2026 XC South SJS Distance Week 1 Preview

During Week 0 there were 36 South SJS Distance teams in action. This week there are only two meets and 12 teams out on the course

 

 

SAT 8/29 THUNDER 2mi @ Buhach Colony HS, Atwater

The competing South SJS teams are Atwater, Buhach Colony, Denair, El Capitan, Orestimba, Ripon, and Ripon Christian.

 

 

I am interested in seeing how the top couple of Ripon boys and girls fit in with the top runners from Atwater, Buhach and Orestimba.

 

  

SAT 8/29 OAKMONT INV @ Johnson-Springville Park, Roseville

The competing South SJS teams are Central Valley, Downey, Golden Valley, Lathrop, and Turlock. 

 

 

I am interested in seeing the top Turlock and Lathrop runners against the top Golden Valley girls. Also how the GV and Turlock boys compete against the best teams in the Sac area

 

2026 XC South SJS Distance Week 0 Runners of the Week

There are about 47 South SJS teams that have a XC team; and even though there were only three meets, 36 were in action this week. I went to two of those meets seeing 34 of the teams taking to the course. 

 

Given so many local teams in action there were bound to be some great performances.

 

LANDON WILSON (Sonora)--Landon was on his way to breaking the Atwater 3mi course record at Saturday's Screamin Scott Showdown , then with less than 400m left he was forced to stop and throw up. He still won the race in a more than respectable 15:14.1

 

FERNANDA CORTES (Golden Valley)--Fernanda picked up right where she left off in track...she won the 3mi division of the SSS in a meet record time of 17:02.2

 

MADDOX YOUNG (Beyer)--WOW, Maddox was totally not on my Bingo card for this season. But I do love a surprise. Maddox won the 2.2 mi division of the SSS in 11:43.9

 

 

ANAHI RUIZ VELASCO (Beyer)--placed 1st in the 2.2mi races at the SSS. Her time of 12:15.2 was a new course record and would translate to 11:08 for 2mi. 

 

OTHER RUNNERS WHO HAD A GREAT WEEK:

PORTER PETTY (Turlock)--led the sophomore Bulldogs to the team title at the Sierra Inv. He motored over  the 2mi course in 10:37.09 which was good for third place.

 

EVELYN AVALOS (Gregori)--won the Soph 2mi race at the Lodi Flame Inv in 12:37.67

 

 

 

2026 XC South SJS Distance Week 0 (Lodi Flame, Sierra Inv, and Screamin Scott Showdown)

Most schools started their seasons with a bang this week, but many of the top runners are contending with slight injuries.  I was able to catch two of the meets.

FRI 8/21 LODI FLAME INV@ Lodi Lakes, Lodi

The participating South SJS teams are Calaveras, Escalon, Gregori, Linden, Manteca, Ripon, Ripon Christian. The JV, Frosh, and Soph races covered the same flat two mile course. The Varsity races added one more piece and was listed as 5K.

 

JVG 2mi

2. Paisley Coenenberg (Manteca) 13:10.83

3. Abigail Meza (Linden) 13:17.89

 

Soph G 2mi

Avalos

1. Evelyn Avalos (Gregori) 12:37.67 

 

VG 5K

Lee

14. Lisa Lee (Calaveras) 21:59.68

15. Sophia Jung (Ripon) 22:04.53

20. Kaylee Hartfield (Gregori) 22:54.40

21. Malaina Gallegos (Gregori) 22:54.40

22. Ava Marrone (Ripon) 22:56.01

 

JVB 2mi

10. Emanuel Saldana (Manteca) 11:12.26

13. Luke Hartley (Ripon) 11:18.04

16. Braden Hegarty (Manteca) 11:23.45 

 

Frosh B 2mi

4. Ryder Smith (Gregori) 11:40.59 

 

Soph B 2mi

12. Austin Hollenbach (Calaveras) 11:42.20

 

VB 5K

Rodriguez

5. Carmelo Rodriguez (Ripon) 17:08.34

10. Amanpal Dhaliwal (Calaveras) 17:31.85 

  

WHAT WAS INTERESTING TO ME?

