The Murrieta Mesa Machine rolled through town in 2018 and not only captured the Division 2 team title but continued onward to also capture the California State Title! In 2019, there will be a new team champion, as they have moved up to Division 1. Traditional powers, West Ranch, Claremont, and Saugus also have made the move and provide ample opportunities for new faces to emerge onto the Division 2 scene in 2019! Perhaps, Mission Viejo will step into the role and capture another team title, as they did in 2017. Meanwhile, Woodbridge returns a solid group and will look to get back to the top as they captured team titles in 2015 and 2016. Loyola captured the boys' team titles six consecutive seasons from 2018-2013 but they remain in Division 1 for the second year in a row. Looking ahead of the 2019 season, the field events are highlighted by athletes looking to defend their 2018 titles. The durable duo of multitalented Derek Pekar and throwing specialist Carlos Aviles provide Ventura with high hopes going into 2019. Combined, they are projected to earn between 40-45 points. Mater Dei's boys also return a strong contingent of athletes and look to earn their first team title since 2014. Meanwhile, the speed of Rancho Verde's boys move into Division 2 and could very well be in the team title picture.
On the Division 2 girls' side, Calabasas are heavy favorites to capture the 2019 team title. The Monarchs of Mater Dei are the defending champs, but with graduations and one major transfer, Jade McDonald, moving away to Calabasas, the tide turns in favor of the Coyotes. But, perhaps, providing the additional push for this squad to be the State Meet team title favorites, Bella Witt transferred into Calabasas from Birmingham High of the Los Angeles City Section. In 2018, as a freshman, Witt was the section champion in the 100 hurdles, third in the 200 meters and fourth in the Long Jump. With 100 meter State Champion De'Anna Nowling and 300 Hurdles State runner-up Kyla Robinson-Hubbard returning, Calabasas sits in the driver's seat going into the 2019 season! Along with Kennedy Waite, those five project to score over 85 points, and not including any points from the relays! Mission Viejo and Westlake are the most probable to aim for that runner-up team plaque in May.
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