Boys Class B Distance Preview

Bruce Bickford's two mile record could potentially be in jeopardy tomorrow as Dan Curts of Ellsworth looks to run a fast time.

800

Record: Kevin Floster Lake Region 1:56.12 2005

Will Shafer of Gray New Gloucester is the overwhelming favorite to take the 800 title tomorrow. The switch from basketball to indoor track has paid massive dividens as he comes in with the fastest time of all classes (1:57.76). Shafer should have an outside shot at chasing down Kevin Floster’s record. The only way for him not to is if he decides to hold his energy to run a very fast mile. The race for second should be exciting to watch as well. Ben Trapani of Camden Hills has run 2:02.49 this winter, and should be one of the favorites for the runner up. Don’t count out Robert Looker of Ellsworth. Looker has had a brilliant year of running, and he’s a big time racer. Expect him to be in the mix. Other runners to watch for will be Jared Schrader of Fryeburg, Ralph Magnani of MDI and Will Britton of Cape Elizabeth.

Mile

Record: Louie Luchini Ellsworth 4:19.76 1998

Louie Luchini’s mile record will be in serious jeopardy tomorrow as Will Shafer comes into the meet with the second fastest time in the state running 4:18.22. Shafer has been one of the top milers in New England this winter, and will hope to run a very fast time in order to get into a fast heat at the New England Championships. Last week, Shafer dominated the WMC Championships as he won both the mile and the 2 mile running 4:18 and 9:41 respectively. There should be a duel between Ben Trapani of Camden Hills and Chris Cote of Waterville for the runner up tomorrow. Trapani edged Cote at the KVAC Championships last weekend as he ran 4:32.05 to Cote’s 4:33.65. Cote will be out for revenge, so expect this duel to get heated. Other runners to watch for will be Chandler Vincent of Freeport, Ben Garcia of Gray New Gloucester and TJ Rose of Fryeburg.

2 Mile

Record: Bruce Bickford Lawrence 9:15.5 1975

The two mile will be the deepest event of all the distance races as there are six runners who have run 10:00 or faster. Dan Curts of Ellsworth is the odds on favorite to win tomorrow. He comes in with the fastest time in the state in 9:27.41 which he ran at the EMITL Championship’s last weekend. With the two mile being the focus tomorrow, look for Curts to potentially break Bickford’s long standing record. Curts has a lifetime personal record of 9:19 in the two mile, and with his recent performances Curts looks poised to go after the record. The race for second will be intriguing to watch as a pair of Cape Elizabeth teammates—Liam Simpson and Mitch Morris—will likely run shoulder to shoulder against Ben Decker of Yarmouth. The Cape teammates got the better of Decker last week at the WMC Championships as Simpson and Morris placed second and third respectively. Other runners to watch tomorrow will be Matt Malcom of NYA, Chris Cote of Waterville and Kyle Kennedy of Cape Elizabeth.

Boys Team Rankings Week 6

1. Lewiston
Pre: 1 Meet: Lewiston Under the Lights Place:
Lewiston had their traditional under the lights mile race as they had several strong performances most notably Isaiah Harris' sub 4:30 performance. Lewiston is the strong favorite to win the KVAC Championships.

2. Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 2 Meet: Idle Place: Idle
Cape Elizabeth chose to rest their varsity runners at Kennebunk last Friday. They are the favorites heading into the WMC Championships on Friday.

3. Scarborough
Pre: 3 Meet: Home Place: 1st
The Red Storm were very impressive in their win at home as they averaged 17:12 over the 5k course. Colin Tardiff placed first overall. Scarborough heads to Windham on Friday.

4. Falmouth
Pre: 4 Meet: at Greely Place:1st
Falmouth showed off their depth at Greely as they were without their 3 and 4 runners and still managed to win easily. Bryce Murdick placed first overall. Look for Falmouth to challenge Cape for the WMC title on Friday.

5. Ellsworth
Pre: 5 Meet: Hancock County Championships Place: 1st
Ellsworth easily defended their Hancock County Championship without Dan Curts. Bryaden Beardsley was the individual winner. Ellsworth is the heavy favorite going into the PVC Championships on Saturday.

6. Bangor
Pre: 9 Meet: Mt. Blue Relays Place: 1st
Bangor pulled out a tremendous victory at the Mt. Blue Relays as they got a huge run  by Ben Salinas as he placed third overall. They are one of the favorites heading into the KVAC Championships.

7. Massabesic
Pre: 6 Meet: at Gorham Place: 2nd
Massabesic placed second at Gorham as they were competing without their number one runner. Massabesic heads to Sanford on Friday.

8. Mt. Blue
Pre: 8 Meet: Mt. Blue Relays Place: 2nd
Mt. Blue placed second to Bangor by less than half a second at the Mt. Blue Relays as Aaron Willingham set a new course record. Look for Mt. Blue to contend for the win at the KVAC Championships.

9. Brewer
Pre: 7 Meet: Mt. Blue Relays Place: 4th
Brewer placed fourth at the Mt. Blue Relays behind Luke Rand's 14th place finish. Look for Brewer to contend for a top five finish at the KVAC Championships.

10. Windham
Pre: 10 Meet: Home Place: 1st
Windham placed first on their home course as they had an impressive 23 second split between their 1-5 runners. Windham races on their home course again on Friday.