Calaveras has only three top girls. I had been hoping that they would find two more to be able to compete with RBK in the MLL. Ripon's Carmelo Rodriguez continues to develop and may be able to run with the top Hughson boys. Gregori's Evelyn Avalos look good but ran the shorter race and was unchallenged...so will she be able to stay with Mylie Olson and Gisela Hernandez (Turlock) in CCAL competition? Ava Marrone dor Ripon is a frosh in her first race. Watching her develop could be very interesting in regards to the TVL individual placings.

 

RESULTS

  

PHOTOS (races 1-4)

PHOTOS (races 5-8) 

   

SAT 8/22 SCREAMIN' SCOTT SHOWDOWN @ Atwater HS, Atwater.

There were 27 South SJS teams (Atwater, Beyer, Big Valley, Bret Harte, Buhach Colony, Ceres, Chesterton, Denair, El Capitan, Enochs, Golden Valley, Grace Davis, Hughson, Johansen, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced, Modesto, Orestimba, Pacheco, Patterson, Pitman, Riverbank, Sierra, Sonora, Summerville, and  Waterford). Most of the top teams were missing someone. Also the best teams in the region weren't necessarily in the same races as some opted for the full three mile course and others for the shorter 2.2 mi races.

All of the coaches before the meet

 

B 3mi 

1-GV 53; 2-ATW 61; 3-ON 90; 4-SIE 112; 5-PAT 190

 

Gonzalez (behind) and Wilson

1. Landon Wilson (Sonora) 15:14.1

2. Yair Gonzalez (Atwater) 15:42.4

3. Armando Garcia (Riverbank) 16:00.9

4. Asher Berg (Sonora) 16:01.3

5. Max Perez (Sierra) 16:10.3

6. Eli Pimentel (Pitman) 16:13.3

7. Manuel Elizarraraz Pedroza (Golden Valley) 16:13.8

8. James Barajas (Golden Valley) 16:14.7

9. Sebastien Peterson (Sierra) 16:15.6

10. Xavier Glenn (Atwater) 16:16.0

 

B 2.2 mi

1-HUGH 25; 2-BEY-74; 3-ATW 90; 4-SIE 118; 5-LIV 154

 

Hoyle (behind) and Young

1. Maddox Young (Beyer) 11:43.9

2. Ethan Samulski (Beyer) 11:45.0

3. Mason Hoyle (Hughson) 11:55.8

4. Manny Ruiz (Hughson) 11:56.9

5. Sam Alvarado (Hughson) 11:57.7 

 

G 3mi

1-GV 20; 2-ATW 67; 3-SIE 67; 4-RBK 72; 5-MER 127

 

Cortes

1. Fernanda Cortes (Golden Valley) 17:02.2 (new course record)

2. Anna Dittman (Sierra) 18:13.5

3. Chelsea Chavez (Golden Valley) 18:57.7

4. Gabriela Hicks (Golden Valley) 19:05.9

5. Sadie Thompson (Sonora) 19:08.2

6. Aubri Villa (Golden Valley) 19:10.3

7. Jade Carmona (Orestimba) 19:58.3

8. Abigail Fraser (Sierra) 20:12.0

8. Katerin Ortiz Nunez (Golden Valley) 20:12.2

10. Terra Campos (Pacheco) 20:32.9 

 

G 2.2 mi 

1-BEY 29; 2-HUGH 41; 3-LIV 76; 4-PIT 98; 5-MER 137

 

Ruiz Velasco

 

1. Anahi Ruiz Velasco (Beyer) 12:15.2 (New course record that converts to 11:08 for 2mi)

2. Grace Benitez (Hughson) 13:12.6

3. Annie Servin (Beyer) 13:33.4

4. Maggie Becchetti (Hughson) 13:39.1

5. Daisy Rojas (Livingston) 14:02.4 

  

WHAT WAS INTERESTING TO ME?

