The Flower Mound (FM) boys have been one of the top 6A teams for the last two seasons. They finished third place each of the last two years at the UIL 6A state meet. This year, they look for more than a third place medal. This could be the year they get the top spot.
FM has been riding the success of their All-American runner, Alex Maier? This year, third place is not quite what the guys have in mind. They definitely want to get over the hump and get a team trophy, and the first place trophy preferably.
Not only did FM finish third the last two seasons, but the same two teams beat them both seasons. The Woodlands (TWHS) won the title in both years and Southlake Carroll (SLC) took second place both years as well. Both teams are back and they both have the same goal as FM, and that is to win the 2017 state title.
This FM team is different than the last two years though and so are the TWHS and SLC teams. Both TWHS and SLC have lost key members to their success and are replacing some of their top seven slots while the majority of the FM team returns and they are much improved.
The reason for optimism and realistic thoughts of a title for FM are partly due to the emergence of Jarrett Kirk. Kirk has made the same sophomore jump that Maier did last season. Last year, Kirk was a solid runner as a freshman, but he wasn't a part of the seven man team that ran at state. This season, he has turned his game around. He has gone from a 17:01 PR to now running a 15:12 PR good for #8 in the state and #5 in 6A. Kirk's slowest time of the season is an astonishing 15:42, which shows his progression from last year and his consistency throughout this season.
With a 1-2 tandem of Maier and Kirk at each meet, it is hard for teams to overcome the minimum amount of points those guys bring to the team. Not only is it one of the best tandems in Texas, but they are one of the best tandems nationally.
The Challengers
Is that enough to leap frog over TWHS and SLC? As mentioned, both of those squad lost quite a bit over the last year and FM returns a group of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Not many of the current TWHS and SLC rosters ran at state for them, but that never makes a difference for them. Both squads have the' "Next Man Up" mantra. They programs develop their runners so that when it's their turn on the big stage, they perform.
SLC has been impressive all season. They started off on a high note and have continued their hot and consistent running. They even travelled out to California to run a fast three mile race at one of the fastest courses on the country.
TWHS has had an unusual season. Their practices and competitions were effected by Hurricane Harvey, but they have recently found their groove.
Not only will FM have to deal with TWHS and SLC, but the top of 6A is kind of over crowded. There seems to be a legit six team race forming up to race for a state title.
East wood has made a recent claim for a legitimate shot at the crown. They ran a spectacular race at the Desert Twilight XC Festival in Arizona a few weeks ago. They ran a team average of 15:31 and they had an impressive 37.50 split.
Average Time: 15:31.72 Total Time: 1:17:38.60 1-5 Split: 37.50 |
Perhaps the team that is a total surprise is Klein. They have come out of nowhere to give themselves a legitimate shot. They have an impressive 15:55 team average and a 39.80 split to go with it. With a group of young guys that nobody knows Klein is set out to change that.
Average Time: 15:55.56 Total Time: 1:19:37.80 1-5 Split: 39.80 |
The Woodlands College Park was one of the teams from the South to earn a spot at NXN last year. They totally bombed at the 6A state meet last season and they would like nothing more than to show the state they can still run.
Average Time: 16:03.24 Total Time: 1:20:16.20 1-5 Split: 25.00 |
The Key
Last week at the Nike South Invitational Maier and Jarrett ran 1-2 against an impressive field. They outran TWHS and College Park's (CP) entire team. However, TWHS won the meet with 38 points and CP placed second with 81 points ahead of FM by 16 points. The 3-5 spots are going to be critical for FM's success if they want to win the title.
The third spot has been held down by senior Carter Moates. His 15:44 PR is a good sign and a good fit, but he hasn't ran that fast since. He his progression arrow is pointing down as he has a 16:51 and 16:12 (Nike South) for his last two outings. There is optimism, as Moates has run fast this year at the big meets. At the four spot, sophomore Johnathan Flint looks good with a 16:02 and he wasn't even in the top seven last year. Like Moates, after running his PR, his last two races have been significantly slower. Optimistically, Flint's fastest time last year (16:05) came at state and that could bode well for the team if he is able to PR again at this year's state meet.
Along with sewing up the 3-5 spots, FM will need to pull the split together some. Their 1-5 split average is 1:18. Part of that comes from having their top two runners performing at an elite level, but as shown above, Eastwood, Klein, and CP all have sub 40 second splits. TWHS has a 33.8 split and SLC has an awesome 17 second split. When these other teams come in they really come pouring across the finish line putting more pressure for FM to be good at the 3-5 spots.
Yes, FM recently dropped a head to head matchup with TWHS and CP. Yes, their progression across the board has been declining in the last several weeks. However, these guys are good and they are a determined group of runners. The FM coaching staff has already proven that they can push the right buttons to peak and get progress out of them when it matters. Don't be surprised if they peak and get faster for both regionals and state.
Flower Mound will compete at the UIL District 5-6A meet this Saturday at Bob Jones Park in Southlake, Texas. That is when their road to the state meet and beyond really starts. Are they the real deal? We will soon find out.
District 5-6A Virtual Meet: The Toughest District In The State