Team of the Week: Bangor

Teams Knocking: Mt. Ararat, Hampden, Messalonskee, Maranacook, Gorham, Boothby, South Portland

Week 6 Power Rankings: Boys Teams

1. Lewiston
   Last Week: 1
   Meet: Lewiston Under the Lights
   Place: 1st
   ^{Lewiston had their annual mile under the lights meet last week at Mohamed Barre and Mohamed Mohamed both clocked under 4:40. Look for Lewiston to win the KVAC Championships on Saturday.}
2. Falmouth
   Last Week: 2
   Meet: at Greely
   Place: 1^st
   ^{Falmouth placed first at Greely as their trio of Josh Simenski, Bryce Murdick and Jay Lesser all placed in the top six. Falmouth is the early favorite to win the WMC Championships.}
3. Scarborough
   Last Week: 3
   Meet: at Scarborough
   Place: 1^st
   ^{The Red Storm won easily on their home course as their top four took the top four spots overall. Jack Sullivan was the individual winner. Look for Scarborough to win easily at Gorham on Friday.}
4. Cape Elizabeth
   Last Week: 4
   Meet: at Greely
   Place: 3^rd
   ^{The Capers were without Liam Simpson and Peter Doane as they placed third at Greely. With them at full strength, look for them to contend for the win at the WMC Championships.}
5. Ellsworth
   Last Week: 5
   Meet: Hancock County Championships
   Place: 1^st
   ^{Ellsworth took home the Hancock County Championships behind Dan Curts' first place finish. They are the heavy favorite to win the PVC Championships this Saturday.}
6. Massabesic
   Last Week: 6
   Meet: Home
   Place: 1^st
   ^{Massabesic won easily on their home course as they took five of the six top spots led by Cody Vachon. Massabesic should have an easy meet at Sanford on Friday.}
7. Mt. Blue
   Last Week: 9
   Meet: Mt. Blue Relays
   ^{Place: 1st}
   ^{Mt. Blue was victorious on their home course due in large part of their fantastic duo of Sully Jackson and Justin Tracy. Look for Mt. Blue to contend for the top spot at the KVAC Championships.}
8. Bangor
   Last Week: 7
   Meet: Mt. Blue Relays
   Place: 2^nd
   ^{Bangor placed second at the Mt. Blue Relays as they were paced by Jonathan Stanhope. Look for the Rams to be in contention for the KVAC Championships on Saturday.}
9. Mt. Ararat
   Last Week: 8
   Meet: Mt. Blue Relays
   Place: 4^th
   ^{Mt. Ararat placed fourth at the Mt. Blue Relays behind their duo of Sam Wood and Nathan Mackenzie. Look for Mt. Ararat to contend for a top three finish at the KVAC Championships.}
10. York
    Last Week: 10
    Meet: at Traip
    Place: 1^st
    ^{York took home the victory at Kittery as they placed six runners in the top ten overall. Look for York to contend for a top three finish at the WMC Championships on Friday.}

^{Team of the Week: Ellsworth}

^{Teams Knocking: Fryeburg, Hampden, Cheverus Maranacook, Yarmouth}

Week 2 Power Rankings: Boys Teams

1.       Scarborough

Last Week : 1

Meet: Home vs. Massabesic, South Portland

Place: 2^nd

Scarborough placed second on their home course without their number one runner Robby Hall. Jacob Terry led the way for the Red Storm as he placed third running a time of 17:57.80. Scarborough heads to Marshwood on Friday.

 

2.       Lewiston

Last Week: 2

Meet: Home vs. Bangor, Leavitt, Winslow

Place: 1^st

Lewiston outdueled Bangor despite an off day from Mohamed Barre. Mohamed Awil and Mohamed Mohamed led the way for Lewiston as they took the top two spots overall. Lewiston heads to Messalonskee on Friday.

 

3.       Falmouth

Last Week: 3

Meet: at GNG

Place: 1^st

Falmouth flaunted their depth as they placed seven runners in the top ten on a tough GNG course. Bryce Murdick was the top finisher for them as he place third running a time of 18:03. Falmouth heads to Freeport on Saturday.

 

4.       Cape Elizabeth

Last Week: 4

Meet: Home vs. Freeport, LR, Traip, Wells

Place: 1^st

Cape dominated on their home course as Liam Simpson and Peter Doane took the top two spots overall. The Capers head to York on Thursday where they should go unchallenged.

 

5.       Ellsworth

Last Week: 5

Meet: Caribou Invitational

Place: 1^st

Ellsworth won in convincing fashion at the Caribou Invitational behind Dan Curts’ victory. The Eagles also got strong runs from Cooper Holmes and Brayden Beardsley as they both placed in the top five. Ellsworth competes at GSA on Friday.

 

6.       Bangor

Last Week: 6

Meet: at Lewiston

Place: 2^nd

Bangor placed second at Lewiston behind Jonathan Stanhope’s third place finish. Jacob Archer and Caleb Halvorson-Fried also placed in the top five. Bangor heads to Hampden Academy on Friday.

 

7.       Caribou

Last Week: 7

Meet: Caribou Invitational

Place: 2^nd

Caribou placed second on their home course as they were led by Ron Lund and Ryan Washington as they placed second and third respectively. They head to Presque Isle on Friday where they should dominate.

 

8.       Mt. Blue

Last Week: 9

Meet: at Lawrence

Place: 1^st

Justin Tracy and Sully Jackson led Mt. Blue to victory at Lawrence as they took the top two spots overall. Josh Horne had a strong race for them as he placed fourth overall. Mt. Blue heads to Leavitt on Friday.

 

9.       Mt. Ararat

Last Week: 8

Meet: at Waterville

Place: 2^nd

Mt. Ararat placed second at Waterville behind a great race from Sam Wood who placed first overall (17:33). Mt. Ararat hosts a five team meet on Friday.

 

10.   York

Last Week: 10

Meet: at Greely

Place: 1^st

York cruised to a win at Greely as they were led by Nick Eaton who placed second overall running a time of 18:11. The Wildcats placed five runners in the top ten. York hosts Cape, Merriconeag, and Poland on Thursday.

