Region II Predictions
1. Bridgeland
A team that's consistently improved throughout its relatively brief existence, Bridgeland has found itself with what looks to be its best team yet as the Bears have had a phenomenal season thanks to a mixture of experience and youth. This mixture has allowed the Bears to find themselves in the position to finally knock off The Woodlands who've had a stranglehold on Region II for many years now. A changing of the guard could be on the horizon, so let's find out why.
Bridgeland are led by one of the best runners in the state and a potential individual title contender in the form of junior Benjamin Montgomery whose backed up an outstanding track season with a great cross-country season. Montgomery has consistently been in the 15:20s and has finished on the podium in every single race this year.
However, Bridgeland's unsung heroes are a close contingent of four sophomores in the form of Kyle Pawlak whose run 16:07, Maddox McCallister whose run 16:10, Nazim Benguedda whose run 16:23, and Vihaan Chamkur whose run 16:26. While these times may not necessarily jump off the page, Bridgeland's ability to run their depth so close together given their youth is what makes this team so impressive and the favorite to win Region II.
Most recently, Bridgeland decimated the UIL 6A-District 16 meet for the fifth straight year despite not running their A team. The Bears will come into regionals well-rested and eager to take home the team's first regional victory. It'll be crucial for Bridgeland to run as close to Benjamin Montgomery as possible to maximize their potential, and if they're able to do this, there's no reason Bridgeland shouldn't find themselves victorious.
2. The Woodlands
While this has undoubtedly been a down year the The Woodlands when compared to some of the seasons they've had in recent years, this team proves the term "down year" to be extremely subjective as The Woodlands find themselves in yet another position where an appearance at the state meet is all but guaranteed. And while this may not be The Woodlands we're used to, this team could still win this region and it wouldn't be that much of a surprise.
The Woodlands have been led by senior Tyler Hedgepeth this year who has been as consistent as you could ever ask your top runner to be. Throughout the season, Hedgepeth has run between 15:48 and 15:58 in every race and has been a beacon of consistency on a team characterized by it. In addition to Hedgepeth, Ethan Sharkowicz, Grayer Bates, and Austin Roberts have all been as consistent as possible, regularly running in the low 16:00s and rounding out a tightly packed squad for The Woodlands.
Most recently, The Woodlands once again dominated the UIL 6A-District 13 meet, scoring just twenty-five points and turning in another consistent performance. One important thing to take away from this performance is the thirty-two-second split The Woodlands was able to turn in. This was their best split of the year and when you couple it with a 16:09 team average, this team looks to be heating up at the right time.
The key for The Woodlands heading into regionals will be how many runners they can put between Benjamin Montgomery and the rest of Bridgeland's team. If The Woodlands can maximize their performance in this area, they'll have a strong chance at victory. However, even if they aren't able to do so, The Woodlands will surely find themselves back in Round Rock yet again.
3. Wylie
Wylie may have flown under the radar for much of the year largely due to the stiff competition they faced at some very competitive meets, however, this team has all the necessary pieces to have success this championship season. This year has been yet another solid one for Wylie as they've been in contention for the podium at nearly every race and have produced yet another talented squad that we'll likely see at the state meet.
This year Wylie are once again led by talented senior Caden Biltz whose found himself running 15:26 at his best up to this point in the season. Wylie also boasts a talented supporting cast with Zachary Brumfield, Remay Abraha, and Nathan Moore all hovering right around or under the 16:00 mark consistently this year.
Wylie most recently perfect scored the UIL 6A-District 9 meet where they most notably showcased their ability to run together as they turned in a remarkable thirty-two-second split to go along with a 16:22 average in what was a noncompetitive race. However, Wylie will undoubtedly face more competition at the regional meet and ensuring they're able to come close to replicating this performance will be crucial for their success.
Wylie appears to be relatively safe in terms of their qualification likelihood which makes their focus looking upward rather than worrying about what's going on behind them. When you look at this team on paper, they have the potential to shake up this region as they've run fast and close together. While it's unlikely, if Wylie can maximize their performance don't count them out to contend for the win here.
4. The Woodlands College Park
Just coming out ahead for the fourth spot in Region II is The Woodlands College Park who will look to finally get over the hump and send this year's talented team to the state meet. Another team that's largely flown under the radar this year, College Park has been consistent and close, two things that are very important qualities to have when heading into the all-important championship season.
College Park are led by sophomore Camden Gibson who had a remarkable freshman track season that's gradually transitioned into a solid and consistent sophomore cross-country season. However, what makes this College Park team so intriguing is just how close they run together. Not only do College Park have a remarkable twenty-second split, their third through fifth runners all run 16:19, making them a nightmare to score against in the midfield.
Most recently at the UIL 6A-District 13 meet, College Park once again showcased their ability to run together as they placed second behind The Woodlands with a twenty-four-second split and a 16:14 team average, their best of the year.
This team's ability to run together truly makes them so dangerous and if they're able to move up in the pack and maximize their presence near the front of the race, look for them to secure this fourth spot with ease. However, if they're unable to move up in the pack look for them to rely on running together as a team and maximizing their energy usage to give themselves the best chance to finish strong together at the end.
College Park are truly a team to watch and their ability to run so close together makes them a formidable opponent to face when fighting for this final state qualifying spot.
Other teams to watch: Waxahachie, Rockwall Heath, Tyler Legacy