With Districts behind us, we're down to the final two weeks of the season and the penultimate FACA XC State Rankings of 2021!
GIRLS STATE RANKINGS
1A Girls Rankings
By Sue O'Malley (FLCHS) somalley@fatherlopez.org
Team Rankings:
Commentary: Mile 2 of the XC race! Region meets will be on tap this week with the state championships just two weeks away! Best wishes to all the teams this week and start the races as One Team but finish as a Family and Ohana! Never leave anyone behind!
Rank. (Previous Rank) School: Comments
1. (1) Cambridge Christian: 18:33 TEAM AVERAGE Could this squad have a perfect score come states time? This team is the ranked #! In all classifications for the state! The Lancers will win their region meet and could have a perfect score in doing so. The Lancers will be the team to beat at the state meet! The race will be for 2nd place.
2. (2) Oak Hall: 19:17 TEAM AVERAGE The Eagles will soar to the region win this week. This region is by far the most competitive region in the state! This team knows their competition and will give everything they have at the state championships where anything could happen!
3. (3) Circle Christian: 19:56 TEAM AVERAGE The Centurions should finish 2nd in the region meet against Oak Hall. The Centurions raced very tough this past weekend at the district meet and knows how to race! A dark horse team for sure for the state championships!
4. (4) Pensacola Christian Academy: 19:56 TEAM AVERAGE The Warriors will definitely win their region. Watch this team at the state championship. Last year due to Covid and the meet being moved to Sunday this team was not able to compete so they are hungry to show their toughness this year. Less than 10 points separate this team with the Centurions? Are they hungry enough for that 3rd place finish?
5. (5) Maclay: 20:09 TEAM AVERAGE Maclay should win another region title! This team probably has a whole building filled with all their district and region trophies throughout the years! Team always races hard and will be a contender for a top 5 state final.
6. (8) Benjamin School: 21:13 TEAM AVERAGE Orange and Blue jumps up 2 spots! This will be a very exciting meet for region 4. One point separates them at the Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. The Blue and Orange won their district meet this past week.
7. (9) Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart: 21:12 TEAM AVERAGE The Tornadoes won their district meet and will go to head with the Benjamin team this week with some exciting racing for sure!
8. (7) South Florida Heat: 21:15 TEAM AVERAGE This team turned on the heat this season for sure. Can they turn it even more at region meets? They will battle the Benjamin School and The Carrollton School of Sacred Heart for that region title.
9. (6) Holy Trinity 21:24 TEAM AVERAGE Watch this team for sure! They finished a strong 2nd in the district meet this week and will be tough in the region meet. This is a dark horse team for sure at the state championships!
10. (BOLO) Lakeland Christian: 22:06 TEAM AVERAGE The Vikings has dropped their team average by almost a minute. The Vikings finished 2nd at their district meet and will finish 2nd to Cambridge at their region meet. Look for them to perform well at the state meet again as they are always a tough competitive team.
Other teams to look out for:
(10) Providence School
(BOLO) Community School of Naples
(BOLO) Out of Door
(BOLO) Southwest Florida Christian
The Pine School (A BIG SHOUT OUT TO MY GOOD FRIEND AT THE PINE SCHOOL! Way to go at the district meet and go for it at the region meet! Always well coached!)
Individual Rankings:
Commentary: Cambridge Lancer Girls hold the #1-2-3-6 positions in the 5th round of rankings! These girls are in their final two miles of the season! Region meets will be held this week and the big stage is set for Friday November 12th at Apalachee Region State Park. Girls in your questioning, don't doubt your abilities. Seeing ISN'T Believing. Hear me out. Really believing is seeing. It's when we trust our abilities that we see our desired outcome. It's a simple reframing to encourage you that everything you need is already within you. Give yourself permission to go for it! Best wishes to all the XC girls and teams as we are racing to that finish line!
Rank. (Previous Rank) Name, Grade School = Comments
1. (1) Mary Ellen Eudaly 12th Cambridge Christian School = 17:51, Remains at the top of the mountain! Mary Ellen is my pick to win both her Region meet and the state 1A title! What a great season this young lady has had. She won her district meet with an 18:22.
2. (2) Caroline Lehman 12th Cambridge Christian = 17:59, Caroline and Mary Ellen must have had one heck of a kick at the end of their district meet with Caroline only 1 second (18:23) behind her teammate Mary Ellen. Whoever wins between her and Mary Ellen at the region meet will have the momentum going into the state championships! Will the state championship come down to a final kick?
3. (3) Elaina Black 8th Cambridge Christian = 18:05, This young lady just keeps her stride going! Elaina finished 5th at the district meet and also competed in a Middle School Championship too! Looking forward to seeing this young lady shine at the region meet and the state meet. She finished 2nd at the state championships last season so she has what it takes to be the dark horse in two weeks!
4. (4) Lauren Jones 12th Oak Hall = 18:23, Lauren won her district meet in 19:23. Lauren has been a beast these past years she has competed and was 4th at the state championships last season! Let's see how Lauren soars next weekend at the region meet. Lauren is my favorite to win Region 2 championships!
