Colorado 2A State Cross Country Preview

Individuals

On paper the boy's individual race appears to be up for grabs. There is no clear favorite, meaning that this race will go to whoever really shows up Saturday. 

Connor Williams is one of a few who could take the title. The Crested Butte senior is not only the top-returner from last year's state championships, but he's the 800 and 1,600 state champ. Williams has been flawless this season, winning four of four races, and recently the 2A Region 4 crown. Additionally he's run a season-best of 16:15. 

Tyler Ball looks to be peaking right in time. The Lyons junior recently won the 2A Region 1 title in dominating fashion, and owns a personal best of 16:06. Additionally, he's won his last two races.

Jack Nauman owns the fastest time run in 2A with a PR of 15:54 from Liberty Bell. He's raced Ball twice this season, and currently Ball is 2-0. Nauman's most recent race was a runner-up finish to Ball at the 2A Region 1 Championships.

Meanwhile Jodzuel Juarez is currently the second-fastest in 2A with a 15:53 PR from the 2A Region 2 Championships, which he won. The means he's peaking right in time as well. Of the three mentioned above, Juarez has raced Ball - finishing just five-seconds behind him at the Doherty Spartan Invite.

This battle goes down Saturday at 9:40 a.m.


Teams

Heritage Christian looks to be in a good spot to defend their state title. The boys in denim shorts have consistently been on top this season, and they recently took the 2A Region 1 title by 10 points over Lyons. 

Heritage Christian is the team to beat Saturday.

Challengers include St. Mary's, who recently won the 2A Region 4 title over Thomas Maclaren, who is also a squad to keep an eye on, along with Lyons.