(by Coach Robert Sherwood)
Teams In Contention
Armuchee: Lead by the duo of Shelby Green and Marissa Kimple, their team titles depend on these two overwhelming others. If they can bring their 4th and 5th runners closer to the top, they may walk out of Carrollton as state champions. The team Region 6-A.
Lake Oconee Academy: A very difficult team to figure out. They have only run as a team once this entire season. They were the pre-season pick to win, but due to lack of races during the season, who knows what type of team will show up. Do not pass on the blue uniforms as they might be able to spring a surprise. They won Region 8-A in a tiebreaker with Commerce.
Commerce: Paden Bell has had a great season, no question. For this team to really push for the state championship, they need runners 3-6 to have great races. The runner-up team from Region 8-A has the ability to run a great race.
Top Individuals to Watch
Shelby Green (Armuchee) - Green (a sophomore) is a slight favorite to win the overall title over teammate Marissa Kimple. She won six races in 2020, including the Floyd County meet and region. She PR'd at Rome 'All-Area' at 19:28 and is familiar with Carrollton having raced at Ortho' clocking a 21:49.
Marissa Kimple (Armuchee) - just a freshman, Kimple has been a strong XC (Star Trek reference) supporting lead runner Green. She has been very consistent all season and sports a PR of 19:57 at the Rockmart Invitational.
Jada Warren (Georgia Military Prep) - the Georgia Military Prep junior has been a workhorse this season as she has raced 10 times. Warren has won seven races in 2020 and has a PR effort of 20:47 recorded at the Viking Invitational.
Paden Bell (Commerce) - the Commerce sophomore has been very consistent all season and should be in the mix for an individual title. She has competed against some larger school's top athletes in northeast Georgia. She won tough region 8-A with a PR time of 20:52.