5. (5) Ava Pouich 11th Evangelical Christian School = 18:28, Ava won her district meet with a 19:37. Ava finished 7th at the state championship meet last fall. Top 5 at the state championships and a strong region meet will give Ava a big confidence booster for next fall and her senior year!
6. (6) Madeliene Gear 10th Cambridge Christian School = 18:48, Madeline was 3rd behind her 2 teammates at their district meet. Madeline is certainly going to have a big jump at the state meet! Madelne finished 35th last fall! Madeline could have the biggest jump in state rankings from last year to this year and she has still two more seasons!
7. (NR) Gabriella Santucci 11th Canterbury School (Fort Myers) = 19:05, Welcome to the club! Gabriella placed 3rd in both her district meet and a Private 8 Championships these past two weeks! Gabriella placed 50th at the state meet last season! Gabriella let's have a strong region meet and get ready to finish strong at the state meet!
8. (7) Susan Grace Koeppel 10th Maclay = 19:05, Susan wins her district meet and will probably be the favorite at the region meet next week. Susan has been very consistent all season. Susan is no stranger to the state course where she finished 11th last season! I see Susan breaking into the top 10 this year!
9. (8) Addison Dempsey 10th Cardinal Mooney = 19:06, Addison placed 2nd in her district meet. Not sure if Addison is a first year runner or transferred from another state but either way Addison is racing very strong and should have a fantastic region meet and carry that momentum into the state meet where a top 10 finish isn't out of the question.
10. (9) Sydney Miller 11th Oak Hall = 19:07, Sydney finished 2nd to her teammate Lauren at the district meet. Sydney and Lauren should be 1-2 punch at the region meet next week. The Eagles are the favorite in the region 2 championships as this team tries to soar to another state title in two weeks.
11. (10) Raeanne Tutton 10th Pensacola Christian Academy = 19:10, RaeAnne won her district meet and will be one of the favorites in her region meet this week. RaeAnne is another young lady that has been in the top 15 rankings all year and will be a contender to finish in the top 15 at the state championships in two weeks.
12. (11) Jaimee Tutton 8th Pensacola Christian Academy = 19:10, Jaimee, the sister of RaeAnne finished 2nd to her sister at the district meet. With two 8th graders in the top 15 shows a lot of promise and some fantastic racing in the next few years!
13. (12) Alivia Dragstedt 9th Oak Hall School = 19:14, Alivia finished 3rd at the district meet this week. Alivia will be a strong asset to the Eagles and add depth for the region meet. Alivia finished 50th last season at the state championship! Time to soar and fly Alivia higher this year!
14. (13) Laci Watford 12th University Christian School = 19:22, Lacci finished 2nd in her district meet. Laci will be the favorite in her legion this week. Laci has been in the spotlight over these years and has had an amazing season after season. Would like to see this young lady finish again in the top 10 in the state. Laci finished 6th last season.
15. (14) Andrea Montaner 10th Carroltton School of the Sacred Heart = 19:23, Andrea won her district meet and will be the favorite in her region meet. Andrea finished 17th last year at the state championships. Let's see her get into that top 10!
Others to watch out for:
(15) Grace DeJesus 10th Circle Christian
(BOLO) Sarah Rudolph 12th Circle Christian
(NR) Ava Wyatt Master's Academy
(BOLO) Reagan Smith Pensacola Christian Academy
(BOLO) Katie Beam 11th Baptist Academy
(BOLO) Elizabeth Poe 12th Tampa Bay Heat
(NR) Mary Clayton Soto Maclay
2A Girls Rankings
By David Suarez, Gulliver Prep, dsuarez@gulliverprep.org
Team Rankings:
Commentary: Championship season has arrived! District meets are over and we now enter the week of the regional championships. Some teams race strategically at districts, others may have rested some key runners and some teams run their hardest, which may alter the way we set the rankings. Either way teams are stepping up at the right time of the year. The race for the podium behind Bolles is wide open and I believe any of the teams ranked #2-10 can challenge for it.
Rank. (Previous Rank) School = Comments
1. (1) Bolles HS = The Bolles girls continue to dominate everywhere they go. Putting their top 7 girls in the top 11 places at their district meet scoring 23 points total with a 19:27 team average. They remain the favorites for the 2A team title.
2. (2) St. Brendan = St. Brendan girls dominated their district winning with a total of 24 points beating a weakened Gulliver Prep side by 39 points. I had been waiting for their #5 to run well and this past week they had their #5-7 run well on a difficult Larry and Penny course, depending on if they can replicate that performance in the coming weeks that could give them the edge over others to the podium this season.
3. (3) Bishop Kenny HS= 20:26 team average for 3rd place in a very strong 2A district 2. I have them ranked over Episcopal because of their strength at #4-5 which I think in a bigger meet will be the deciding factor. This team could very much be in the challenge for the podium but St. Brendan's low points at the front have the edge. Their depth is stronger and I am sure the battle for the runner up spot behind Bolles will be decided by very few points.