 

Team of the Week: Ellsworth

 

Teams Knocking on the Door: South Portland, Hampden Academy, Freeport, Brunswick

Week 1 Power Rankings: Boys Teams

1.       Scarborough

Top Returners: Robby Hall, Ian Morris, Jack Sullivan

Last Year’s Finish: 1st Class A

Scarborough is already off to a hot start this fall as they dominated the SMAA relays as their top seven compiled a time of 64:54 over the 1.6 mile course. Hall was their top finisher as he placed third overall.

  2.       Lewiston

Top Returners: Mohammed Bare, Mohamed Awil, Mohamed Mohamed

Last Year’s Finish: 8th Class A

Lewiston is already off to a great start this year as they were the top team at the Laliberte Invitational. Their fantastic trio all placed in the top ten lead by Mohamed Awil. Lewiston looks like the team to beat in the KVAC this year.

3.       Falmouth

Top Returners: Jay Lesser, Spencer Brown, Scott Lambert, Azad Jalali

Last Year’s Finish: 1st Class B

The emergence of transfer Bryce Murdick makes Falmouth the early favorite in Class B. Murdick took home his first victory covering the tough Falmouth course in 18:01. Lesser and Lambert followed closely behind Murdick to round out the top three. This Falmouth team is remarkably deep once again, and should be the favorite in the WMC.

 

4.       Cape Elizabeth

Top Returners: Peter Doane, Liam Simpson, Will Britton

Last Year’s Finish: 5^th Class B

The Capers flexed their muscles at their first meet of the season as they put eight runners in the top ten of a three team meet. Peter Doane and Liam Simpson form and of the strongest duos in the state and should lead Cape to the top tier of Class B.

 

5.       Ellsworth

Top Returners: Dan Curts, Kody Holmes, Robert Looker

Last Year’s Finish: 7^th Class B

The Ellsworth Eagles should be one of the favorites in Eastern Maine thanks to the front running ability of Dan Curts. Curts is one of the states finest runners and should challenge Silas Eastman for the Class B title. The Eagles aren’t a one man team though. Kody Holmes and Robert Looker have progressed over the year and should help bring Ellsworth to the top of Eastern Maine.

 

6.       Bangor

Top Returners: Jonathan Stanhope, Jacob Archer, Caleb Halvorson-Fried

Last Year’s Finish: 2^nd Class A

Bangor looked like a team on a mission last week as they took care of a three team field that included Watervile, Hampden, and Brewer. Jonathan Stanhope led the charge for the Rams as he notched his first win of the season covering the three mile course in 16:57. Bangor should be one of the favorites in the KVAC this year.

 

7.       Caribou

Top Returners: Ron Lund, Lucas Kinney, Ryan Washington

Last Year’s Finish: 3^rd Class B

Caribou placed third at the MDI relays last week as they were led by second place finisher Lucas Kinney. Kinney looks to have a breakout year this fall while also leading this talented Caribou team to the top of Eastern Maine. It will be difficult though with Ellsworth standing in their way.

 

8.       Mt. Ararat

Top Returners: Nathan Mackenzie, Sam Wood, Zach O’Connor

Last Year’s Finish: 4^th Class A

Mt. Ararat has already competed in two meets this season. They combined with their girls team to win the Laliberte Invitational, and cruised to an easy win at Oceanside. Mackenzie and Wood have led them so far and appear to be two of the top runners in the KVAC.

9.       Mt. Blue

Top Returners: Justin Tracky, Sully Jackson, Dustin Staples

Last Year’s Finish:

Mt. Blue placed second at the Laiberte Invitational as they were led by their duo of Jackson and Tracy as they placed sixth and seventh respectively. These two runners will be relied upon this year to bring Mt. Blue to the upper echelon of the KVAC.

10.   York

Top Returners: Josh Brooks, Nick Eaton, Alec Jordan

Last Year’s Finish: 4^th Class B

York had a very impressive showing at the MDI relays last week as their two relay teams placed third and fourth overall. Joe Vogel had the fastest time of all Wildcats as he covered the 1.73 mile course in 9:54. York is one of the deeper teams in Class B so look out for them come October.

 Teams Knocking on the Door: South Portland, Freeport, Brunswick, Massabesic

 

Week 9 Power Rankings

Team

1. Scarborough
Previous: 1
Last Meet: Western A Regional’s
Finish: 1st
Scarborough dominated the Western A Regional on Saturday with an incredibly low score of 38 points. Nick Morris led the way for them as he placed first with a time of 16:59.3. Scarborough will be the heavy favorite to take home the state title on Saturday.

2. Mt Ararat
Previous: 8
Last Meet: Eastern A Regional’s
Finish: 1st
Mt Ararat took home the Eastern A crown on Saturday as they put their top three runners in the top ten overall. Look for Mt Ararat to contend for a top two finish at the State meet on Saturday.

3. Falmouth
Previous: 2
Last Meet: Western B Regional’s
Finish: 3rd
Falmouth lost just their second meet of the season on Saturday as they placed third at the Western B Regional. Maybe losing before the state meet was just what they needed. Look for them to contend for the title on Saturday.

4. Caribou
Previous: 5
Last Meet: Eastern B Regional’s
Finish: 1st
Caribou took the Eastern B Regional crown on Saturday behind DJ Flynn’s 6th place finish (17:21.57). They ended up putting three runners in the top ten overall. Look for Caribou to contend for the state title on Saturday.

5. Greely
Previous: 7
Last Meet: Western B Regional’s
Finish: 1st
Greely won the Western B Regional’s for the fourth year in a row. This was a surprise because many expected the Rangers to be behind Falmouth and Cape, but with all of the top guys running well, look for Greely to make a splash at the state meet.

