Carter Gordy (2212) competes at the 2020 UIL 5A state XC meet
Class 5A
Sophia Dale (Austin LASA) and Emma Little (Montgomery Lake Creek) are the top two returning girls from last year's Region 3-5A race. Dale was runner-up last year, and Little was the third place finisher.
Little takes the top time heading into regionals with her time of 19:15. A couple of Magnolia West runners aren't too far behind with sophomores Avery Cheshire (19:23) and Valerie Haros (19:25).
With seven other girls having times between 19:32 - 19:45, this race could get convoluted before it all gets settled by the timers.
The Region 3-5A girls team race should be one of the more interesting battles across the state.
The Friendswood girls come in with a 20:06 team average and a 1:06 1-5 runner compression. Grace Etzel and Kyla Zalit will have the Mustangs in a good position.
Katy Jordan just opened in 2020, but they have a good chance at getting the team to state already. They have a 20:11 team average and a 1:32 split, that will be a key to watch, but their team speed is a positive.
College Station should also be confident in their chances to run their way back to Round Rock. They have a solid 20:13 team average and their 1:09 is good enough to possibly challenge for the regional title.
Richmond Foster and Magnolia West have solid teams, but their splits will be the challenge for both the try to attain a state meet qualifying position.
Carter Gordy (Montgomery Lake Creek) is the man to beat. He was runner-up last year and the 12th place finisher from state last year. He is coming off a fast and fabulous track season and could be looking to have an explosive championship season run.
Seth Thompson and Zade Kayyali of Friendswood could be chasers along with Brock Glasscock (Baytown Sterling), Owen Maxwell (Magnolia West), and Ricardo Lopez (College Station).
Friendswood comes in with a 16:46 team average and a 1:34 split and that makes them the favorites. Thompson and Kayyali will be front pack runners.
College Station A&M Consolidated has a shot at winning with their 16:53 average and their 0:25 second split capability makes them a very dangerous team.
La Porte and Lake Creek could both also punch their tickets to state if they run to their capabilities.