1A Girls
First of all, it is best to mention that even though the Region 3-1A teams are in Region 3 they will compete at the Region 2 site in Arlington.
That is where we will see the Miller Grove girls set out to capture a state championship. Last year, they tied Happy with 84 points in Round Rock, but lost the tie breaker 63>59 in the fifth place finishers placement. This year, they want to take the big trophy back to Miller Grove and that possibility will start on Monday. They have their leader Jorja Bessonett back to full strength this season after an injury delayed her season and didn't allow her to be in a great fitness level during the championship season.
Some of the best 1A teams in the state are in this region and it will not be an easy road for any of the teams to make it to state.
Girls Team Predictions:
1. Miller Grove
2. Cylde Eula
3. Saltillo
4. Lipan
Individually, the race should go to Bessonett. She is back and at full strength and if she unleashes what we saw her do at the state track meet then she might do some damage to the UTA course. In the spring, we saw Besonnett set a UIL 1A Girls 3200m state record with her 11:19.92, so watch out!
She will get some competition from Bailey Neal and Sidney Partin who have both run under 13:00 this year. Other than that, don't be surprised if we see the Bessonett show once again.
1A Boys
This is 1A running, but don't get it twisted. This could be the best race of the day in Arlington. Miller Grove, Saltillo, and Priddy will do battle and it will be exciting.
These three teams will put on a show on Monday and it's not just a race between two to three teams, these are three of the best 1A teams in the state. Miller Grove is so good that if they are on their game, they could be the blow this race open. Saltillo is good and they're a tough team that they make it difficult to blow anything wide open.
Boys Team Predictions:
1. Miller Grove
2. Saltillo
3. Priddy
4. Slidell
This will be a three man race and what a race it will be. Miller Grove has two of the best in Isaiah Billingsley and Kobe Robertson. They have both experienced injuries over the last two years, but if healthy, they can both win the state title. They're strong, fast, and aggressive runners who want to win as a team, but you've got to know they both want to be number one as well.
Garrett Tarver is a tough and talented kid. He knows what he is going up against with the two MG runners, but he won't really care. He believes in himself and if you've seen him run, you know he is a runner hard to drop because he just won't let go. This race will be GOOD!