6. Massabesic
Previous: 6
Last Meet: Western A Regional’s
Finish: 2nd
Massabesic placed 2nd at the Western A Regional’s behind Jacob Brooks 2nd place finish (17:02.80). Look for Massabesic to contend for a top three finish at the state meet.

7. Cape
Previous: 4
Last Meet: Western B Regional’s
Finish: 2nd
Cape ran a very solid race on Saturday as they were paced by Thomas Bottomley and Reid Douty who finished fourth and fifth respectively. Look for Cape to contend for a top three finish at the state meet.

8. Gorham
Previous: 3
Last Meet: Western A Regional’s
Finish: 3rd
Gorham placed third at the Western A Regional’s behind Logan Marshall’s fifth place finish (17:12.50). Look for Gorham to contend for a top three finish at the state meet.

9. Mt Blue
Previous: 9
Last Meet: Eastern A Regional’s
Finish: 2nd
Mt Blue placed second at the Eastern A Regional’s behind Jaron Jones’ sixth place finish (17:10.35). They ended up putting three runners in the top 11 spots overall. Look for Mt Blue to contend for a top four finish at the state meet.

10. Hampden Academy
Previous: UR
Last Meet: Eastern B Regional’s
Finish: 2nd
Hampden Academy ran to an impressive second place finish on Saturday behind Evan Piccirillo’s third place finish (16:53.63). Look for Hampden Academy to make a statement on Saturday.

Team of the Week: Mt Ararat

Teams Knocking on the Door: Edward Little, Lewiston, Cheverus, NYA, Ellsworth, York, Yarmouth

Individual
1. Silas Eastman Fryeburg
Previous: 1
Last Meet: Western B Regional’s
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:20.40
Eastman dominated the field at the Western B Regional on Saturday running to an impressive time of 16:20.40. He will be the overwhelming favorite to take the individual crown on Saturday.

2. Matt McClintock Madison
Previous: 3
Last Meet: Western C Regional’s
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:13.40
McClintock won round three on Saturday as he beat Chase Brown by 21 seconds running to a very impressive time of 16:13.40. His time was the fastest of all classes. McClintock will be the early favorite to take the class C title on Saturday.

3. Harlow Ladd Messalonskee
Previous: 4
Last Meet: Eastern A Regional’s
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:30.95
Ladd continued his fine season with a victory at the Eastern A Regional’s running a time of 16:30.95 which was the second fastest time of all classes. Ladd will be the favorite in the class A race on Saturday.

4. Chase Brown Boothbay
Previous: 2
Last Meet: Western C Regional’s
Finish: 2nd
Time: 16:34.3
Brown raced to a second place finish on Saturday running a time of 16:34.3. Brown will look to close the gap between him and McClintock as he looks for his first state title.

5. Tim Follo Falmouth
Previous: 6
Last Meet: Western B Regional’s
Finish: 2nd
Time: 16:37.80
Follo cruised to a second place finish at the Western B Regional’s running a fast time of 16:37.80. Look for Follo to contend for a top three finish on Saturday.

6. Dan Curts Ellsworth
Previous: 8
Last Meet: Eastern B Regional’s
Finish: 2nd
Time: 16:26.45
Curts crushed the field on Saturday as he raced to a time of 16:26.45. He had the fastest time of all classes which is truly remarkable for a freshman. Look for Curts to contend for a top three finish on Saturday.

7. Nick Morris Scarborough
Previous: 7
Last Meet: Western A Regional’s
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:59.30
Morris took the Western A title as he outkicked Massabesic’s Jacob Brooks running a time of 16:59.30. Look for Morris to challenge for top three finish at the state meet on Saturday.

8. Will Lundquist Cony
Previous: UR
Last Meet: Eastern A Regional’s
Finish: 2nd
Time: 16:40.66
Will Lundquist placed second at the Eastern A Regional’s running a time of 16:40.66. Look for him to contend for a top five finish on Saturday.

9. Andy Reifman-Packett Mt Ararat
Previous: UR
Last Met: Eastern A Regional’s
Finish: 3rd
Time: 16:57.30
Andy Reifman-Packett placed third at the Eastern A Regional’s running a time of 16:57.30. Look for him to contend for a top five finish on Saturday.

10. Eben Hodgkins Erksine
Previous: 9
Last Meet: Eastern B Regional’s
Finish: 2nd
Time: 16:45.69
Hodgkins ran to a second place finish at the Eastern B Regional’s running a time of 16:45.69. Hodgkins will be a part of that lead pack that will be chasing Silas Eastman on Saturday.

Runner of the Week: Dan Curts Ellsworth

Runners Knocking on the Door: Jacob Brooks Massabesic, Logan Marshall Gorham, Bryant Perkins Sanford, Evan Piccirillo Hampden, Jeff Hale Waterville, Christain Sleeper Caribou, Sam Johnston, Faisal Noor Edward Little, Jack Terwilliger Cheverus

Week 8 Power Rankings

Team

1. Scarborough
Previous: 1
Last Meet: Home
Finish: 1st
Scarborough looked very impressive in their meet at the tough Smiling Hill Farms course as they had three runners under 17 minutes. They will head to Cumberland on Saturday as they look like the runaway favorite for the Western A title.

2. Falmouth
Previous: 2
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 1st
Falmouth didn’t compete this week which gave their top five some extra rest before they head towards the post season. Look for Falmouth to take home the Western B title at Cumberland on Saturday.

3. Gorham
Previous: 3
Last Meet: at Scarborough
Finish: 2nd
Gorham rested their number one, Logan Marshall, on Friday as they placed second to Scarborough at the Smiling Hill Farms course. Look for Gorham to challenge Scarborough for the Western A title on Saturday.

