2019 XC--STANCO MID SEASON TEAM RANKINGS

I have never really shied away from trying to rank the StanCo teams or individuals. Many people messaged me at the start of the season asking if I was going to do PreSeason rankings...I didn't. I think the issue for me was that I just didn't have enough information about the teams to make any intelligent rankings, and a blind guess isn't worth making. Well, we are now at least 1/3 of the way through the season (maybe 1/2 way if your don't make it to State), and I think I can finally make some better informed lists.

VB TEAMS

1. PITMAN --I know that they lost CCAL 1 but that was without Christian Balderas (who is now eligible). They are YOUNG and will improved as they compete in more 3 mile races.

2. HUGHSON--Yes they lost TVL 2 to Riverbank, but hey they were missing 3 of their top 5. This may be a team with out a huge star but they have a very talented and tight 1-5 grouping.

3. TURLOCK--they won CCAL 1. That was with Eric Hernandez barely functional. But he still won. So even as he gets stronger they gain nothing point-wise (maybe he wins by more). To keep up with Pitman the big improvements will have to come from 3-5.

4. DOWNEY--placed 3rd in CCAL 1 with out # 3 maybe 4 runner. I am unsure that they can catch either Turlock or Pitman, but at full strength they should qualify for SJS in an incredibly tough D2  race.

5. RIVERBANK--won TVL 2. The younger and more veteran runners seem to be jelling together.

5. OAKDALE--boy these guys are young and talented. They placed 2nd in the small school division at Clovis West Inv

VG TEAMS

1. TURLOCK--they won CCAL 1 with their #2 girl not finishing. Their top 4 is closely grouped, but that gap to #5 makes them vulnerable.

2. OAKDALE--they definitely have 2 of the top three runners in the county. Their next two are tough. If they can further develop  #5 they could qualify for State in  D3. I am now wondering if they could go 1-2-3 on Turlock...hmmmm

3. GREGORI--top runner in the county right here! perhaps best in the section. Okay, that does not make a team. #2 and #3 are frosh and improving with every step. They didn't lose to Turlock in CCAL 1 by very much.

4. PITMAN--there are some strong runners here but to compete in CCAL against Turlock they have to break up that Bulldog pack

5. DOWNEY?? HUGHSON??