Cherokee WarPath Invitational Preview
By Andy Carr
This Saturday, the course known as Boling Park in Canton, GA or aka “that fast 3-looper” will play host to many of the top cross country programs in the state. Speed will be of essence as the top teams and individual runners from the metro Atlanta area take on the historic course adjacent to the Etowah River & Cherokee HS.
Boys Teams
With over 30teams toeing the line the meet is sure to be crowded and exciting as 4 All-Class ranked teams square off along with one that should be. St Pius (#1-All Class) will have its hands full with the Eagles of Etowah (#5-All Class) along with the unranked all-class Marist War Eagles (#1 AAAA). If at full strength Marist will challenge for the meet win. Lurking not too far behind these “big-three” are the Hoyas of Harrison (#9-All Class) and the Hornets of Roswell (#10-All-Class).With team trophies to only the top-3 it will be a very well-earned award for any of these teams!
Boys Individuals
St Pius with Austin Sprague will have to fend off the challenge of the Marist duo of Michael Thurston & Daniel Navarro. Etowah will counter with its own 1-2 punch of Blake Beavers & Sam Donley. St Pius will need to rely heavily on Joe Ferrugia as Marist will have its #3 in the mix as well, Frank Pittman. Others to watch out for are Roswell’s Drew Kelley, Sequoyah’s Chris Costa, Logan Poteet of Kell and the surprising freshman Sean Parker from Pickens County.
Girls Teams
After a convincing win at their home meet, the Lady War Eagles of Marist (#1-All Class) look even more untouchable here even though this maybe the strongest field they face to date! Etowah (#4-All Class) looks to be the best challenger with their strong win last week at Covered Bridge. The Lady Hoyas of Harrison (#5-All Class) seek to get a trophy position as well but will have to fend off the likes of #10-All Class Blessed Trinity. Region foes & rivals Roswell (#9 AAAAAA) & Milton (#10 AAAAAA) took down the Titans the week before and should be in the mix as well.
Girls Individuals
Junior Morgan Ilse of Marist is the hands-down favorite after a convincing win at Benson-Double Dip last week and should only be challenged by sophomore Emma Grace Hurley of Fellowship Christian who was 2nd at the Wesleyan Invite and won the Mercy Invite the previous week. If recent results hold true the Lady War Eagles #2-#4 runners will also be in the top-10 with Catie Faust, Anna Renou or Kendall Nelson fronting this group. Both Renou & Nelson are freshman! Others to watch include the ever improving Kingsley Green of Etowah & Alyssa Weaver of Pickens County.