4. Cape
Previous: 4
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 4th
The Cape boys got some rest this week. We will see if that helps them when they look to challenge Falmouth for the Western B title on Saturday.

5. Caribou
Previous: 5
Last Meet: PVC Championships
Finish: 1st
Caribou dominated the PVC Championships on Saturday as they placed their top five runners in the top ten overall. They look like the early favorite to take the Eastern B title at Belfast this Saturday.

6. Massabesic
Previous: 6
Last Meet: at Bonny Eagle
Finish: 1st
Massabesic will head towards the post season as the third best team in the SMAA so look for them to contend with Scarborough and Gorham and the Western Regional’s on Saturday.

7. Greely
Previous: 7
Last Meet: at NYA
Finish: 4th
Greely rested their top runners on Friday as they placed 4th at NYA. With the extra rest, look for Greely to contend with Falmouth, and Cape for the top spot at the Western Regional’s on Saturday.

8. Mt Ararat
Previous: 9
Last Meet: KVAC Championships
Finish: 1st
Mt Ararat took the KVAC crown on Saturday behind a third place finish by Andy Reifman-Packett (17:39.8). Look for Mt Ararat to contend for the Eastern A title at Belfast on Saturday.

9. Mt Blue
Previous: 10
Last Meet: KVAC Championships
Finish: 2nd
Mt Blue took second at the KVAC Championships on Saturday as they were lead by Jaron Jones who raced to a 9th place finish (18:19.7). Look for Mt Blue to contend for a top three finish at the Eastern Regional meet on Saturday.

10. Edward Little
Previous: 8
Last Meet: KVAC Championships
Finish: 3rd
Edward Little placed third at the KVAC Championships on Saturday as they were lead by Faisal Noor who placed 2nd with a time of 17:39.6. Look for Edward Little to contend for a top three finish at the Eastern Regional meet on Saturday.

Team of the Week: Mt Ararat

Teams Knocking on the Door: Lewiston, York, Hampden Academy, Brunswick, Freeport, Yarmouth, Cony, NYA, Ellsworth

Individual

1. Silas Eastman Fryeburg
Previous: 1
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:18.80
Eastman got some rest this week after his impressive run at the WMC Championships. He will be the overwhelming favorite to take the Western B crown on Saturday at Cumberland.

2. Chase Brown Boothbay
Previous: 3
Last Meet: MVC Championships
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:22
Brown became the first runner to defeat Matt McClintock as he ran to a very fast time of 16:22 at the MVC Championships. He will face off against McClintock again this Saturday at the Eastern Regional Championships.

3. Matt McClintock Madison
Previous: 2
Last Meet: MVC Championships
Finish: 2nd
Time: 16:32
McClintock suffered his first defeat of the season at the MVC Championships to Chase Brown. He will get another shot at Brown on Saturday when the two runners will face off at the Eastern Regional Championships.

4. Harlow Ladd Messalonskee
Previous: 4
Last Meet: KVAC Championships
Finish: 1st
Time: 17:14.0
Ladd dominated the field at the KVAC Championships as he cruised to a time of 17:14. Look for him to contend for the individual title at the Eastern Regional meet this Saturday.

5. Abshir Horor Wayneflete
Previous: 5
Last Meet: at NYA
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:52
Horor was pushed by Merriconeag’s Jack Pierce on Friday as Horor eventually pulled out the victory running a time of 16:52. Look for Horor to win the Western C title this Saturday at Cumberland.

6. Tim Follo Falmouth
Previous: 6
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 3rd
Time: 16:28
Follo has gotten plenty of rest since his third place finish at the WMC Championships. Look for Follo to push Silas Eastman at the Western Maine Class B Regional’s on Saturday.

7. Nick Morris Scarborough
Previous: 7
Last Meet: Home
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:56
Morris was pushed by his teammates Zach Brown and Tom Hague on Friday as he eventually pulled the victory running a time of 16:56. Look for Morris to contend for the individual title at the Western Maine Class A Regional’s on Saturday.

8. Dan Curts Ellsworth
Previous: 10
Last Meet: PVC Championships
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:32
Dan Curts cruised to a first place finish at the PVC Championships on Saturday running a time of 16:32. Look for him to contend for the individual title at the Easter Class B Regional’s on Saturday.

9. Eben Hodgkins Erskine
Previous: 9
Last Meet: KVAC Championships
Finish: 1st
Time: 17:31.5
Hodgkins won the KVAC Class B Championships on Saturday running a time of 17:31.5. Hodgkins should be able to contend for the individual title at the Eastern Class B Regional’s on Saturday.

10. Faisal Noor Edward Little
Previous: UR
Last Meet: KVAC Championships
Finish: 2nd
Time: 17:39.6
Noor placed 2nd at the KVAC Championships on Saturday running a time of 17:39.6. Look for Noor to contend for a top three finish at the Eastern Class A Regional’s on Saturday.

Runner of the Week: Chase Brown Boothbay

Runners Knocking on the Door: Logan Marshall Gorham, Jack Terwilliger Cheverus, Andy Reifman-Packett Mt Ararat, Bryant Perkins, Evan Piccrillo Hampden Academy, Jacob Brooks Massabesic, Peter LePage Massabesic, Chris Dunn Kennebunk, Sam Johnston Greely, Jack Pierce Merriconeag

Week 7 Power Rankings

Team

1. Scarborough
Previous: 1
Last Meet: Home
Finish: 1st
Scarborough continued its winning ways when they easily won their home meet on Friday as they put their top five runners in the top six spots. They will be at their home course on Friday where they will be challenged by Gorham.

