• In 4A Boys Action; SW#3 Los Alamos upends SW#1 Academy 34-40 anchored by the performances of the Tom's (Witherell and Bowidowicz) who finished 9th and 10th respectivly.
• Ben Johnson (Academy) runs the fastest time of the day (15:36) on his way to winning the 4A title.
• SW#2 Eldorado cruised to a 38-89 victory over La Cueva. Rachel Velarde (achillies) slipped to 4th but her teamates picked up the slack by placing the top 5 in the top 15.
• The Gallup boys do it again!! The Bengals defeat Cibola 82-86 while Rio Rancho takes third with 117.
• Individually in 5A Kevin Palmer (Eldorado) takes the boys title in 16:05 and Laura Lavezo (LaCueva) runs 18:35 to take the girls title.
• The Girls from Belen run by perinnial powers Academy and Los Alamos 47-53-64. Individually Jackie Campos (Santa Teressa) runs 18:42 to win by over 20 seconds.
• In 3A St. Michael's Girls pull off an emotional upset of Zuni 51-52 while Sophia Torres (Pojoaque) comes from behind to win individually.
• Also in 3A Zuni proves it's dominance with a 59-84 victory over a surprising Wingate team. Zuni's Richard Siow took the individual crown running 16:23.
• Navajo Pine sweeps the small school division. In Boys action they defeated an upstart Pecos squad 31-64. In the Girls race the Warriors bested Santa Fe Prep 49-63.
• Individually Courtney Schultz (Cloudcroft) runs 18:32 to win 1-2A and take home the fastest time of the day. In the boys race Mario Armijo (Pecos) wins with a 16:34

Previews

5A

Boys

1. Cibola: The Cougars have only lost to Albuquerque Academy this year and their district victory over Gallup, w/o Chris Montoya, makes them the favorite in 5A. They have been consistent all year and have the firepower and depth to take home the blue.

2. Gallup: For 24 straight years the Bengals (boys or girls) have come home from state with an individual or team state championship. That streak is in jeopardy. It was last year as well and when the Bengal boys showed what a tough team pack can accomplish. They will be looking to repeat that accomplishment this year.

3. Sandia: The Matadors were 12 points behind Cibola at the Rio Rancho Jamboree and then followed that performance up with an impressive home win and a district perfect score. Is this team finally rested and ready to fly?

4. Rio Rancho: In injury to Josh Bueno (3rd in 2006) and inconsistency has plagued this team all season. But when they are clicking on all cylinders the Rams have the talent to send Coach Larry Chavez into retirement with a championship ring.

5. Los Lunas: In one of their few tests of the season the Tigers finished 23 points behind an incomplete Rio Rancho squad. In the preseason report the Tigers were not even on the radar screen now they are a threat for a trophy.

Others to watch: Eldorado, Carlsbad, Hobbs, Onate

Boys Individuals:

1. Kevin Palmer, Eldorado: Kevin was 1 second faster than Barrera at the Rio Rancho Jamboree. He followed that up with an impressive performance at Los Alamos and an easy win at Districts. If he is the favorite it isn’t by much.

2. Nicholas Barrera, Carlsbad: Last November Nico shook off the idea that a southerner ‘can’t run up north.’ This November he will be disappointed if he doesn’t bring a blue medal back home to the ‘home of the Bats.’

3. Vince Montoya, Cibola: Vince will be battling for the title of fastest Montoya vs. Michael and his twin brother Chris. Based on recent results the “Los Tres Montoyas” will finish within 10 seconds of each other.

4. Michael Montoya, Manzano: Montoya finished 29th a year ago but has shown he is ready to run at the front of the pack.

5. Donavan Jim, Gallup: Or insert your top Bengal here. I’ll select Jim based on his performance at district and Los Alamos.

Others to watch: Chris Montoya, Cibola; Sammy Smith, Gallup; Christian Meyer, Sandia; Rob Selph, Rio Rancho; Jacob Lozano, Hobbs; Ian Ruybalid Los Lunas; Zach Doran, Highland

Girls Team:

1. Eldorado: Undefeated and untested this season. The Eagles are a smash hit with their best album in years.

2. Gallup: They seem to be a step ahead of the rest and 3 steps behind Eldorado. They have a great pack behind Jordan Brown that will chew up positions in a hurry.

3. La Cueva: The Bears early success was not a mirage. Coach Travis Clark has been rotating his girls in and out of the line-up so you can expect a fresh squad to challenge the Bengals for the red trophy.

4. Cibola: The Cougars were a mere 14 points behind Rio Rancho at the Jamboree and then they slipped by them at the district meet. If one of the fore mentioned teams falter it will be a close battle between them, the Cougars, and Rams for the green third place trophy.

