Scouting sectional boys cross country, Northwest

Schaumburg sectional

Where: Busse Woods

When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday

What to know: The top five teams and top seven runners from non-qualifying teams advance to the Class 3A state meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria on Nov. 5.

Outlook: Hersey, Lake Zurich, and Buffalo Grove all won regional titles last weekend and will be joined by Palatine, Barrington, Prospect, Fremd, and Highland Park. It should be a very close race, as Lake Zurich the North Suburban Conference champion, defeated Palatine, the Mid-Suburban League champion, by 5 points last weekend at the Grant regional. The Bears had four runners in the top 10 led by senior Trevor Kuehr and senior Alex Milner, who finish 2-3. Senior Christian Zambrano and sophomore Graham Brown went 4-5 and will lead the Pirates. Senior Ryan Burgoon and senior Mike Rappleye pace a Barrington team that will be in the thick of it. Hersey is also a team that will be tough, with junior Andy Philipose and sophomore David Rodriguez pacing the Huskies attack. Prospect, BG, Fremd, and Highland Park will battle it out for the fifth and final spot. Prospect senior Quentin Shaffer figures lead the field individually. The Knights senior is coming off an MSL and regional title. Lake Forest senior Billy Bund and McHenry sophomore Jesse Reisor won regional titles and will challenge. BG junior Steven Salvano and Hoffman Estates junior Billy Thomas will also push the pace.

Niles West sectional

Senior Rocco DiMatteo finished fifth in leading Leyden to a third place finish at the St. Ignatius regional. The Eagles advanced to the Niles West sectional, which beings 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Senior Dominick Budzick advanced individually for Maine West.

Fenton Class 2A sectional

St. Viator will be aiming for its second consecutive state berth on Saturday at the Fenton sectional at 11 a.m. Junior Nick Brey leads the Lions against a strong field that includes Chicago Jones Prep.