2. Falmouth
Previous: 2
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 1st
Falmouth looked very impressive on Thursday as the won the WMC Championships behind Tim Follo’s 3rd place finish (16:28). Falmouth will head to Traip on Friday where it looks like they will go unchallenged.

3. Gorham
Previous: 3
Last Meet: at Deering
Finish: 1st
Gorham easily defeated Deering and Kennebunk on Friday behind Logan Marshall’s first place finish (16:32). Gorham will head to Scarborough on Friday.

4. Cape
Previous: 4
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 4th
Cape rested their number one runner, Thomas Bottomley, on Thursday so that had an effect on their placing. Look for them to challenge Falmouth in the post season.

5. Caribou
Previous: 5
Last Meet: FOC
Finish: 4th
Caribou got some extra rest this week and they will need it when Caribou heads to Bangor for the PVC Championship meet on Saturday.

6. Massabesic
Previous: 6
Last Meet: at Bonny Eagle
Finish: 1st
Massabesic dominated at Bonny Eagle on Friday as they were lead by Jacob Brooks and Peter LePage. Massabesic will head to Marshwood on Friday.

7. Greely
Previous: 7
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 2nd
Greely placed 2nd at the WMC Championships last Thursday behind Sam Johnston’s 4th place finish (16:57). Greely will head to NYA on Friday where they should win easily.

8. Edward Little
Previous: 8
Last Meet: FOC
Finish: 11th
Edward Little got some extra rest before heading towards the post season. Look for them to contend for the top spot in Eastern A.

9. Mt Ararat
Previous: 9
Last Meet: Mt Blue Relays
Finish: 1st
Mt Ararat looked very impressive at the Mt Blue Relays on Friday as they were lead by first place finisher Andy Reifman-Packett. Look for Mt Ararat to challenge Edward Little for the Eastern A
Championship.

10. Mt Blue
Previous: 10
Last Meet: Mt Blue Relays
Finish: 2nd
Mt Blue took 2nd on their home course behind brothers, Jonah and Jaron Jones. Look for them to challenge for a top three finish at the KVAC Championships on Saturday.

Team of the Week: Falmouth Yachtsmen

Teams Knocking on the Door: Lewiston, York, Hampden Academy, Brunswick, Freeport, Yarmouth, Cony, NYA, Ellsworth

Individual

1. Silas Eastman Fryeburg
Previous: 1
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:18.80 3 Mile
Eastman finally received some competition as he was pushed by Abshir Horor and Tim Follo in the last mile of the WMC Championships before he pulled away to finish with a time of 16:18.80. He will head to Cape on Friday where he will be challenged by Thomas Bottomley of Cape and Ben Nickerson of Yarmouth

2. Matt McClintock Madison
Previous: 3
Last Meet: Home
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:34 5k
McClintock stayed undefeated as he smashed Wade Davis’s course record running a time of 16:34 on his home course. Look for him to continue his winning ways as he heads towards the post season.

3. Chase Brown Boothbay
Previous: 6
Last Meet: Mt Blue Relays
Finish: 1st
Time: 10:44 2 Miles
Brown looked very impressive in his win at the Mt Blue Relays as he ran to a time of 10:44. Look for Brown to challenge McClintock for the Class C title.

4. Harlow Ladd Messalonskee
Previous: 2
Last Meet: Mt Blue Relays
Finish: 3rd
Time: 10:49
Ladd finished 3rd at the Mt Blue Relays running to a time of 10:49. Look for him to challenge for the individual title at the KVAC Championships on Saturday.

5. Abshir Horor Wayneflete
Previous: 8
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 2nd
Time: 16:25 3 Miles
Horor gets better every week and he showed why he deserves to be with the top class C guys after placing second at the WMC Championships. Wayneflete heads to NYA on Friday where he will get challenged by Greely’s Sam Johnston and Merriconeag’s Jack Pierce.

6. Tim Follo Falmouth
Previous: 5
Last Meet: WMC Championships
Finish: 3rd
Time: 16:28 3 Miles
Follo placed 3rd at the WMC Championships running a fine time of 16:28. He will get challenged by Cape’s Thomas Bottomley when Falmouth heads to Cape on Friday.

7. Nick Morris Scarborough
Previous: 7
Last Meet: Home
Finish: 1st
Time: 17:35 5k
Morris won easily at the Smiling Hill Farm course running to a time of 17:35. He should have another shot at running a faster time on that course when Scarborough hosts some of the SMAA teams on Friday.

8. Andy Reifman-Packett Mt Ararat
Previous: UR
Last Meet: Mt Blue Relays
Finish: 2nd
Time: 10:49
Reifman-Packett raced to a 2nd place finish at the Mt Blue Relays running a time of 10:49. He has been one of the most consistent runners in the state, and look for him to challenge for a top three finish at the KVAC Championships on Saturday.

9. Eben Hodgkins Erksine
Previous: UR
Last Meet: Mt Blue Relays
Finish: 6th
Time: 10:49
Hodgkins placed 6th at the Mt Blue Relays on Friday running to a time of 11:09. Look for him to challenge for the win for class B at the KVAC Championships on Saturday.

10. Dan Curts Ellsworth
Previous: UR
Last Meet: FOC
Finish: 8th
Time: 16:46.54
Curts has had an outstanding freshmen year so far. He placed 8th at the Festival of Champions last Saturday running a time of 16:46.54. Look for him to contend for a top five finish at the state meet.

