Class 4A Boys State Meet Preview

                                                                                                             4A Boys Team Race

 

While the Pius boys are the favorite, any of these teams could claim a podium spot or even the TOP spot.  St. Pius X  is #2 ranked All Classes and always peaks at this time of the year. Probably the strongest 4 and 5 in the field. They have already defeated North Hall and Woodward during the season but have not faced North Oconee yet. North Oconee is # 3 All Class and has won several meets this year and has won 2 out of 3 from North Hall. Woodward and North Oconee have split 2 meetings but neither school had all of their top 5 when they lost to each other. Woodward should get a boost from the return of Drew Sands, one of the state's top runners when healthy. North Oconee has received a similar boost with the return to health of Harper Sigler who ran 30 seconds faster at region than he did at Asics. North Hall has a very strong top 3 and a similar wildcard in Bryce Schubert who can give them a powerful top 4 if he is on. North Hall needs for # 5 Eli Parker to continue to improve as he did in the region meet. Marist is defending AAAA champ and can make a run at a podium spot as they certainly will be at their best Saturday. Whitewater will be lurking with a strong top 3 lead by Parker Nail.

 

                                         

                                                                                                          4A Boys Individual Race

 

                                     

                             Alex Murfee                                                 Tyler Jones                                              Devin Dixon                                              Quintin Miles  

 

                                                                                  

                                                                                Gerardo Suarez                                          Stephen Martinez                                        Frank Pittman       

 

The boys individual race is even more up in the air. Harriers that should be in the lead pack (in no particular order - Alex Murfee of Woodward, Tyler Jones and Cole Thornton of North Oconee, Quintin Miles of North Hall, Sean Parker of Pickens, Devin Dixon of Eagle's Landing and the guy most people think will win....Frank Pittman of Marist. Pittman is a clear favorite as he has not been defeated by a AAAA runner all year. Stephen Martinez and Nick Calia of St. Pius ran 2 and 3 for the AAA  champs last year and should be in the top 10. Murfree from Woodward, Miles from North Hall and the North Oconee duo of Jones and Thornton have all taken their turn beating each other this year.  Dixon of Eagle’s Landing, Parker of Pickens, Gerardo (Junior) Suarez of Johnson, CoursonTeasley of North Hall should contend for podium spots.