2017 XC PreSeason Boys' Team Rankings

Like with the girls' team rankings, there is much conjecture here. It is hard enough to rank the teams during the season since they often don't compete head to head, but it is even harder prior to the beginning to the season. Yet I do it anyway as a challenge and mental exercise. Sometimes I am off base with my predictions, sometimes I am on the money. It is difficult to predict the teenage psyche...here goes

the 2016 Jags

1. GREGORI
The Jags return almost their whole team and plugged any holes with a talented groups of up-and-comers. They have 5 All StanCo Preseason selections (and 2 All-SJS Preseason selections). The only real questions are 1--can they maintain their focus 2-can they remain healthy. They are so deep that their 2nd 5 runners might be in the top 3 of StanCo teams. Top runners: Santiago Ruiz, Mason Reeves, Matthew Marsh, Sebastian Cronkite, Hunter Reeves...and a pile more!

2. MODESTO
The Panthers lost most of their team to graduation. It was a great group of guys that I had watched grow up and honestly I will miss seeing them around. But they have 2 All StanCo selections returning. That is something to build on. MoHi is also the largest StanCo school in enrollment--they often have the largest team too. I think that will be enough to  pull something solid together. Do I think they will beat the Jags? No. But they may be good enough to beat everyone else and still place in the top 10 in the SJS. Top runners: Josue Perez, Alan Guerrero, Christian Silva

the 2016 'Stangs

3. OAKDALE
The Mustangs have reached their senior year...two years ago a talented group of Sophs re-energized a somewhat forgotten program. Well it is time to make good on that promise and potential. Top runners: Cade Middaugh, Russell Pablan, James Forkner, Cesar Garcia, and Ben Miller

4. ENOCHS
Wow the Eagles should have a competitive team this year. Yep, that is my prediction. After some seismic coaching and philosophical changes the past several years, the boys' program has rebounded. They could even end up in the 3 spot once things get rolling. Top runners: Ryan Weidman, Andrew Keys, Brandon Zwalhen.

5. ?????
Honestly I don't have a clue here (Downey, Pitman, Turlock, Hughson--maybe even Beyer or Central Valley) It is feeling like a down year on the boys' side to me. But on the plus side that means their is huge potential for growth.