4. (7) Mount Dora HS = 20:28 team average to win their district. With a great 1-2 punch continuing to front run well for them and score low points at the big meets and the rest of their pack continuing to develop well they could make a run for the podium as well.
5. (11) Episcopal School of Jacksonville = Finished just ahead of Bishop Kenny at their district meet by 1 point. Another team in contention for the podium but they lack the front power that some other teams ahead of them have. 20:36 team average at their district meet.
6. (6) Gulliver Prep = Currently dealing with some injuries and illness but expected to be at full strength come the state meet. Ran while missing 5 out of their top 11 runners at the district meet and settled for 2nd place. If healthy will be in contention for the podium as well.
7. (5) South Walton HS = After showing up big time at FSU they continued to show good form at their district meet finishing 2nd behind a solid North Bay Haven side. They have a stronger #4-5 however and will take the edge in a stronger larger field.
8. (4) Berkeley Prep = Berkeley prep girls returned their #4 Kylie Stephens, 11, at their district meet. With her back in action they are very much in contention for the podium as well if they continue their good form from the regular season. 21:01 team average for 44 points in their team win at the district meet.
9. (8) Satellite HS = The Doug Butler factor keeps these girls very much in contention for the podium as well. I believe they have the best strength/depth in their #1-7 amongst all the other teams which could at the end give them a huge advantage. 20:55 team average for the win at their district meet with 53 points. They took some weeks off racing but they are a well coached side who shows up when it counts.
10. (12) Bishop Verot HS = Rounding out the top 10 is the Bishop Verot girls. They dominated their district with a 21:04 team average and 35 points. Once again another team out of the entire top 10 that can make a run for the podium as they have a great 1-2 punch which can get them very low points at the state meet.
11. (13) Lake Highland Prep
12. (15) American Heritage HS/MS Boca/Delray
13. (Unranked) North Bay Haven
14. (9) Academy of Holy Names
15. (14) Montverde Academy
Other teams to look out for:
Pine Crest HS
The Kings Academy
Clearwater Central Catholic HS
Mckeel Academy
Trinity Prep
Individual Rankings:
Commentary: Round 5 of rankings. After district meets we see some of the top runners dominate their races and some of the other low scoring runners smoothly cruise through their district meets.
Rank. (Previous Rank) Name, Grade -- School = Comments
1. (1) Jillian Candelino, 11 - Bolles HS = Still the undisputed favorite for the individual title. Won her district title with ease and looks ready to run fast in this championship season.
2. (2) Madison Carr, 9 - Astronaut HS - Broke 19 minutes for the 3rd consecutive race winning her district in a PR of 18:35.
3. (3) Elizabeth Williamson, 9 - Academy of Holy Names = Comfortable win of her district in 19:24. She and Madison could have a great duel for the runner up position at the state meet.
4. (5) Brooke Hooper, 10 - Pine Crest HS = 19:01 to win her district by over 30 seconds against some very good competition in Avery Frontrath, 10, and Mia Rodriguez, 12. Brooke has been consistent as heck all year and looks to be primed for the rest of the state series.
5. (6) Emma Hencock, 11 - St. Brendan HS = 19:28 solo win on a tough Larry and Penny course winning by over 40 seconds while looking incredibly smooth. Her and Brooke at the 2A Region 4 meet will be quite the dual to watch.
6. (4) Paige Jaszczak, 12 - Titusville HS = 19:04 to finish 2nd in her district behind the very strong Madison Carr, 9. Paige is experienced and has been through the motions of the state series many times so I'm going with that as her advantage over some other names on the list.
7. (7) Avery Frontrath, 10 - The Kings Academy = 19:36 for a comfortable 2nd place at her district meet behind Brooke Hooper. I have a feeling she wasn't giving it the full throttle and has much more left in the tank. Will see how she performs in the region meet but there is no doubt she can mix it up with the top girls when she's on it.
8. (Unranked) Lucrezia Gowdy, 9 - Episcopal School of Jacksonville = 2nd place at her district meet behind Jillian Candelino. For her to be in front of the entirety of the rest of the Bolles pack says a lot and for that shes earned herself a high spot on the rankings. Definitely keeping an eye on her in the next weeks.
9. (10) Hannah Douglas, 9 - Mount Dora HS = 19:18 to win her district over her teammate by 7 seconds. Hannah has run well at big meets and looks ready to run fast now at the crunch time of the season.
10. (15) Carlyn Bobo, 11 - Lake Placid HS = 19:19 to win her district meet very comfortably. Will need to see some more from her in the next weeks race to see how she fairs against different and elite competition but definitely one to keep an eye on.
