has said it on day one of the season that he doesn't want it to be where Maier goes unchallenged. At Region I, he definitely gave Maier a challenge. Is it possible he gets bolder and really runs with nothing to lose. This season is already a win for McPhail as he was injured just days after his first meet of the season and was out for over a month. Sophomore JARRETT KIRK has emerged as one of the top runners in the state and he will be looking to make it a Flower Mound 1-2 sweep and low point for the team. Also looking to low point for their team will be Eastwood leaders ANTHONY MOLINA and GABRIEL ARMIJO. Other top runners who will be in a chase pack and have hopes for a win are ADAM DAYANI, HAFTU KNIGHT, and GAVIN HOFFPAUIR.
This should be Maier's race to lose, but this field is loaded with tons of talented runner and it will be a dandy!