5. Rio Rancho: The Rams are closer to La Cueva than most people believe. Once again Coach Larry Chavez Jr. has a pack of runners who finish together and in a hurry. Places 10-40 should determine the outcome between team positions 2-5.

Others to watch: Sandia, Carlsbad, Mayfield

Girls Individuals:

1. Rachel Velarde, Eldorado: Last season’s runner-up performance seems like a lifetime ago. Velarde will win the 5A individual crown and run the fastest time of the day by 30 seconds.

2. Jordan Brown, Gallup: At Los Alamos, Brown showed just how tough she really is. She hung tough throughout the race and never gave in to a pass attempt. Look for her to repeat that performance at state.

3. Allison Bedonie, Edorado: No one is more consistent. Allison is an automatic top 5.

4. Kristy Hannah, Eldorado: Kristy could has the ability to be the girl that comes within 30 seconds of Velarde.

5. Brandy Castillo, Carlsbad: Brandy loves to bolt out with a fast first mile. She could be dangerous if she believes and sticks with Velarde for longer than she did at the Rio Rancho Jamboree.

Others to watch: Kepra McBrayer, Highland; Laura Lavezo, LaCueva; Julie Brasher, Eldorado; Gabby Ellison, Cibola; Brittany Castillo, Carlsbad; Elba Holguin, Valley

4A

Boys Team:

1. Albuquerque Academy: In four meetings this year the Chargers have bested the boys from on top of “The Hill” but the scores are getting closer each round. Look for the gap to be within 5 points but the Red Army will prevail again and retain their US#1 Ranking.

2. Los Alamos: The “LA Boys” have improved steadily throughout the year. They will need to place their top 3 in front of Academy‘s #3 to have a chance of winning. It can be done and the Chargers know it. LA will not sneak up on anyone.

3. St. PiusX: The Sartans have proven that they are the best of the rest. They probably won’t finish within 100 points of Academy or Los Alamos but they will take home the green trophy.

4. Grants: The Pirates were 20 points behind St. Pius at the district meet and they still look like the next best team.

5. Shiprock: The Chieftains are paced by a solid threesome of Harry Nakai Jr. , Antonio Paramo and Jarron Shorty. They are not household names but they are good enough to lead Shiprock to a top 5 finish.

Others to watch: Bernalillo, Aztec

Boys Individuals:

1. Ben Johnson, Academy: BenJo started the year as the Footlocker Finals pre-season favorite and has done nothing to diminish his credibility. He has secured a place in the same sentence with greats like Tebo, Leslie, Aragon and Garcia.

2. Allen Pittman, Los Alamos: Allen is rock-solid and never seems to falter. LA's super-senior is the most consistant of their big-3.

3. Kyle Pittman, Los Alamos: 8th last fall Kyle is much improved. A jump to the top-3 could be the boost his Toppers need in the team standings.

4. Kevin Burnett, St. Pius X: Last week at district Kevin was as close to BenJo as most anyone has been all season. The 800 meter state champ has great closing speed. He may need it entering the stadium because palces 3 - 6 look real tight.

5. Pat Zacharias, Academy: At 6'5 "the Giant" needs to come up big for his team. Gilna and Zacharias have battled all year and this spot could be the "swing vote" in the team standings.

Others to watch: Joshua Garcia, Belen; Douglas Torres, St. Pius; Kyle Cooper, Academy; Gareth Gilna, Los Alamos; Carlos Gonzales, Bernalillo; Richard Bautista, Farmington;

4A

Girls Team:

1. Academy: The Chargers are without two of their top runners but they are the deepest team in 4A. They were able to squeak by Belen at the district meet but they have been wildly inconsistent this season. The Chargers are the favorite but there inconsistency will give the contenders reason to believe.

2. Belen: The Eagles have been the surprise of the 2007 season. They are likely to get onto the trophy stand but they will have more lofty goals. If you are looking for an upset place you sawbuck on the Eagle women.

3. Los Alamos: Don’t overlook the girls from “the Hill.” Last year they ran their best race of the year at state and walked away with the “Blue Trophy.” These girls are capable of another big race so watch out.

4. St. Pius X: The Sartans were a distant third to Academy and Belen at the district meet. They have two potential top 10 runners but their pack trails far behind.

5. Kirtland Central: KC finished well behind the 4A powers at the Rio Rancho Jamboree but they also finished just ahead of the bubble teams listed below.

Others to watch: Deming, Espanola Valley, Piedra Vista

Girls Individuals:

1. Jackie Campos, Santa Teresa: Jackie has not been able to face any of the northern competition this season but she has proven in the past that she is a big time performer. Campos looks like the most certain element in a very uncertain division.