11. (8) Ella Mickler, 9 - Bolles HS
12. (11) Elizabeth Mcclure, 9 - Bolles HS
13. (Unranked) Mackenzie De Lisle, 9 - Bishop Verot HS
14. (Unranked) Riley Jaszczak, 12 - Titusville HS
15. (9) Michelle Smith, 10 - Montverde Academy
Other names to watch out for:
Hannah Buchanan, 12 - South Walton HS
Elizabeth Csikai, 11 - Bolles HS
Noelle Vu, 10 - Mount Dora HS
Estella Bruneau, 9 - Bolles HS
Mia Rodriguez, 12 - The Kings Academy
3A Girls Rankings
by Bonnie Fleming, The Pine School, bfleming@thepineschool.org
Coming soon!
4A Girls Rankings
by Dylan Hermelee, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, coachhermelee@gmail.com
Team Rankings:
Commentary: Hello all, and welcome back to the 5th edition of the 2021 4A Girls Rankings! With the district races behind us and Regional races this week, we are going to do something a little different and we are going to go Region by Region to project witch 32 teams will make it to States this year.
Rank. School = Comments
4A Region 1:
This might be the hardest region with several teams that have been ranked inside the to 15 teams in the state this year currently ranked outside of qualifying based on the Virtual Meet Results:
Teams in:
1. Buccholz HS -- Possibly the best team in the state. If they get 5 runners across the line the qualify easily.
2. Niceville HS -- A top 5 team in the state, but 80pts behind Buchholtz, they are looking at a runner up finish.
3. Creekside HS -- It's a tough region, but I think Creekside is the final team safely on to State.
4. Olympia HS -- District Runner-up but have 4 girls ranked in the top 31 in the Region. If #5 does her job they are on to states.
5. Flagler Palm Coast HS -- Excellent top 5 runners and should be on their way to States.
6. Mandarin HS -- I'm still on the fence with Mandarin due to their lack of H2H wins, but I still have them in.
7. Spruce Creek HS -- Ranked outside of the top 8, but they won their District, so I have them in.
8. Bartram Trail HS -- They have better depth than 9 and 10. If they do their jobs, they are in.
Close but first ones out:
9. West Orange HS -- Projected to make it, but I have Spruce Creek stealing their spot.
10. Chiles HS -- Within 8pts of making it, could sneak in.
Individual Qualifiers:
1. Ella Hodges -- Chiles HS
2. Ella Klyce -- West Orange HS
3. Hannah Claytor -- Dr Phillips HS
4. Kelly Davis -- Chiles HS
4A Region 2:
Another tough Region, but not as lethal as Region 1
Teams in:
1. Newsome -- My #1 ranked team in the state and they should easily qualify.
2. Lakewood Ranch HS -- I have them ranked 4th in the State, but they will have a battle for the runner up spot with HB Plant.
3. HB Plant HS -- Should easily qualify, but have their hands full to make the Regional podium.
4. George Jenkins HS -- Solid top 7 depth and should easily qualify.
5. Wharton HS -- They have the fastest runner in the Region and enough depth to make it to States.
6. Sarasota HS -- Their top 2 runners should help them get through to States.
7. Palmetto Ridge HS -- The last two spots will be close, but I have Palmetto Ridge sneaking in.
8. Mitchell HS -- Mitchell gets the last spot. No front runner, but the team has enough to get through.
Close but first ones out:
9. Gulf Coast -- They edged Palmetto Ridge at their District meet. They might be able to do it again at the Region race
10. Palm Harbor Univ HS -- They are missing their #1. I'm not sure her statues, but if she returns they have a shot.
Individual Qualifiers:
1. Haley Thornton -- Palm Harbor HS (not sure if she ran or started the District race)
2. Julianna Courville -- Venice HS
3. Ava Schmitt -- Wiregrass Ranch HS
4. Caitlin Beery -- Bloomingdale HS
4A Region 3
I feel more confident about my selections this Region… but not too confident:
Teams in:
1. Timber Creek HS - #3 ranked team in the state and should cruise to states
2. Winter Park HS -- They should easily qualify for the state meet, but they have a battle with Viera, Park Vista and Spanish River for the #2 spot in the Region.
3. Viera HS -- Should qualify easily and push WP for that #2 spot.
4. Park Vista HS -- They were edged for 1st at their District meet, but should easily Qualify for States
5. Spanish River HS -- District 6 Champs, but can they add Region Runner-up to their accolades?
6. Jupiter HS -- It will be close, but they should have enough to qualify.
7. Harmony HS -- Here's where it gets tough. Harmony beat Melbourne at their District meet, but lost to Boone. They are project to not qualify for States, but I ave them at 7.
