THE WOODLANDS (6A Boys)
The Woodlands boys will be shooting for their third straight 6A title. They have won the last two state titles in dominating fashion. In fact, if you add The Woodlands (TWHS) scores from both of their 2015 (24) and 2016 (50) wins they would still score less than the second place teams in both years.
This year, things will be way more challenging. Graduation has hit TWHS hard, but if anyone can absorb graduation hits, they are definitely one of those programs. TWHS always has the talent and the depth, but several teams are in the same boat this year. The 6A road this year has a lot of players who can get in the team race and there is no real breakaway team.
With the tradition and usual expectation to win, they should extend their streak. However, TWHS has an extra motivational reason to win. Over the summer, THWS 2016 graduate and teammate Tanner Noble passed away. TWHS season is dedicated to honor their teammate and they are running for Noble this season. They have yet to lose a meet and they hope to three-peat.
Who could spoil the three-peat? Well, like it was pointed out, there is no shortage of challengers. El Paso Eastwood recently emerged as a serious contender and then there is Flower Mound who has been on fire all season. With the emergence of a possible All-American #2 guy, Flower Mound could finally get off the #3 spot that they've finished in the last two years. Oh, and there is the ever present Southlake Carroll. When isn't SLC in the hunt to win it all? For TWHS, the odds are in their favor even against the field.
St John's (SPC Boys)
Houston St. John's is going for their fourth consecutive title this year. St. Johns has looked unstoppable for the last several years. This is an impressive streak, but it isn't something new to St. John's running. They have had a few streaks in the past as well. Back in the 70s, from 1974-1979, they won six straight SPC boys cross country titles. If you think that is impressive, the girls had an even longer streak. From 1997-2003, their girls won seven straight cross country titles. The track streak is another story as they actually won a whole decade and more. Yep, they won track titles from 1976-1988, count them up...that's 13 straight. Nevertheless, the current streak is still impactful because it's the current and the right now.
Will this season be number four for St. John's? If it is to be so, it won't be without obstacles. Dallas St. Marks and Austin St Stephens will provide the challenges as both are very quality level teams. The race at state will come down to the #4-5 runners.