2. Aleona Reyes, Belen: Aleona has turned in some impressive performances running on both sides of I-40 this season. Her recent 30 second victory at the district championships makes her the most likely girl to pull off an upset in 4A.

3. Holly Walker, Los Alamos: Holly has run solidly all season. Does she have enough in her to take home the green medal?

4. Gael Sanchez, St. Pius: Sanchez was one second faster than Throckmorton at the district meet.

5. Paige Throckmorton, Academy: Academy’s new #1 has run solidly all season. She is the consistent force on a very inconsistent team.

Others to watch: Amanda Throckmorton; Lisa Peterkin, Academy; Shaylene Chavez, Belen; Myka Benally, Kirtland Central;

3A

Boys Team:

1. Zuni: The Thunderbirds became the overwhelming choice to run away with the 3A division after they won the small school section of the Rio Rancho Jamboree by 50 points. They should win even on an off day.

2. Pojoaque: The Elks defeated St. Mikes’ on their home course for the district 2AAA championship using the tiebreaking 6th runner. This coupled with there performance at the Rio Rancho Jamboree give them the edge over the Horsemen.

3. St. Michael’s: The Horsemen stepped up their game at last year’s state championship. The defending state champs will need their young guns to step up again to ensure that they go home with a trophy in 2007.

4. Wingate: Can the Bear front runners help lead this team to a surprise podium performance?

5. Laguna-Acoma: The Hawks deserve mention following their district championship win over Thoreau and Hope.

Others to watch: Santa Fe Indian School, Thoreau, Hope, West Las Vegas,

Boys Individuals:

1. Tony Sanchez, West Las Vegas: In a heroic story turned sour; the favorite may struggle to earn at state. During the 1^st mile of the Rio Rancho Jamboree, Sanchez lost his shoe. The pavement and dirt trails led to a bruise on the exposed foot. This led to Sanchez’ 10^th place performance at Sandia and a 1 second win at the district meet. When healthy, Sanchez is amazing. This injury has the rest of the top individuals in 3A licking their chops.

2. Richard Ziow, Zuni: Richard was the next best runner at the Jamboree and followed up that performance with back to back wins. He will lead a pack of Thunderbirds on Saturday.

3. Dillon Shiji, Sandia Prep: Dillon was a step behind Ziow at Rio Rancho and he was the top 3A finisher earlier this year at UNM.

4. Fred Baca, St. Michael’s: Baca and Serrao have traded the top spot for the Horsemen all season. At the district meet Baca finished 1 second behind Sanchez and is the hottest runner in 3A.

5. Shawn Begay, Wingate: Shawn was the top Bear at the district 1AAA meet and finished second ahead of a tough field that included Evan Bekes of Bloomfield.

Others to watch: Thomas Zunie, Zuni; Evan Bekes, Bloomfield; Ryan Fenton, Hope; Trevor Serrao, St. Michael’s:

3A

Girls Team

1. Zuni: The Thunderbirds dominated the Rio Rancho Invitational but the Lady Horsemen were absent and wounded at that time. Zuni is the favorite but they better be wary of St. Michael’s.

2. St. Michael’s: The Horsemen are getting healthy at the right time. If they had 2 more weeks they may even be the favorites. Trust that if they are defeated they will not give up the title without a serious fight.

3. Pojoaque: The emergence of Ariel Castaneda has catapulted the Elks back into the game. But if the Elks have upset dreams they will need serious help from their #4 and #5.

4. Laguna-Acoma: 1-3 L-A can run with almost anyone but the back of their pack has been their downfall.

5. Cobre: The Diaz Twins will make sure that the Cobre score is within the top 5 but they will be well out of the battle for a trophy this season.

Others to watch: Tohachi, West Las Vegas, Thoreau

Girls Individuals:

1. Sophia Torres, Pojoaque: It has been quite a while since a 3A runner has beaten Sophia. But she was only 2 seconds faster than Amer at the District 2AAA championship. This race is going to come down to the wire.

2. Tess Amer, St. Michael’s: If Sophia or anyone else beats Tess on Saturday it wont be from lack of effort. Nobody puts more into a race than Tess. Amer was 6th last year and 2nd in 2005.

3. Janet Pino, Zuni: Janet was the top Thunderbird at Rio Rancho and at the district 1AAA meet. She finished within 15 seconds of Torres at Rio Rancho and should be considered a contender.

4. Camille Martinez, Pojoaque: Camille has completed one of the most consistent seasons in Elk history.

5. Caroline Ives, St. Michael’s: Ives defeated Martinez at the district meet and has finished the season strong. She has been a pleasant surprise for the Horsemen this season.

