Scouting boys cross country regionals / Northwest
Scouting boys cross country regionals
What to know: The top six teams and top five runners from non-qualifying teams from Saturday’s regionals advance to the sectional. Rankings below are from the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Poll.
Class 3A
Hoffman Estates regional (11 a.m. at Busse Woods)
Advancement: Schaumburg sectional, Nov. 2.
Outlook: No. 3 Hersey rolled to a Mid-Suburban League title last week, and the Huskies are looking to keep their momentum going. Senior Andy Philipose and junior David Rodriguez went 6-7 in the MSL meet. Prospect and Fremd will chase the Huskies. Conant junior Zach Dale sealed the MSL individual title by pulling away in the final mile. Dale will be the individual favorite on Saturday, but Hoffman Estates Billy Thomas and Fremd senior Harry Winter will give chase along with Hersey top duo. Should be an interesting individual race.
Palatine regional (11 a.m. at Deer Grove East)
Advancement: Schaumburg sectional, Nov. 2.
Outlook: Palatine finished a solid second at the MSL meet, led by an impressive performance by junior Graham Brown, who took second individually for the Pirates. Palatine will battle MSL West foe Barrington on Saturday. Last weekend senior Jake Herb (third-place MSL finish) pushed the Broncos attack that seem to lose steam after the first mile. McHenry junior Jesse Reiser is the top individual entering the meet.
Libertyville (2:30 p.m. at Adler Park)
Advancement: Schaumburg sectional, Nov. 2.
Outlook: Buffalo Grove finished a strong third at the MSL meet. Sophomore Kevin Salvano led a Bison attack that will be a favorite at Libertyville on Saturday. Senior Steven Salvano ran his first race since September for the Bison. Highland Park’s Angel Estrada and Stevenson’s Sam Oh, along with Kevin Salvano, figure battle for the top position.
Fenwick regional (2:20 p.m. at Schiller Woods)
Advancement: Lake Park sectional, Nov. 2.
Outlook: No.-1 ranked York will be a heavy favorite. Senior Alex Bashqawi and senior Nathan Mroz give the Dukes a powerful 1-2 punch. Matt Skelazek and Alan Prado will pace Leyden.
Niles West regional (3 p.m. at Niles West)
Advancement: Lake Park sectional, Nov. 2.
Outlook: Should be a good duel between No. 7 New Trier and No. 15 Loyola. Maine West’s Alex Liston has had a solid year and will pace the Warriors.
Class 2A
Wheaton Academy (2 p.m. at Kress Creek Farms)
Advancement: Wheaton Academy sectional
Outlook: Keep an eye on St. Viator senior Nick Brey. He’s coming off a solid title at the East Suburban Conference Meet and will pace the Lions’ attack on Saturday.