Almost every team was missing somebody. Listing off the top runners who were missing would indeed be an impressive list, but XC is about who did run. Golden Valley looked great on both sides. The girls missed running against Hughson and Beyer...that is what we all wanted, to see but all three of those teams ran very solid team races. The GV boys had an interesting team strategy and it paid off beating a bit shorthanded Atwater squad. Landon Wilson, Anahi Ruiz Velasco and Fernanda Cortes are in top form! Sierra had some solid performances that will help them in VOL competition

 

RESULTS

 

PHOTOS (B 3mi)

PHOTOS (G 3 mi)

PHOTOS (B 2.2 mi)

PHOTOS (G 2.2 mi)

PHOTOS (B and G 1.4 mi) 

 

SAT 8/22 SIERRA INV @ Sierra College, Rocklin

The competing South SJS teams are Turlock and Central Valley. All of the races were 2mi.

 

FROSH GIRLS

13. Vanessa Morales (Central Valley) 13:51.04 

 

SOPH GIRLS

7. Gisela Hernandez (Turlock) 13:13.26 

 

SENIOR GIRLS

9. Mylie Olson (Turlock) 13:39.63 

 

SOPH BOYS

3. Porter Petty (Turlock) 10:37.09

10. Cylus Costa (Turlock) 11:20.84

16. Fin Ebersole (Turlock) 11:49.83 

 

JUNIOR BOYS

31. Logan Oliveira (Turlock) 11:38.96

33. Joey Barragan (Turlock) 11:44.21

41. Jackson Blood (Turlock) 11:54.46 

 

SENIOR BOYS

7. Gavin Martin (Turlock) 11:00.65

10. Zayn Hamilton (Turlock) 11:05.16

17. Enoc Reyes (Central Valley) 11:21.16 

  

WHAT WAS INTERESTING TO ME?

The Turlock top runners shook out just about where I thought they would. With that group they should glide through CCAL competition. That was a good effort for Reyes of CV. He may be able to compete for the top 7-10 in the WAC this season. I am encouraged that CV has a very solid frosh girl. I'll be keeping an eye on her.

 

RESULTS 

2026 XC South SJS Distance Week 0 Preview

 We are almost there folks, the start of the 2026 XC season. Although Bret Harte had a scrimmage this past Saturday, most team will find their first action either Friday at the Lodi Flame Inv or Saturday at the Screamin' Scott Showdown.

 

Schedule for the first three weeks of the season

FRI 8/21 LODI FLAME INV@ Lodi Lakes, Lodi

The participating South SJS teams are Calaveras, Escalon, Gregori, Linden, Manteca, Ripon, Ripon Christian.

 

I am interested in seeing how the Gregori girls match up against the top Calaveras girls.

 

Lodi 2mi course map

Lodi 5K course map

  

SAT 8/22 SCREAMIN SCOTT SHOWDOWN @ Atwater HS, Atwater.

There are 27 South SJS teams (Atwater, Beyer, Big Valley, Bret Harte, Buhach Colony, Ceres, Chesterton, Denair, El Capitan, Enochs, Golden Valley, Grace Davis, Hughson, Johansen, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced, Modesto, Orestimba, Pacheco, Patterson, Pitman, Riverbank, Sierra, Sonora, Summerville, and  Waterford) competing although some will chose to race in the 5K and others will choose the 2mi so the top runners are no necessarily racing against each other. 

 

I am interested because, although they won't all be racing head to head, there will be some head to head which will certainly clear up some of the unknowns such as how have Atwater's Ricky Barron and Merced's Isaac Barragan-Reyes recovered after having a stellar XC season and then missing the whole track season due to injury....well the update is that they are both still injured so I guess I'll be focused on the fitness of so many other top runners.

 

Atwater course map

SAT 8/22 SIERRA INV @ Sierra College, Rocklin

The competing South SJS teams are Turlock and Central Valley.

 

I am interested in seeing how Turlock's teams and top athletes stack up against some of the Sacramento area teams. 

2026 XC South SJS Distance PreSeason Rankings

Given that the South SJS region is so vast, XC runners in different leagues only rarely compete head to head against each other. Add to it being pre-season so no one has even run yet, thus you can see why ranking individuals at this time of the year is so difficult. So what did I go off of?...well I used their track times from last spring. I prioritized their 3200m times, then 1600, then 800. As in past years if you believe that I have mis-ranked you or your team...well you are welcome to tell me all about it. But I would suggest that you use it as fuel. SHOW ME how wrong I am by running faster. I love being shown just how wrong I am.