8. Boone HS -- Boone will need big races from their # 4 and 5 runners to qualify. I think it happens.
Close but first ones out:
9. Melbourne HS -- They can easily be in, but I have them as missing the big dance.
10. Boca Raton HS -- They need a huge Regional race to qualify.
Individual Qualifiers: (These will change dramatically depending on Harmony and Boone)
1. Emma O'day -- Boca Raton HS
2. Catalina Edwards -- Celebration HS
3. Aubrey Orcutt -- Melbourne HS
4. Caroline Bergstrom -- Melbourne HS
4A Region 4:
Last but not least…
Teams in:
1. G Holmes Braddock HS: Braddock should easily cruise to victory.
2. Coral Reef HS: They should are locked in at 2nd, but likely don't have enough to challenge for 1st.
3. Douglas HS -- District 7 champs and they should easily be in.
4. Barbra Goleman HS -- 3rd at their District meet and 4th in the Region
5. Coral Gables -- They have run on the Region course many times this year. Experience gets them in.
6. Fort Lauderdale HS -- They seem to be struggling as of late, but I think they still get in.
7. Western HS -- They should get in
8. Cypress Bay HS -- Claim the last spot to states.
Close but first ones out:
9. Miami Coral Park HS
10. Flanagan HS
Individual Qualifiers:
1. Penelope Sosa -- Miami Coral Park HS
2. Mariana Castillo -- Divine Savior HS
3. Melania Hernaiz -- Flanagan HS
4. Isabella Marty -- Felix Varela HS
BOYS STATE RANKINGS
1A Boys Rankings
By Paul Opitz, Out of Door Academy, paul.opitz65@gmail.com
Pre-Region Rankings:
Region 1
1. Pensacola Christian = won District 1 17:24 avg
2. St Johns Country Day = 2nd District 2 18:15 avg
3. Maclay = won District 2 18:36 avg
4. Bishop Snyder = 3rd District 2 18:44 avg
5. Providence School = 4th District 2 19:07 avg
6. St Joseph Academy = 5th District 2 19:04 avg
7. Blountstown = 2nd District 1 19:17 avg
8. Community Christian School = 6th District 2 19:31 avg
Region 2 = featuring two of the top teams in the state
1. Circle Christian = won District 4 16:56 avg
2. Oak Hall = won District 3 17:36 avg
3. St Francis Catholic = 2nd District 3 18:27 avg
4. Holy Trinity = 2nd District 4 18:09 avg
5. Foundation Academy = 3rd District 4 18:15 avg
6. Father Lopez Catholic = 4th District 4 18:51 avg
7. Masters Academy = 5th District 4 18:54 avg
8. Trinity Catholic = 3rd District 3 19:19 avg
Region 3 = the fastest region in all of 1A with another podium contender
1. Indian Rocks Christian = 3rd District 5, on not maximum effort
2. Cambridge Christian = 1st District 5 17:54 avg
3. Seffner Christian = 2nd District 5 18:34 avg
4. Out of Door Academy = won District 6 on a tiebreaker, thanks to their sixth runner 8th grader Avery Fulk, a total team victory, also their 1st District team title in school history, very proud pollster
5. SW Fla Christian = 2nd District 6 18:22 avg
6. Palmer Trinity won = District 8 19:05 avg
7. Community School of Naples = 3rd District 6 avg 19:27
8. St Stephens Episcopal = 5th District 6 avg 19:34
Region 4
1. Palmer Trinity = won District 8 avg 19:05
2. Doctors Charter = 2nd District 8 avg 19:45
3. Marathon 3rd = District 8 avg 20:13
4. Benjamin School =won District 7 avg 20:08
5. South Florida Heat = 2nd District 7 avg 20:06
6. Divine Savior = 4th District 8 avg 20:34
7. Jupiter Christian = 3rd District 7 avg 20:31
8. Miami Country Day = 5th District 8 avg 20:57
2A Boys Rankings
By David Suarez, Gulliver Prep, dsuarez@gulliverprep.org
Team Rankings:
Commentary: Round 5 of the boys rankings. The top 3 teams continue to be way ahead of the other competition but the 4-10 schools are all very close together now and those races for those spots will be very interesting to see.
Rank. (Previous Rank) School = Comments
1. (1) Bolles HS = Perfect score at their district meet showing complete domination. 16:28 team average and all racing to run fast. These guys look ready to rock. The state meet will definitely be a battle to look out for and we should all be very excited.
2. (3) Satellite HS = Dominated their district meet winning with 23 points and a 16:53 team average. Don't count these guys out of anything. They've got an experienced group of guys who have done this plenty of times before and are no novices to the highest level. The Doug Butler factor also has an impact on how these boys will be ready to race when it counts.
3. (2) Berkeley Prep = Based off the results of their district meet it looks like the Berkley Prep boys ran a very controlled district meet to just try and get the win. They were broken apart by a few other great runners in their district however. Based off how their #4-5 run will determine how they match up against the Bolles and Satellite sides at the state meet.
4. (13) Lemon Bay HS = Out of nowhere come the Lemon Bay boys. 17:22 team average to comfortably win their district meet with 39 points. Not a team I had accounted for all season but it seems they're ready to rock at just the right time.
5. (4) Bishop Kenny HS = Bishop Kenny boys ran a great race at their district meet as well, finishing behind the Bolles boys with 55 points for a very solid 2nd place finish. 17:27 team average as well with a 0:52 second 1-5 spread means they have strength in their pack.
