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AAAAA

Boys

A pair of crosstown rivals could emerge as dark horses in this week's Class 5A boys state championship cross country meet.

Defending state champion Dorman pulled what could be considered an upset against state front runner Wade Hampton recently at the Region 2-5A meet. The Cavaliers were led by region runner-up Ty Nelson and Dylan Lego, who placed fourth. Elias Workman also earned a top-10 finish placing seventh.

Not far behind was rival Spartanburg with a third-place team finish. The Vikings were led by John Bolinger, who also placed third individually. Mac Salley crossed the finish line in sixth, while Henry Miles was ninth.

Both teams will attempt to top the other and potentially hoist a title trophy when the race takes place at 9:30 Friday morning at Sandhills Research and Educational Center in Columbia.

The individual race has 13 competitors under 16 minutes this season. Daren Hinds (Summerville), Casey Burr (Wade Hampton), Ethan Rhodes (Wade Hampton), Zander Jeffcoat (Lexington) are all part of the mix for the individual title.

Girls

Defending champion J.L. Mann is the odds-on favorite going into Friday's SCHSL Class 5A girls state title cross country meet. But, a trio of upset makers plan to be breathing down the Patriots neck.

Lexington, T.L. Hanna and Riverside have the ability to make the race quite interesting.

Ava Fowler and Laurel Walls appear primed to lead Lexington after strong showings by finishing at 19:16.34 and 19:23.71, respectively, at last weekend's state qualifier.

T.L. Hanna is led by Georgia McGahey, while Riverside will counter lead by Hailey Myles.

It also would not be wise to fall asleep on Nation Ford and defending individual medalist Katie Pou. Pou has won the last three state titles. She posted a top time of 18:31.06 at the qualifier.

The race will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday at Sandhills Research and Educational Center in Columbia.

AAAA

Boys

The SCHSL Class 4A boys cross country state championship race could turn out to be quite the photo finish, both in the team and individual results.

It appears to be a coin flip between Catawba Ridge and Eastside as to who will claim the prize.

Catawba Ridge is led by Sam Rich, who earned an all-classifications best time of 15:10.60 at last weekend's state qualifier. The team is also dependent upon Caden Westover, who finished with a time of 16:08.70.

Eastside's Spain Vaughan will look to contend individually after posting the third best time regardless of classification of 15:38.30.

A.C. Flora could play the role of spoiler and earn a title. The team is led by Michael Davis, who finished at 16:01.90 at the qualifier.

The race will begin at noon on Thursday at Sandhills Research and Educational Center in Columbia.

Girls

Hilton Head looks like the favorite to claim a Class 4A girls cross country state championship.

That doesn't mean it will just be handed over without a fight as several contenders are stepping into the forefront.

Eyes will be on Greenville, Irmo, James Island and May River as the race gets underway.

James Island's Hannah Vroon (18:26.00) and May River's Anya Arroyo (18:26.60) earned the top two times regardless of classification at last weekend's state qualifier.

Greenville was led by Caroline Lyerly (19:05.40). Irmo was led by Carina Burdick (19:29.90).

Hilton Head will be in the mix led by Cynthia Gudaitis, Laney Duncan and Sarah Neville.

The race will start at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at Sandhills Research and Educational Center in Columbia.

AAA

Boys

Pendleton and Bishop England are the favorites going into Thursday's SCHSL Class 3A boys cross country state championship meet.

But, don't be surprised if Waccamaw or Wren have anything to say about it.

Waccamaw comes into the race led by Matt Caines, who posted a time of 16:43.45 at last weekend's state qualifier.

Wren will look to be led by Drew Alexander after posting a 17:05.87.

As for the front runners, Pendleton is led by Ronan O'Neill, who crossed the qualifier finish line at 16:24.96.

Bishop England will fight for the title led by the combination of Justin Hafner (16:27.35) and Mark Richter (16:49.87).

The race will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Sandhills Research and Educational Center in Columbia.

Girls 

It's a likely battle between Waccamaw and Seneca for the SCHSL Class 3A girls cross country state championship.

AA boys

It should be a fight to the finish in the Class 2A boys state championship meet on Friday.

Greer Middle College and Philip Simmons appear to have the upper hand going into the race, but Andrew Jackson could throw a wrench into their plans.

Philip Simmons is led by Noah Ward, who placed first at last weekend's state qualifier with a time of 15:26.90. The team will also depend on Henry Wood (16:54.50).

As for Greer Middle College, Avery Biggerstaff (16:25.30) will look to lead his team, as well as Adam Trusty (16:33.50) and Brandon Dugar (16:42.70).

Andrew Jackson is led by Gavin Barfield (16:51.40).

The race will start at noon on Friday at Sandhills Research and Educational Center in Columbia.

AA/A girls