Something to Prove - Boys Team Preview
Two teams stand out on the guy's side, #6 ranked Lafayette (MO) and #19 Southlake Carroll (TX). While both enter ranked nationally, these teams certainly have something to prove. Despite running some of the biggest meets in their region, Lafayette and Southlake have yet to go head-to-head against any national ranked teams.
Lafayette, a team that won their first state title in 2014, has quickly gained national attention after returning their top five from their fourth placed NXN MW squad. They continued to turn heads in the spring when they went 1-2-3 in the 3200m as well as Alec Haines winning the state 1600m title. The Lancers has only run a full varsity squad once at the Forest Park XC Festival where the won handily with 46 points. Their top three of Austin Hindman, Devin Meyrer, and Alec Haines went 2-3-5 finishing within two seconds of each other. This proven power in Southlake Carroll will provide a serious challenge for the new kids on the block.
Southlake Carroll has established themselves as a perennial power in Texas winning the past four state titles in the largest division. While Lafayette has not qualified for nationals, Southlake Carroll has among the most appearances in Portland for any squad in the nation with eight including a runner-up finish in 2011. The Dragon's are led by Reed Brown, ranked second in Texas. Brown clocked in at 9:00 for the 3200m this spring to finish second in the 3200m. The only time we have seen the full Southlake Carroll squad was at the Marcus I Invitaitonal in August where they put up 48 points with a 15:59 average.