6. (8) Calvary Christian Clearwater = 2nd to Berkeley Prep at their district meet with a 17:35 team average. Their #3-5 work well together but will need to make some time drop in order to hold this spot in the big meets left this season.
7. (9) Clearwater Central Catholic = 3rd in the same district as Calvary and Berkeley Prep. A great front runner in Dylan Nolan, 11 which will score them low points at the meet. Their #3-5 also work well but similar to the team above them, they will need them to step up to avoid gaining too many points at the big meets left in the season.
8. (5) South Walton HS = South Walton boys won their district meet comfortably as well with 32 points, a 17:58 team average and a phenomenal 0:29 second 1-5 spread. Their strength is in the pack but they really lack the front runners to contest for a higher placing finish. I however cannot count them out of a top 10 spot because of the serious pack running they have been doing.
9. (7) Lake Highland Prep = Solid 2nd place finish against Satellite at the district meet. 17:40 team average and a solid pack to work with scoring 81 points. They are ones who I think can easily move up this list if they race well.
10. (Unranked) The Kings Academy = 17:47 team average to win their district with 50 points on the short and fast South County Regional park course. They have a strong front runner in Colton Lawson, 11, however they have weakness at the #5 which may cost them a top 10 spot. Their region meet is one which I think is wide open between the top 5 teams.
11. (11) Miami Sunset HS
12. (Unranked) Bishop Verot HS
13. (15) Pine Crest HS
14. (10) Montverde Academy
15. (6) Mater Lakes Academy
Other teams to look out for:
Sebring HS
Gulliver Prep
Trinity Prep
Ransom Everglades
West Shore HS
Individual Rankings:
Commentary: These rankings continue to fluctuate and with some guys running strategic races at their district meet while others ran hard efforts, it'll be hard to get a real feel until after the region meets next week. Lets see how this goes!
Rank. (Previous Rank) Name, Grade -- School = Comments
1. (1) Nick Carpenter, 12, Trinity Prep = 16:01 for a very easy win at his district meet against the entire Satellite pack. He went unchallenged but that won't be the case come next week. He is still my favorite for the title considering how he has raced at big meets this season.
2. (2) Ethan Lipham, 12 - Berkeley Prep = Settled for 2nd at his district meet interestingly. Coaching decision maybe? He has run well all season and I'm confident he will be in the fight for the individual title.
3. (4) Tyler Wadsworth, 12 - Port Charlotte HS = Easy win at his district in 16:13 but he's one I'm interested in seeing again on the big stage as he's run well all season. Keep an eye out for him he may be a dark horse for the individual title.
4. (8) Aidan Ryan, 11 - Bolles HS = Looks to be entering fine form at the right time of the season. 15:55 to win his district while cracking a smile through the finish line. Many boys who can contend for the individual title and I think he's one of them for sure.
5. (3) Kirin Karver, 11 - Berkeley Prep = Also ran a very controlled race to help his team get the win. Will be looking to go full throttle at the region meet.
6. (6) Riley Novack, 11 - Montverde Academy = Easy win in 16:31 at his district meet. Will be looking for vengeance on the state meet course and certainly in the top pack setting the tone.
7. (5) Justin Wilson, 12 - Satellite HS = Comfortable 3rd place finish at his district meet to help secure his teams victory. Do not count this kid out.
8. (11) Colton Lawson, 11 - The Kings Academy = Took the victory at his district meet in a 1v1 battle, expecting him to really run something fast at this weeks region meet and excited to be able to see it in person.
9. (9) William Romac, 12 - Saint Andrews HS = 2nd place to Lawson at the district meet and am sure he will give him a run for his money once again at the region meet this week.
10. (10) Dayton Law, 12 - Satellite HS = 2nd place at his district meet in what looked like a controlled effort.
11. (Unranked) Dylan Nolan, 11 - Clearwater Central Catholic
12. (12) William Brady, 12 - Bolles HS
13. (Unranked) Matthew Thomas, 11 - Bolles HS =
14. (Unranked) Jeshoua Osorio, 11 - Mater Lakes Academy
15. (14) Liam Jordan, 9 - Berkeley Prep
3A Boys Rankings
By "anonymous", ryanraposo@gmail.com
Team Rankings:
Local championships and the first round of the state series is a wrap. Many of the top teams took this as an opportunity to fine tune their rosters. It was evident that many of these same top teams experimented with tactics and strategies and set out to perform just well enough to secure their teams' placement in a conference championship or advance out of Districts. One might say that this "top 8 qualify to Regionals" format made a mockery of many of these District competitions. For these reasons, I won't be penalizing teams or individuals that seemed to "coast" these last two weeks. Instead, the emphasis for any movement in the rankings is more focused on those teams who still have something to prove, an injury to bear, or late season performance improvements.