  

BOYS INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS 

FIRST TEAM 

LANDON WILSON 11th (Sonora)--His times of 9:18 and 4:29 put him a notch above the rest of the field. He should roll through the TVL and could win the D4 section title. Made 1st team all South SJS last season

 

DOMINIC URTEAGA 11th (Golden Valley)--Dom met all three of the All South SJS Distance marks last season while being an absolute work-horse for the Cougars. His impressive marks were 9:25, 4:23, and 1:59.

YAIR GONZALEZ 11th (Atwater)--Like Dom Yair also met all three All South SJS Distance marks. However unlike Dom, Yair improved in leaps and bounds and was really finding his true potential at the end of track.His best times were 9:27, 4:24, and 1:59. Made 2nd team all South SJS last season

 

WESTON MCGHEE 12th (Oakdale)--Weston also hit all three marks in track. He has a easier season in the VOL compared to having to race Dom, Yair, James, and Isaac (and others) at every league meet. . Weston achieved marks of 9:26, 4:28, and 1:59. Made 2nd team all South SJS last season.

 

ALEX MEJIA HIDALGO 12th (Beyer)--maybe Alex should be at the top of this list. Certainly no local male left a larger imprint on last Spring's track season than Alex. His marks of 1:53.32 and 4:10.39 were historic. But will that success translate to cross-country? Will Alex stay interested and motivated in the weakened WAC?

IVAN RODRIGUEZ 12th (Modesto)--Ivan will likely be the top runner in the CCAL although several Turlock runners will make him work for that honor. In track he produced times of 9:36 and 4:26.

 

JAMES BARAJAS 12th (Golden Valley)--James like his teammate Dom ran a huge number of races last track season. He has the potential to emerge on top in the CCC. In track his best times were 9:40 and 4:29.

 

QUINN BACA 12th (Oakdale)--Quinn's track season was a bit inconsistent. The Mustangs will need his best game to hold off Patterson in VOL competition. He ran 9:44 and 4:35 in track.

 

ISAAC BARRAGAN 12th (Merced)--Isaac was injured/recovering for all of the track season, but in XC he was beaten only once in CCC competition (by Yair). I fully expect that he will be racing during XC at that level. Made 1st team all South SJS last season

ETHAN SAMULSKI 11th (Beyer)--I could have put anyone from the second team into this slot and justified the selection. It was Ethan's 3200 mark of 9:50 (and 4:33 in the 1600) that grab him the honor. He also has the most untapped potential and thus room to grow. I think he will be Robin to Alex's Batman and have a huge XC season.

 

SECOND TEAM 

ARMANDO GARCIA 12th (Riverbank)-- Was 2nd team all South SJS last season--4:34, 1:58

MAX PEREZ 12th (Sierra)--4:33

RICKY BARRON 11th (Atwater)--missed the entire track season but was 2nd team all South SJS Distance last season

GAVIN MARTIN 12th (Turlock)--9:52

ISAIAN VARGAS 12th (Atwater)--4:36, 9:56

ELI PIMENTEL 12th (Pitman)--4:35, 10:04

ELI SCOTT 12th (Pitman)--4:32, 1:59

PORTER PETTY 10th (Turlock)--10:19, 4:35, 2:02

AIDAN DENIZ 11th (Merced)--10:00

ZAYN HAMILTON 12th (Turlock)-- was 2nd team all South SJS last season. If he had not been relegated solely to the 800 during track he may have been and probably deserves to be considered for the 1st team. 2:00

 

BOYS TEAM RANKINGS

1. Atwater

2. Oakdale 

3. Turlock

4. Hughson

5. Beyer

6. Patterson

7. Golden Valley 

 

GIRLS INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS 

FIRST TEAM 

ANAHI RUIZ VELASCO 9th (Beyer)--she had arguably the best frosh track season ever by a local female runner with times of 10:48, 5:09, 2:26. Her biggest WAC competition may come from within her own team.

