The early-season data from Region I-6A boys shows once again why this is considered the toughest regional in the country. At the top, El Paso Eastwood sits first in the standings, running a remarkable 15:30 team average with a tight 39-second 1-5 spread. Led by Noah Loweree's 15:08, Eastwood showed that its pack-running formula still travels well. The Troopers don't boast a sub-15 frontrunner like Guyer's Ruel Newberry or Mansfield Legacy's Riley McCain, but their depth through five gives them the most complete look of any squad so far.
Close behind is Southlake Carroll, the six-time defending state champions. The Dragons clocked a 15:35 average, but what makes them so lethal is their near-unheard-of 23-second spread from 1-5. Michael Fuller's 15:21 leads a lineup that knows how to close gaps, and even without Caden Leonard and Kai Gutierrez racing, Carroll looks as strong as ever. If the Troopers lean on their front trio, Carroll's depth may be the deciding factor once again come Nov...