Runner of the Week: Abshir Horor Wayneflete

Runners Knocking on the Door: Jacob Brooks Massabesic, Jack Terwilliger Cheverus*, Logan Marshall Gorham, Faisal Noor Edward Little, Peter LePage Massabesic, Bryant Perkins Sanford, Chris Dunn Kennebunk, Sam Johnston Greely

* Jack Terwilliger hasn't raced in almost a month due to an IT band issue

Week 6 Power Rankings

Team

1. Scarborough
Previous week: 2
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 1st
Scarborough looked like a team on a mission on Saturday as they won the Festival of Champions by having their top three runners run under 17 minutes. They will host Cheverus and Marshwood on Friday, and it looks like they will win easily.

2. Falmouth
Previous week: 3
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 2nd
Falmouth looked very impressive on Saturday thanks to a huge run by Thomas Edmonds who ran to a personal record of 17:05. Falmouth heads towards the post season as the favorite in class B. They will host the Western Maine Conference Championships on Thursday. They will get challenged by Cape and Greely.

3. Gorham
Previous week: 1
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 13th
Gorham had an off day on Saturday as they placed 13th out 65 teams. Look for them to rebound when they head to Deering on Friday.

4. Cape
Previous week: 4
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 6th
Cape was the third class B team on Saturday as they raced to a sixth place finish overall. These next couple of weeks will be very challenging for the Capers as they head towards the post season.

5. Caribou
Previous week: 10
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 4th
Caribou had a very impressive meet on Saturday as they placed 4th, and were the 2nd class B team overall. Look for them to contend with the best of the east as they head towards the post season.

6. Massabesic
Previous week: 5
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 8th
Massabesic finished 8th at the Festival of Champions on Saturday behind Jacob Brooks and Peter Lepage. Massabesic will head to Bonny Eagle on Friday.

7. Greely
Previous week: 7
Last meet: South West Classic
Finish: 2nd
Greely got some extra rest this week before heading into the post season. They will be at Falmouth on Thursday for the WMC Championships and look for them to contend for a top three finish.

8.Edward Little
Previous week: 6
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 11th
Edward Little had an off day on Saturday as they finished 11th overall. Look for them to rebound at the Mt Blue Relays on Friday.

9. Mt Ararat
Previous week: 8
Last meet: at Morse
Finish: 1st
Mt Ararat got a perfect score on Friday against Brunswick on the 1.9 mile course. Look for them to continue their success when they head to the Mt Blue relays on Friday.

10. Mt Blue
Previous week: 9
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 9th
Mt Blue had a solid 9th place finish at the Festival of Champions on Saturday. Look for them to continue to get better when they host the Mt Blue relays on Friday.

Team of the Week: Caribou Vikings

Teams Knocking on the Door: Hampden Academy, Freeport, Yarmouth, Cony, NYA, Ellsworth, Lewiston

Individual

1. Silas Eastman Fryeburg
Previous week: 1
Last meet: Home
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:03 5k
Eastman continues to roll over the competition week by week as he dominated the field on his home course running a record time of 16:03. Eastman will finally get some competition on Thursday when Fryeburg heads to Falmouth for the WMC Championship.

2. Matt McClintock Madison
Previous week: 5
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:06.07 5k
McClintock led from start to finish on Saturday running to a great time of 16:06.07. This was a great test for McClintock because he hadn’t had any real competition before. Look for him to continue to win as he heads towards the post season.

3. Harlow Ladd Messalonskee
Previous week: 3
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 2nd
Time: 16:11.15 5k
Ladd finished 2nd overall on Saturday running to a fantastic time of 16:11.15. This was Ladd’s first loss of the season, but don’t expect that to faze him when Messalonskee heads to the Mt Blue relays on Friday.

4. Jack Terwilliger Cheverus
Previous week: 2
Last meet: at Gorham
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:19 5k
Nagging injuries have caused Terwilliger not to race over the last couple of weeks so we will have to wait and see if that has any affect on his racing when Cheverus heads to Scarbrough on Friday.

5. Tim Follo Falmouth
Previous week: 5
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 5th
Time: 16:29.51 5k
Follo has been the most consistent runner in the state so far as he raced to a 5th place finish on Saturday running of a time of 16:29.51. He will get a huge test on Thursday when he faces off against Silas Eastman at the WMC Championships.

6. Chase Brown Boothbay
Previous week: UR
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 3rd
Time: 16:12.49 5k
Brown raised every body’s eyebrows as he ran to a third place finish on Saturday posting a time of 16:12.49. Look for him to challenge Matt McClintock as Boothbay heads towards the post season.

7. Nick Morris Scarborough
Previous week: 7
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 6th
Time: 16:36.44 5k
Morris was the 2nd class A finisher on Saturday as he ran a season best time of 16:36.44. Look for him to challenge Jack Terwilliger on Friday when Scarborough hosts Cheverus and Marshwood.

8. Abshir Horor Wayneflete
Previous week: 8
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 7th
Time: 16:38.09 5k
Horor has been impressive in his first year of XC so far. He placed 7th at the Festival of Champions on Saturday as he was the third class C runner to cross the line. Look for him to contend for a top three finish at the WMC Championships on Thursday.

9. Faisal Noor Edward Little
Previous week: 4
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 10th
Time: 16:46.54 5k
Noor placed 10th on Saturday running a respectable time of 16:46.54. He will get a chance to prove why he one of the top class A runners when Edward Little travels to the Mt Blue relays on Friday.

10. Logan Marshall Gorham
Previous week: 10
Last meet: Festival of Champions
Finish: 13th
Time: 16:54.33 5k
Marshall has been solid all year long as he placed 10th at FOC on Saturday. He will get challenged by Kennebunk’s Chris Dunn when Gorham travels to Deering on Friday.

