1A Mideast Boys
Defending champion Aaron Rovnak (Franklin Academy) comes in to this race with the fastest time in the region this season having run 16:47. The battle for second place will be tight as there are four other runners under the 18:00 mark and a pack not far off. Lane Woodall (Princeton), Jeddy Waldon (Franklin Academy), Xavier Mclamb (Hobbton), and Karson McKenzie (Roxboro Community) will look to finish their senior cross country season's strong as they compete for a top finish.
Franklin Academy is the favorite to walk away with the team championship but Research Triangle and Voyager Academy are well within striking distance if they have great races.
Research Triangle is led by sophomores Milan Desai and Josh Lewis. Both Desai and Lewis run 18:05 earlier in this season and both will look to break under 18:00 for the first time in their young careers! Chase Cadman has been their 5th man for the majority of the season and a big race by him can boost this Raptor squad.
Voyager Academy is led by senior Michael Kariher who is on the verge of breaking 18:00 for the first time this season.
Granville Central and Princeton currently sit 4th and 5th in the region but not far behind are Roxboro Community, Raleigh Charter, and Woods Charter School. All of these programs will need breakout performances from their runners if they want to keep their season alive and advance to the NCHSAA 1A State Championship the following weekend.