Written as if States were this weekend (July edition)
This weekend is going to be huge. The Western Albemarle boys look better than ever and the Hidden Valley girls want to seal the deal this time around. Individually Joe Hawkes and Parker Albright lead the way.
In the girls' race Hidden Valley looks untouchable. They are led by Emma Rogers who could also be fighting for the individual crown. After her though it is a short gap until the rest of her team and hopefully for them there will be no tie-breakers needed this weekend.
Broadway, Western Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Cave Spring will all be fighting for that second place trophy and the 5th runners will be the ones to watch.
Individually in the girls' race Parker Albright looks just too strong to be bested on a course she loves. Lindsey White, Emily Smeds, Mackenzie Gardner, and Emma Rogers all will be right behind her though giving her zero room to misstep.
Just after their race will be the boys'. Western leads big with Christiansburg and Waynesboro chasing. Individually it will be individuals from those schools as well fighting to be the first across the line. Joe Hawkes, Jacob Robeck, and Ethan Mills all lead their teams and enter as some of the favorites.
Also in contention are Noah Wheeling and Noah Harding who like many others not listed cannot be counted out.
With agreeable weather ahead it will be an exciting finish to the XC season.