Others to watch: Kate Nosrkog, St. Michael’s; Erica Diaz, Cobre; Leann Lee, Zuni; Patty Murray, St. Michael’s Roxie Boone, Zuni Marlinda Pecos, SFIS; Bronwyn Bedrick, Sandia Prep;

1-2A

Boys Team

1. Navajo Pine: Lately the Warriors have not looked as dominant as they did at the UNM meet. They have lost a runner to discipline issues and a few others are suffering though injuries. Never the less they have yet to lose to a 1-2A opponent. They are still the favorite but they no longer look unbeatable.

2. Jemez Valley: The Warriors from Jemez Valley looked like the likely candidates to upset Navajo Pine. That was until Alvin Yellowhorse handed in his uniform. But you can count on Coach Danny Chinana to have his team ready to go at the state meet.

3. Pecos: The Panthers have enjoyed a successful season, once again, competing in a very tough schedule. This deep and young team will be a force for years to come as they will run 7 underclassmen at the state meet.

4. Penasco: Last year’s runner-up team has enjoyed a solid 2007 campaign. They are led by Grayson Vogel who has improved immensely since last year.

5. Santa Fe Prep: The Griffens have a solid pack but their #1 usually finishes behind the #5’s for the top 3 teams. Hopefully next year will finally be the year that the Santa Fe Prep boys stop waiting for next year.

Others to watch: Bosque, Navajo Prep, East Mountain

Boys Individuals:

1. Randy Nez, Navajo Pine: Nez has had an inconsistent year but his victory over Chee at the district meet make people believe that he is healthy and back in form.

2. Mario Armijo, Pecos: Armijo has only lost to one 1-2A runner this year (Yellowhorse) but on three different occasions his foes were within a couple of seconds. He will need to run a complete race if he wants his mo-hawk on the top of the podium.

3. Nick England, Jemez Valley: Nick finished just behind Armijo on two occasions. He is much improved from a year ago and will be looking for the title this year.

4. Tim Chee, Navajo Pine: Chee has been the #1 runner for Navajo Pine for most of the year. Coaches Tim Host and Gavin Sosa both believe that Chee has unlimited potential.

5. Gabe Lilly, Navajo Pine: Lilly has been a solid runner for the Warriors for the entire season. If they place 3 runners in the top 5 they will be insured of taking home the blue trophy.

Others to watch: Troy Magdalena, Jemez Valley, Grayson Vogel, Penasco; Justin Bustos, Pecos;

1-2A

Girls Team:

1. Navajo Pine: The Warriors look beatable at the Rio Rancho Jamboree but since then they seem to have ‘woken up’ and are running strong. Look for them to win by a large margin.

2. Santa Fe Prep: The Griffens have been moving in the wrong directions since their close lose to Navajo Pine at the Rio Rancho Jamboree. Santa Fe Prep will need Belinda Secular to run well if they have hopes of taking home the blue.

3. Navajo Prep: Navajo Prep has looked stronger as of late. They have a solid pack and they should find their way onto the trophy stand again this year.

4. Penasco: The Panthers are primed for an upset. They have improved steadily throughout the season and have a small gap from their #2-#6.

5. Cloudcroft: You can’t overlook a team that goes 1-2. Their pack time is suspect but they should still be strong enough to make the top 5.

Others to watch: Bosque, Jemez Valley

Girls Individuals:

1-2. Courtney and Camille Schultz, Cloudcroft: If you want a sure bet on Saturday find a bookie that will take bets on HS Cross Country and bet the farm on Schultz. That bet is safer than betting on Johnson or Velarde!!! Why? Because you get two bets for the price of one. It is likely that no one will be within 30 seconds of either Shultz twin

3. Emma Hamilton, Santa Fe Prep: Give Emma credit for going out this summer and running her tail off. Give her credit with racing like a champion all season. And when the season is done give this girl a state medal and tell her how proud you are of her for showing what a girl can do if she puts her mind and effort toward a goal.

4. Hailey Lucero, Mesa Vista: This “pint size” 8th grader is going to be a force for four years to come. She is the lone girl on the Mesa Vista team and shoulders the communities’ aspirations for a state championship. Look for that to come later in her career.

5. Shawna Winnegar, Santa Fe Prep: The defending state champ has had a so-so season due to injuries that have hampered her season and training. But this lady found herself on the course last year at state and has the ability to surprise the field again this year. Don’t count her out just yet.

Others to watch: Chantel Hunt, Navajo Pine; Amanda Sayer, Bosque;