Georgia Military Boys Eyeing a 4th title, Gordon Central and Tefair Girls on a Collision Course

Pre-State Rankings

The Team Race

The 2017 season has gone as planned for the top two team, Georgia Military College Prep and Gordon Lee.  For the majority of the season these two teams have distanced themselves from the rest of the A (Public) pack.  Gordon Lee's Jasper Wilson, and GMC's Aaron Kirkland should give everyone a great race to determine the individual State Champion, while both will lead their teams to what should be a great team race as well.  Gordon Lee has a great top three and a tight 4-7.  GMC matches with a great top three as well and a solid 4-7.  As always, it will appear to be those last four runners, who will determine which team will stand on top of the podium as state champion.  GMC is looking to repeat as champion and win their 4^th title since 2012, while Gordon Lee is looking for their first state title in Cross County.

The other podium places are up for grabs.  Atkinson County, Claxton, Baconton Charter, Greene and Terrell all appear to have chances to place.  The only publicly known race was their Area Championship last week.  Of the 16 schools represented in the boys' race, 5 of them did not run in Carrollton last year.  This type of turnover, plus the unknown aspect of some of the team adds a certain air of mystery to the race and should make it a great last boys race for the weekend.

Top Individuals

As mentioned, the race for the individual title should come down to two runners, GMC's Aaron Kirkland and Gordon Lee's Jasper Wilson.  Kirkland finished 2^nd last year while Wilson finished 3^rd last season.  Both have been running solid races all season.  I expect that they will run together and it could come down to Heartbreak Hill to finally see who will emerge as the champion.  There are a group of runners that could fill out the top ten including Green Co's Leo Lopez, GMC Colin McCabe and Jacob Kaulzarich, Gordon Lee's Ian Goodwin and Jake Lee.  Atkinson County has strong runners in Dawson Bussey and Diego Tinajero-Aguilar.   

(October Races Only)

A Public Girls

Towns County entered the season as the 5-time in a row state champion on the girls side.  There was one point this season where they were only running 4 runners!  They have since recovered and won their Area race and seemed primed to make a run at number six.  Telfair County and Atlanta Classica Academy have had great seasons and are their respective Area Champions, but it appears that the State Championship is Gordon Lee's to lose.  Sophomore Gracie O'Neal has had a remarkable season and should lead her team to a state title.  Spots 2 - 4 could be any of the three other teams that were already mentioned.  I think the slight nod would go to Telfair County for 2^nd place, but do not count out Towns County.  The final race of the Championship should be a fun one to watch and a fitting end to the two day running festival.

As on the boys side, there are a series of new schools competing at the state race this year.  Atlanta Classical Academy leads the group of newcomers which also includes Woodville-Tompkins, GMC and Hawkinsville.  With 25% of the field new to the course, expect the unexpected.