ELEANOR HAMPTON 11th (Merced)--was 1st team all South SJS last season. Does she ever have a bad race..the answer is no. She will be tough to beat in the CCC. 10:49, 5:10

 

JAYLYN CARRILLO 10th (Patterson)--was 2nd team all South SJS last season. Jaylyn was literally just a step behind Anahi on the greatest frosh season meter. My only question is with out the top senior Patterson girls (now graduates) will Jaylyn stay hungry and keep pushing? 10:50

 

FERNANDA CORTES 12th (Golden Valley)--Fernanda was good in XC last year but developed even further in tack. I expect her to run step for step with Hampton in CCC races. 10:50, 5:01, 2:21

 

ANNA DITTMAN 11th (Sierra)--was 1st team all South SJS last season. Anna got injured part way through track last season. She rebounded toward the end of the season but not quite to the level she was during XC. She and Jaylyn and Addison could really go at it in VOL competition. 11:19. 5:08, 2:25

 

ROSELYNN DOMINGUEZ 10th (Modesto)--with times of 11:21 and 5:08 Roselynn is the top returner in the CCAL even as a soph.

 

ADDISON WYLIE 11th (Oakdale)--was 2nd team all South SJS last season. Addison is the anchor of the Oakdale team that is surely hoping to qualify for State. Her best times are 11:22 and 5:13.

 

GISELA HERNANDEZ 10th (Turlock)--in track Gisela never ran the 3200 although I think that could be her best event. A coaching change my be to her benefit. Time will tell if she can stay with Roselynn in CCAL competition. 5:19, 2:25

 

 

TYLEAH BADEA 12th (Beyer)--was 2nd team all South SJS last season. It appears that Tyleah has bounced back to Beyer. That is good news for a loaded but young Patriot squad. In half of a track season at Sierra, Tyleah produced times of 12:00, 5:03, and 2:12.

 

GABRIELA HICKS 12th (Golden Valley)--like with the last boy on the first team, this spot on the girls' first team could have gone to almost any of the girls on the second team, but I focused on the 3200m results and Gabby had a faster 3200 than any of the remaining girls. It was her 11:40 that grabbed her this spot.

 

SECOND TEAM 

MORGAN EMERY 11th (Lathrop)--12:31, 5:14, 2:20

MAGGIE BECCHETTI 11th (Hughson)--11:46

ANNIE SERVIN 10th (Beyer)--11:46, 5:20, 2:22

MYLIE OLSON 12th (Turlock)--5:20, 2:18

EMMA LYNN HOGAN 12th (Central Catholic)--11:48, 5:27, 2:20

SADIE THOMPSON 12th (Sonora)--11:51

TENLEY WYLIE 10th (Oakdale)--11:55

AUBRI VILLA 12th (Golden Valley)--11:56

KYLIE FAST 12th (Oakdale)--12:00, 5:23, 2:25

GRACE BENITEZ 12th (Hughson)-- 11:59, 5:26, 2:24

  

GIRLS TEAM RANKINGS 

1. Beyer

2. Golden Valley

3. Oakdale

4. Hughson

5. Turlock

6. Atwater

7. Calaveras/Riverbank 

 

2026 XC South SJS Distance PreSeason Discussion by League

I get antsy around the begining of August for XC to get going. I start compiling the overall schedule for the South SJS Distance teams. I contact coaches with questions. I order shirts for the Screamin Scott Showdown, and the Runners of the Week. I update the blog all-time lists with the marks from the previous track season...yes there is a lot more for me to do than simply show up to meet and take pics...but of course I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

So what is it about the start of a new season? For me it is the anticipation of the unknown. Who really worked hard over the summer and is ready to step up and make that leap to the next level. Who are the new runners who have the potential to be the next big thing....well I just don't know...yet. An that is what is so exciting about this time of the year.

 

Now let me state the obvious that everyone would appreciate it if the temperatures dropped 10-15 degrees!

 

This is my first year covering XC for the whole South SJS. It is a HUGE area with lot of teams and thus a lot of runners. That means I am more likely to miss something. Please contact me and let me know. And I'll just say that commenting on the blog is NOT the best way for me to see something. I am not notified when someone leaves a comment. So email me or text me if you want me to know about a mistake or overlooked piece of info.