Rank. (last ranking) School, team avg based on avg times -- Comments
1. (1) Belen Jesuit, 16:16 -- Coasted through 3a8 with a 16:43 team avg Adam Magoulas DNF'd Districts and has an injury that might keep him from performing at his best even if recovered come State finals. But even with Adam's absence, this team remains a favorite to win it all.
2. (2) Sunlake, 16:38 -- Handily won the Sunshine Conference championship. Won 3a4, but not by much.
3. (4) Leon, 17:07 -- Bested by Fort Walton Beach at 3a1 District race. Perhaps coasted a bit too much. However, with the potential on this team and the fact that they race State Championships on home course, deservedly ranked here.
4. (5) Naples, 17:25 -- 3a6 Champions beating Fort Myers with a 17:54 average.
5. (3) Fort Myers, 17:09 -- Big win at their conference championships and then lost to Naples at 3a6 due to some assumed race/workout shenanigans.
6. (6) Ocala Vanguard, 17:18 -- Runner up at 3a4, only 5 points behind Sunlake with a strong 16:48 team average. They meet again at Regionals this weekend with aspirations for a potential upset.
7. (7) Ponte Vedra, 17:27 -- Won 3a 2 districts with a team average of 16:59. Team continues to improve as season progresses.
8. (10) Bishop Moore, 17:32 -- Beat Winter Springs at 3a3 with a 17:04 average.
9. (8) Winter Springs, 17:36 -- Runner up at 3a3 but only 8 points behind Bishop Moore.
10. (9) Dunbar, 17:56 -- Third place finish at 3a6 with an 18:48 team average
11. (na) Osceola, 18:01 -- Back on rankings list after taking top spot at 3a5 with a 17:22 team average.
12. (12) River Ridge, 17:43 -- Third place showing at 3a4 with a team average of 17:15 showing improvement throughout the season.
Other teams to watch out for:
Southfork (won 3a7), Rockledge (2nd at 3a7), St. Thomas Aquinas (2nd at 3a8), Fort Walton Beach (1st at 3a1 besting Leon)
Individual Rankings:
Commentary: Rankings are skewed to take into consideration the course difficulties raced and average race times (season to date). Racing consistently fast times and/or improving is imperative to be considered for placement on this list.
Rank. (Previous Rank) Name, Season Average, Grade -- School -- Comments
1. (1) Patrick Koon, 15:36, 10 -- Leon -- Practiced on his home course in winning 3a1 handily.
2. (3) Colby Robbins, 15:52, 12 -- Sunlake -- Ran a burner 15:14 on home course to win conference championship and then won 3a4 with a 15:52 on tough Lecanto course.
3. (4) Josh Ruiz, 15:54, 10 -- Belen Jesuit -- Coasted to win at 3a8 with a 16:28.
4. (5) Alex Pena, 16:00, 11 -- Sunlake -- Runner up at 3a4 to teammate Robbins with a 16:00.
5. (6) Zack Poekert, 16:05, 11 - Cypress Creek -- Runner up at conference meet to Robbins and a 3rd place finish at 3a4.
6. (2) Adam Magoulas, 15:27, 12 -- Belen Jesuit -- Adam has a foot injury and has not raced since FL Runners. Hopefully just a minor setback that will enable him to compete again soon. Until then, he falls a few spots in rankings.
7. (7) Kolten Pickard, 16:28, 12 -- Estero -- Did just enough to win 3a6 title with a 17:09 performance. Also won county meet with a 16:09.
8. (9) Cason Meyer, 16:34, 12 -- Sunlake -- 4th at conference meet behind 3 runners higher up on this list and finished 7th at 3a4 doing enough to help his team win the district title.
9. (10) Luke Larkin, 16:34, 12 -- Fort Walton Beach -- Won county meet with a 16:37 performance and finished 2nd at districts bested only by Patrick Koon.
10. (8) Jake Rogers, 16:52, 11 -- Leon -- Looked to be coasting through race at Districts which may have gifted Fort Walton Beach the title on that day.
Other individuals to watch out for: (to be considered, season avg should be under 17)
Grant Doherty, 16:31, 12 - Ponte Vedra
Evan Torres, 16:30, 10 -- Belen Jesuit
Kaleb Hollins, 16:47, 11 - Choctawhatchee
Isaiah Barajas, 16:52, 12 -- Naples
Clayton Knight, 16:39, 11 -- Ocala Vanguard
Colsen Palmer, 16:37, 12 -- Fort Myers
Luis Cruzado, 16:44, 12 - Belleview
4A Boys Rankings
by Dylan Hermelee, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, coachhermelee@gmail.com
Pre-Region Rankings:
Commentary: Hello all, and welcome back to the 5th edition of the 2021 4A Boys Rankings! With the district races behind us and Regional races this week, we are going to do something a little different and we are going to go Region by Region to project witch 32 teams will make it to States this year.
Rank. School = Comments
4A Region 1:
1. Creekside HS -- I have them ranked 1st in the State and they should win their Region. But look for Nease and Bartram Trail to push them.
