4A
Girls
Individual: Adele Clarke, Ayanna Donwerth, Lily Jacobs, Jaci McGregor, Breanna Stuart, Zaila Smith, Abigail Bass
There will be a new individual state champion crowned tomorrow for the 4A girls race since Anna Casey deciding not to run for her team (Llano) the rest of the season.
Like the 4A boys, the girls are loaded with outstanding runners and it could be anyone's race. However, last year's runner-up to Casey was Stuart. She should be considered the favorite coming in. Last year's race between the two came down to a final straightaway sprint, plus, with how she ran during track season, capping off her freshman year with two state titles in Austin, she will be hard to beat.
There are plenty of young runners to challenge her though. Clarke, Jacobs, McGregor are also All-State runners and they can run and their eyes are on the top spot as well. Smith and Bass are two very capable freshmen who will probably be in the lead pack if their regional meet races are indicative of their racing styles.
Then there is Donwerth who transferred to Liberty Hill from nearby Leander. Donwerth was a state qualifier in 5A and was accustomed to the 5K. Now, the junior is eating the 2 mile distance like cake. She will challenge for the win.
Sleeper: Emily Garcia
The two time 4A state champion is back. She missed all of last season to a knee injury and has used the season to get her bearings and her fitness back to top notch. She won the Region 3 race and could return to reclaim her crown. It would not be wise to overlook the young lady who won state as a freshman and sophomore.
Teams: Canyon, Hereford, Celina, Argyle, Decatur
Can anyone beat Canyon? They dominated the state meet, dominated the track season and they are back to do it all again. Hereford and Argyle made Canyon look over their shoulder at Region 1, but they were still 40 plus points behind. Decatur had run well all year and want to take another trophy home this year.
Can Celina break up the Region 1 reunion? They continued to dominate Region 2 and they have a legit low stick with Clarke leading the way.
Sleeper: Liberty Hill
Liberty Hill is always pretty good. However, add receiving two incoming runners like Donwerth and Smith in the same year, that will catapult you among the state's best. They have two girls who will get individual honors. That can help them upset the favorites.
Boys
Individual: Judson Greer, Edwin Gomez, Samuel Ashley, Kalen Barlow, Orlando Oltivero, Gavin Frick, Derrick Bible, Gabe Embree
There is a lot of talent in the 4A boys classification again this year. We have seen Greer and Gomez go at it for two seasons and Ashley amped things up on his end last year and this year. The three of them are top tier talent and we will get to see the junior trio compete for it all again this year and next.
Last season's top three are all back to get at it this year. Greer was last year's state champ with Gomez finishing second (After winning the previous year), followed by Ashley. They could all finish top three again.
They will have a host of runners looking to take their positions. Barlow, Oltivero, Frick, Lucas, Bible, and Embree will all challenge the big three.
Sleeper: Lucas Tauch
The Melissa senior is primed and ready to go. What better of a training partner can you possibly have other than the state champion? Tauch isn't just a tag along, he is a legit challenger to his teammate's throne. He ran a tough Region 2 race and is ready to surprise anyone not giving him his respect. If there is anyone who should know better, it's Greer, but even he better not underestimate this Tauch!
Teams: Andrews, Decatur, San Elizario, Progreso
We are going to roll with the top three teams from Region 1 and Progreso. The Region 1 guys took the trophies home last year and could do it again this year. Progreso will make it a race, but if Andrews, Decatur, and San Elizario run to their capabilities, it could be just between the three.
Sleeper: Longview Spring Hill
Spring Hill is good! They are also a confident group of guys. They ran away with the Region 2 title and that momentum will have them in a trophy winning position and possibly the top spot if things fall their way.