 

On to the Preview portion. I am going to preview each league. My next post will rank some individuals. Much of what I am going off of is the results from last spring's track season.

 

CCAL (Downey, Enochs, Gregori, Modesto, Pitman, and Turlock)

Petty and Martin

On the BOYS side Turlock looks to repeat as the team champion with returning performers Zayn Hamilton (2:01), Gavin Martin (9:52), and super soph Porter Petty (4:35). The Bulldogs lost A LOT from last year's very experienced squad that walked through the CCAL and eventually placed 4th in SJS. MoHi returns Ivan Rodriguez (4:26/9:36) who on paper is the top male returner in the CCAL. He will be joined by Joe Travao and Charles Griffith. Pitman is led by the two senior Elis. Eli Scott (1:59/4:32) and Eli Pimentel (4:35/10:04) both have huge talent, but I have yet to see either one really step up and take charge of a race.  Enochs has some young talent led by soph Vince Wu (10:04 and 2nd in D1 SJS). Downey has some youth also that could ultimately develop and cause a stir.

PREDICTION: Turlock, Pitman, Modesto, Enochs, Downey, Gregori 

 

Dominguez

For the GIRLS Turlock won the varsity race and Gregori swept the F/S race last season. Even with Elle Williams moving to Sac, I think Turlock easily wins CCAL led by Gisela Hernandez (2:25/5:19) and Mylie Olson (2:18/5:20). They will be supported by Gretchen Nass, Claire Johnson and Adeline Walsh. Gregori has a host of descent girls, but most have shown a real reluctance to step up to the varsity distance and they didn't do much in track. If they had a quality summer they could challenge Turlock. Pitman was second in the league last year but lost their top three runners. Downey's top girl will be Edie Leach who placed 10th last season as a soph. The top returner and clear individual favorite is Modesto's soph Roselynn Dominguez (5:08/11:21).

PREDICTION: Turlock, Gregori, Pitman, Modesto, Enochs, Downey

 

 CCC (Atwater, Buhach Colony, El Capitan, Golden Valley, Los Banos, Merced)

Barragan-Reyes (left) with Gonzalez and Barron (right)

For the BOYS eleven of the top 14 are returning so I don't see a lot changing from last year's results. Atwater should dominate with both depth and up-front talent. Yair Gonzalez (1:59, 4:24, 9:27) and Ricky Barron should lead the way for the Falcons. They will be supported by Michael Garcia, Isain Vargas (4:36/9:56), Troy Manzo, Xavier Glenn, and Lucah Sherman. Last year's squad just missed qualifying for State, and I know that Coach Rhoades has high aspirations for this year's team. Golden Valley has some strong up front competitors. Dominic Urteaga (1:59, 4:23, 9:25) and James Barajas (4:29/9:40) which will keep them in the mix in every race. Isaac Barragan-Reyes (2nd place in CCC last year) and Aiden Deniz (10:00) will keep the Bears competitive. Unfortunately neither GV or Merced seem to have the depth that Atwater has. Los Banos has some youth and will be led by Luis Salvatier. El Cap's top returner is Mariano Ibarra who was 13th in the CCC. Buhach Colony has essentially nothing returning on the varsity level, but their F/S team had huge potential. This group is led by Giancarlo Gutierrez and Steven Kozman.

PREDICTION: Atwater, Golden Valley, Merced, Buhach Colony, Los Banos, El Capitan

Hampton

The CCC GIRLS should be dominated by Golden Valley who placed 5th in SJS last year. They return 5 of their top six from that squad. The Cougars will be led by Fernanda Cortes (10:50), Gabriela Hicks (11:40), and Aubri Villa (11:56). Atwater has limited up front running but will bring a solid team to the line led by soph Haily Hurtado. Buhach Colony could make some noise if some of their girls had a good summer. The Thunder will be anchored by Genevieve Trosen (2:32/5:43) along with Mariah Yanez and Camila Aguayo. Eleanor Hampton (10:49) will lead the Merced Bears and likely will be the individual to catch with her go from the gun mentality. 