2. Bartram Trail HS -- They beat both Creekside and Nease at their District Meet, but can they beat Creekside again at their Region meet?
3. Nease HS -- 3rd at their District meet and likely 3rd again at their Region meet.
4. Chiles HS -- They were 4th in their District and 4th again here. Are we seeing a trend with District 1?
5. Buchholz HS -- They were 6th at their District meet, but I move them to 5th here.
6. Niceville HS -- The 6th District 1 team that I have moving on to States.
7. Oviedo HS -- I haven't talked about them much this year, but the Lions won their District and likely move on to States.
8. Hagerty HS -- They were District 2 Runner-up, but will their 1-2 punch be enough to get them to States?
Close but first ones out:
9. Olympia HS -- The Titans ran 3rd at their District meet, but District 1's depth might keep them out of states.
10. Mandarin HS- They are close but I have them out.
Individual Qualifiers:
1. Joel Mcconnell -- Dr Phillips HS
2. Caleb Melendez -- East Ridge HS
3. Henson Lis -- Dr Phillips HS
4. Ethan Myrick -- Deland HS
4A Region 2:
Teams in:
1. HB Plant: They should cruise to a Reginal win here
2. Newsome HS -- I have them second and should be able to hold off all challengers for the #2 spot.
3. Bloomingdale HS -- District Runner-up and also soon to be State Qualifiers.
4. Palmetto Ridge HS -- Should have enough to easily cruise to States.
5. George M. Steinbrenner HS -- District Runners-up, but should have their hands full qualifying.
6. Sarasota HS -- Now we get to the meat and bones of the Region. Sarasota's depth at 3-4-5-6-7 get them in.
7. Gulf Coast HS -- One of the last 2 teams to make it in.
8. Alonso HS -- This was a tough one, but I think Hopkins low points get them in.
Close but first ones out:
9. North Port HS -- They might be in and have the best chance of sneaking the last spot.
10. Manatee HS -- Close, but not in.
Individual Qualifiers:
1. Evan Crane -- North Point HS
2. Paul Lespasio -- Manatee HS
3. Tyler Galley -- Palm Harbor HS
4. Alan Meriga -- Wharton HS (not sure if he run at District so might not be eligible)
4A Region 3:
1. Viera HS -- They should be able to easily win their Region.
2. Spanish River HS -- District Champs, but Im not sure they have enough to beat Viera.
3. Boca Raton HS -- Ran well at their District race and should cruise to States.
4. Tohopekaliga HS -- They sure surprised me by finishing District runner up last week and did it impressively enough that I put them in as 4th.
5. Boone HS: 3rd at their District meet, but they have one of the best 5th runners in the region and he gets them to the State meet.
6. Timber Creek HS -- Narrowly beat by Boone last week, but they should still advance to States.
7. Winter Park HS -- I am using their races from earlier this year to push them through. Based on their district results they wouldn't move on.
8. University HS -- They stepped up big at their District meet. Do it again and they get to run at States:
Close but first ones out:
9. Melbourne HS -- They could easily be in, but I vague WP the edge.
10. Celebration HS -- Same as above. This meet will be close
Individual Qualifiers: (could change dramatically if Melbourne and Celebration qualify as a team)
1. Jared Falchook -- Celebration
2. Jaiden Martingano -- Melbourne HS
3. Jackson Wangensteen -- Melbourne HS
4. Cooper James -- Celebration HS
4A Region 4:
1. Christopher Columbus HS -- Should be able to easily win the Region.
2. G Holmes Braddock HS -- District Runner-Up and should cruise to States.
3. Cypress Bay HS -- Solid 3rd for them.
4. Coral Reef HS -- District Runner-Up and should cruise to States.
5. West Broward -- District Runner-Up and should also be State Qualifiers.
6. Western HS -- They were 3rd at their District meet and should move on to States.
7. Miami Coral Park -- Solid team depth, so they move on.
8. Fort Lauderdale HS -- They need help from their 4 and 5, but they should have enough to get though.
Close, but first ones out:
9. Taravella HS
10. Coral Gables HS
Individual Qualifiers:
1. Gian Valentin -- Flanagan HS
2. Tanaris Jean Pierre -- Taravella HS
3. Ilias Naami -- South Plantation HS
4. Tyler James -- Taravella HS
Important Reminder:
- Please remember that all of these rankings are done by volunteer coaches and are meant to increase the overall enjoyment of the sport for athletes, coaches, parents, and fans. They are just for fun and should not have a lot of weight put on them. But if there is a concern, such as a missed athlete or team, please email the individual pollster for your classification & gender.
- Please direct any other issues to FACA Rankings Representative: Ryan Raposo @ ryanraposo@gmail.com
With Districts behind us, we're down to the final two weeks of the season and the penultimate FACA XC State Rankings of 2021!
GIRLS STATE RANKINGS
1A Girls Rankings
By Sue O'Malley (FLCHS) somalley@fatherlopez.org