Runner of the week: Matt McClintock Madison

Runners Knocking on the Door: Dan Curts Ellsworth, Chris Dunn Kennebunk, Bryant Perkins Sanford, Jacob Brooks Massabesic, Andy Reifman-Packett Mt Ararat, Will Lundquist Cony, John Lake Falmouth, Christian Sleeper Caribou, Charlie Jones North Haven

Festival of Champions Preview

Girls Preview

Team
Cheverus and Massabesic go into the meet ranked 1 and 3 respectively in the latest poll which makes the girl’s race very interesting. Other teams who will want to make a statement this Saturday are Brunswick, John Bapst, Windham, and Falmouth. This will be a big test because we will finally see how the best teams stack up against each other. Will Cheverus run away with it? Will Massabesic finally put together and win? Or will we see an underdog come out on top a la The Mighty Ducks? We will have to wait and see.

Prediction
The Cheverus girls have looked very impressive this year, and they have been really hard to beat over the past couple weeks. The Massabesic girls have a lot of fire power with their top three runners Jocelyn Acheson, Charlotte Pierce, and Mikayla Frazier, but Cheverus has more talent and more depth. Other teams who look to contend for a top five finish will be Brunswick, Windham, John Bapst, and Falmouth. This is how the top five will play out on Saturday:

1. Cheverus
2. Massabesic
3. Brunswick
4. John Bapst
5. Windham

Individual Preview
Abby Leonardi looks like the runaway favorite in this one, and she will be looking to make history on Saturday as she looks to break Cassie Hintz’s record of 17:52.60. The top challengers for Leonardi will be Abby Mace of Maranacock and Cheverus teammates Emily Durgin and Fiona Hendry. Other runners who will be looking to make a splash are Mia Rapolla of Gorham, Kathleen McMahon of Brunswick, Dacie Manion of Old Town, Charlotte Pierce of Massabesic, and Addie Cullenberg of Mt. Blue. There is plenty of fire power in this race, and if the weather is acceptable then we could see some incredibly fast times on Saturday.

Prediction
Abbey Leonardi has to be the favorite. She has run under 18 minutes twice at distances of three miles, a feat that some fifth runners on boy’s teams haven’t even accomplished. The real question is will there be anybody to challenge Leonardi? Both Emily Durgin and Abby Mace have had very impressive seasons so far, and they could challenge Leonardi. Durgin won the New England championships last year so we know how well she can run, and Mace has won every meet so far by a considerable margin. Here is how the top ten will play out on Saturday:

1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk
2. Emily Durgin Cheverus
3. Abby Mace Maranacock
4. Fiona Hendry Cheverus
5. Mia Rapolla Gorham
6. Kathleen McMahon Brunswick
7. Charlotte Pierce Massabesic
8. Alecia Palmer Presque Isle
9. Dacie Manion Old Town
10. Addie Cullenberg Mt Blue

Boys Preview

Team Preview
This has the makings of a classic meet. Eight of the top ten teams in my Week 5 Power Rankings will be attending, so the star power will be at a maximum. Scarborough will look to rebound from last week’s performance at the Southwest Classic, and Falmouth should be fully rested for a great run. Gorham won the Southwest Classic last week, so expect them to have a strong performance. Other teams that will be looking to make a splash are Cape, Massabesic, Edward Little, and Mt Blue. Will Scarborough redeem themselves and come out on top? Will Gorham continue to roll? Or will Falmouth ran past everybody with their rested legs?

Prediction
The real key in this meet will be the number five runners. Cortland Dunn of Gorham will need to have a good race if Gorham wants to have a shot of winning. Also Falmouth’s Henry Briggs will have to have a strong race if they want to come out on top. Scarborough’s number five runner Ian Morris will also have to make a big impact if Scarborough wants to win it. Watch out for Edward Little as well. Faisal Noor has had an outstanding year, and he has a very strong supporting cast behind him. Cape Elizabeth will also like to prove why they are a top team. They have had an excellent year so far, and don’t be surprised to see them catch some of the top teams. If everything goes as it should, the top five will look like this:

1. Falmouth
2. Gorham
3. Scarborough
4. Edward Little
5. Cape Elizabeth

Individual Preview
The individual race will be very entertaining to watch on Saturday as there are four possible runners that could come out on top. Jack Terwilliger of Cheverus hasn’t raced in three weeks, but that shouldn’t affect him on Saturday as he will be fully rested. Harlow Ladd of Messalonske is another favorite to watch. He has posted the fastest 5k of all classes so far with a time of 16:08, and he is also undefeated this year. Edward Little’s Faisal Noor will be with the top pack on Saturday. He has the second fastest 5k year with a time of 16:09, so look for him to challenge for the top spot. Another runner who will be looking to challenge will be Mike Tate from JH Gillis in Nova Scotia. He finished 7th at the Festival of Champions last year as freshmen running a time of 16:21.7 so look for him to challenge as well. Other runners to look out for will be Matt McClintock of Madison, Nick Morris of Scarborough, Tim Follo of Falmouth, Bryant Perkins of Sanford, Jeremy Earl of Gorham, Abshir Horor of Wayneflete,and Chase Brown of Boothbay.

Prediction
Jack Terwilliger looks like the early favorite in this one. He hasn’t raced in three weeks, but I don’t think that will affect him. The battle for the two spot between Harlow Ladd, Faisal Noor, and Mike Tate should be very exciting to watch as well. If everything goes the way it should, the top ten will be looking like this on Saturday:

1. Jack Terwilliger Cheverus
2. Harlow Ladd Messalonske
3. Mike Tate JH Gillis-NS
4. Faisal Noor Edward Little
5. Matt McClintock Madison
6. Tim Follo Falmouth
7. Bryant Perkins Sanford
8. Nick Morris Scarborough
9. Abshir Horor Waynefleter
10. Jeremy Earl Gorham