PREDICTION: Golden Valley, Atwater, Buhach Colony, Merced, Los Banos, El Capitan

 

VOL (Central Catholic, East Union, Manteca, Mountain House, Oakdale, Patterson, Sierra

McGhee

The VOL BOYS have been dominated by Oakdale since COVID. Although the gap is narrowing I think the Mustangs likely will still prevail. They''l be led by Weston McGhee (1:59, 4:28, 9:26), Quinn Baca (4:35/9:34), and super soph Aiden Cavanaugh (9:59). Roman Moreno and Trevor Powell will likely round out the top five on what might be the shallowest Oakdale team in many years.  At Oakdale's heels is a hungry Patterson squad led by Jorge Hernandez-Alcala (4:39). The Tigers nosed out the Mustangs in the F/S VOL Champ last season and will be rounded out by Sergio Renteria, Aaron Zuniga, Ramon Ramirez, and Xavier Rios. Mountain House will piece together a team based on youth but led by senior Thiago Carneiro. Sierra's Max Perex (4:33) will certainly be in the mix at the front. Emmanuel Jauregui of Central Catholic had some encouraging races last season but will need to be more consistently strong if he hopes to be a factor.

PREDICTION: Oakdale, Patterson, Mountain House, Sierra, Central Catholic, East Union, Manteca

Dittman and A Wylie

For the GIRLS there are some strong individuals in the VOL but Oakdale still boasts the best team. The mustangs will be headed by Addison Wylie (5:13/11:22) and rounded out with sister Tenley Wylie (11:55), Kylie Fast (2:25/5:23), and Taylor Reams (12:10). Of course that means they still need a 5th runner but they are way ahead of the rest of the league as it relates to depth. Patterson will be led by Jaylyn Carrillo (10:50), and she could likely win the league title. Sierra's Anna Dittman (2:25, 5:08, 11:19) might have something to say about that though. For CC Emma-Lynn Hogan (2:20, 5:27, 11:48) will be completing her career. Manteca's Paisley Coenberg (5:32/12:25) and EU's Alysia Sinclair will likely crack the top ten.

PREDICTION: Oakdale, Sierra, Mountain House, Central Catholic, East Union, Manteca 

 

WAC (Beyer, Ceres, Central Valley, Grace Davis, Johansen, Lathrop, Livingston, Pacheco)

Mejia-Hidalgo

For the WAC BOYS they lost 13 of the top 20 boys from last season. That is a huge talent drain. Beyer emerges still as the strongest squad. They might even go 1-2-3 with the strength of Alex Mejia Hidalgo (1:53, 4:10), Ethan Samulski (4:33/9:50), and Gerald Gervacio (4:39). Livingston will battle for second with Claude Matos, Jesus Pulido, and Marcos Martinez. Central Valley's top returner is Enoc Reyes who'll be joined by an otherwise young group. 

PREDICTION: Beyer, Livingston, Central Valley, Lathrop, Johansen, Pacheco, Grace Davis, Ceres

 

Badea with Ruiz-Velasco over her shoulder

For the GIRLS it will be Beyer going away; this is a team vying for a spot in the State meet. This group is led by Anahi Ruiz Velasco (2:26, 5:09, 10:48), Tyleah Badea (2:12, 5:03, 12:00), Annie Servin (2:22, 5:20, 11:46), Maddie Viodes (12:05), ZoiAnn Moraitis (5:35/12:19), and Riley McCabe (5:45). The amount of talent there is almost embarrassing.  Lathrop led by Mackenzie Collins (5:50/12:30) and Morgan Emery (2:20, 5:14, 12:31) will battle Livingston led by Daisy Rojas (5:38/1226) and Alexa Gutierrez (2:29/5:40) for second place. Other notable individuals are Pacheco's Terra Campos (5:42/12:18) and Johansen's Carmen Gonzalez (5:35/12:20). 

