Division IV (With
help from Piedmont assistant coach, Len Goldman)
Girls - (Top 3 teams advance to state meet):
1. Piedmont
2. Miramonte
5. Sir Francis Drake/St. Mary's Berkeley
Leading up to the NCS meet, the Piedmont girls have posted the top 3 mile time of 95:03 which was set on the Hayward course at the recent WACC championship meet. Earlier in the season at the Clovis Invite, Marin Catholic, Miramonte, and Piedmont all ran in this meet, just not in the same race. Marin Catholic posted the best team time of 98:57, followed by Miramonte in 99:19 and then Piedmont in 100:36. The NCS meet, may come down to which team among these three has the best day and healthiest runners. This could be any teams race to win but based on who has done the best most recently, the predicted order of finish is Piedmont, Miramonte, and Bishop O'Dowd. Contenders who could be spoilers and oust one of these teams are Marin Catholic and St. Mary's.
The top individual runners are Audrey Allen-Miramonte, Sophia Zalewski-Piedmont, and Samantha Wallenstrom-Marin Catholic.
On the bubble to making the top three are Sophia Nordenholz-Albany and Gigi Clifford-Marin Catholic.
Boys - (Top 3 teams advance to state meet):
1. Sir Francis Drake
2. Acalanes
3. Piedmont/Bishop O'Dowd
4. Alhambra
5. Albany
Going into the NCS meet, Sir Francis Drake appears to have the edge and their season long record of success weighs in their favor. Both for the 3 mile distance and 5K, their team time places them first for 3 miles at 81:42
and for the 5K they rank second at 85:05. Early in the season, Acalanes put down some fast times, with 5 runners at sub 17 minutes at the Capital Cross meet. At the recent DAL championship meet, it appears they were not at full strength, missing several of their top runners. Still with two weeks to get ready for NCS, they have the inside track for the #2 spot.
The #3 team is still a developing story with several teams vying for this position including Piedmont and O'Dowd who tied for 2nd at their league meet. This is too close to call for third place as it could be a real battle royale come race day and it's conceivable the 5th or even 6th place runner for these teams could be the difference-maker. Other teams in the mix include Albany, Eureka, and Arcata.
Top Individuals: Amir Barken Sir Francis Drake, Lyle Rumon-Marin Catholic,
and Julian Jensen-O'Dowd
On the bubble: Sam Roth-Acalanes, Carson Edwards-Alhambra