5A Boys: The Deep Dive

Of all the deep dives that could be done, perhaps none is more interesting to do than this one.

I've been making kind of a big deal this season about the rise of Monarch and the threat they represent to Fountain-Fort Carson for the 5A Boys state title. Let's take a closer look now.

A virtual meet with all of the scratches (at least those that came from this past weekend, perhaps more are coming in the next 24 hours?) shows a near dead-heat between Fountain-Fort Carson and Monarch, though it is worth noting that some sea-level distance times for Monarch are figured into that.* 

Thus, the virtual meet gives Fountain-Fort Carson a very slight edge, but nothing they should be sleeping easy about. Figure this one is a fight to the bitter end.

Monarch's keys are simple: distance events (including Isaac Green running the 3200, of which he has finished exactly one in high school career), pole vault, and throws. The only two relays Monarch advanced to State were the 4x400 and 4x800. A state meet record could be on the line in the 4x800 for Monarch, but the Coyotes may be less inclined to get after the record with a potential team state title on the line.

Fountain-Ft. Carson brings a bit more variety to the table, and chiefly in the area of relays. FFC will have all four relays aiming for points, with the 4x800 needing to rise above their seed in order to score points. Sprints are as strong as ever for FFC, and Jequan Hogan adds a strong hurdle and field event presence for the Trojans. Jason Farrell adds some possibilities in the 300 hurdles. Iosua Maika gives FFC the possibility of scoring in the shot put. 

Anything less than a 1-2 in the pole vault for the entertainment team of Rowan and Manson puts a dent in Monarch's title hopes. Anything less than two firsts for Donovan Williams in the 100 and 200 puts a dent in FFC's title hopes. Depending on how the schedule falls, one of Jequan Hogan's field events could butt up against the 110 hurdles, adding a little stress to the day for the Trojan star. 

Needless to say, margins are very slim either way and every last point will be important. 

It will be fun to watch the progress of the struggle all through the weekend.

Individual and relay event highlights include:

• A potential run at the all-class 4x800 record with Denver South, Mountain Vista, and Monarch.
• Isaac Green chases the triple crown of the 800, 1600, and 3200, with a possible all-class record in the 1600 on the line.
• Kellen Monestime, almost an unknown at the beginning of the season, tries to hold off Angel Heredia and Jason Lewis in the 300 hurdles. 
• Gunner Rigsby tries to bring some horizontal jump gold to the Western Slope, with Jequan Hogan and Hayden Blubaugh lining up to be first to stand in his way.
• Andy Kline takes a swipe at sweeping the throws titles. The discus figures to be closer.

See instructions in this article for creating your own 5A Boys virtual meet, up-to-date with all of the scratches!