PREDICTION: Beyer, Lathrop, Livingston, Pacheco, Central Valley, Ceres, Johansen, Grace Davis

 

TVL (Escalon, Hilmar, Hughson, Orestimba, Ripon, Ripon Christian, Sonora)

Wilson

For the TVL BOYS, Landon Wilson (4:29/9:18) of Sonora in the a class by himself. He will be joined by soph Asher Berg (10:09). They could go one-two in league competition but the team race will likely go to Hughson. The Huskies return a core of boys from last year's team that won the D4 section title. I know Coach Bernard has his sights on repeating that fete again this season. Mason Hoyle (10:07) and Manny Ruiz (1:59) will lead the Huskies charge. Ripon will be in the hunt with soph Carmelo Rodriguez and twins Lucas and Matteo de Vera. Orestimba returns Joseph Garcia (10:47). He will be supported by soph Benjamin Cerna (4:43) and junior Emmanuel Garabito (4:50/10:43).Carson Matos is Hilmar's top returner. Escalon returns their whole squad.

PREDICTION: Hughson, Sonora, Ripon, Orestimba, Escalon, Ripon Christian, Hilmar

 

Beccetti with Jung lurking

On the GIRL'S side the top four from last year graduated. Hughson lost three but return a strong core and a few are back from injuries. They should take the TVL and challenge for a State berth. They'll be led by Maggie Becchetti (5:37/11:46), Grace Benitez (2:24, 5:26, 11:59), and Jaelyne Anguiano (2:27/5:48). Sonora's Sadie Thompson (11:51) may challenge the Hughson trio for the overall title. Hilmar returns most of their team and should be led by Carson and Harper Dickey. Sopia Jung of Ripon (5:39/12:30) will be in the mix at the front.  Orestimba could be led by soph Jade Camora who has big talent but didn't run XC last season. RC should be headed by Elizabeth Rich who made the All South SJS Frosh team last season.

PREDICTION: Hughson, Hilmar, Ripon, Orestimba, Ripon Christion, Escalon 

  

MLL (Big Valley Christian, Bret Harte, Calaveras, Linden, Riverbank, Summerville)

Garcia

For the MLL BOYS there are some unknowns. Summerville went to State last year and would have returned most of that crew, but right now they have no coach and no schedule...are they even going to field a team?  The top returner is Riverbanks's Armando Garcia (1:58/4:34). He will be supported by soph Giancarlo Reyes. If Summerville has a team and they all return then Esai Vasquez would lead their charge. Malachi Arnold is BVC's fastest returner and likely will finish near the top. Bret Hart will be led by Matthew Nord and Calaveras by Iann Wendt. 

PREDICTION: Riverbank, Summerville, Bret Harte, Big Valley, Calaveras, Linden

 

Lee

On the GIRLS' side about half of the top twenty runners graduated.  Riverbank returns a young fairly inexperienced team. Emily Ramirez is the top returning runner for the Bruins. But I think it will be two incoming frosh for the RBK group that will lead them: Hailey Ramirez (5:43) and Zuri Golding. Calaveras returns their top three girls: Lisa Lee, Kendra McGee, and Lillan Faul. They could finish in the top 5 and make Calaveras very formitable indeed. Abigail Meza is Linden's top returner and Jocelyn Lloyd is Summerville's.

PREDICTION: Calaveras, Riverbank, Bret Harte, Linden, Summerville  

  

SAL (Delhi, Denair, Gustine, LeGrand, Mariposa, Modesto Christian, Stone Ridge Christian, and Waterford) 

 

Unfortunately the SAL is evaporating like a puddle after a storm. It wasn't that long ago when Waterford and Orestimba dominated the league and produced some high powered runners and teams. The Ripon Christian girls challenged in D5 to qualify for State. Orestimba and RC have been bumped up to the TVL. Mariposa, Gustine, Stone Ridge, and Modesto Christian regularly have no team and no runners. That effectively creates a league of only four teams. To make matters even worse Delhi was the only program last season that fielded a girls squad...

 

For the SAL BOYS it should be fairly close between Delhi, Denair, and Waterford. Omar Alberto will lead Delhi, Abraham Felix will lead Waterford, and Zane Simbalenko and Jose Ponce should head up Denair.

PREDICTION: Delhi, Denair, Waterford, LeGrand

 

Machado

For the GIRLS the top runner is without question Delhi's Adriana Machado (5:44). Additionally Delhi likely will be the only school to field a full team and thus will win the league.