Scouting Northwest regionals
The top five teams and top five runners from non-qualifying teams from each regional advance to the sectionals.
Hoffman Estates
Where and when: Busse Woods, 11 a.m. Saturday
What to watch: Schaumburg and Prospect will contend for team honors, The Saxons finished second at the Mid-Suburban League meet last weekend, with the Knights taking fourth. Senior Travis Morrison and sophomore Evan Prizy lead the Saxons, while senior Kellan Strobel and junior Michael Thill lead the Knights. Keep an eye on Dundee-Crown senior Anthony Manfrin. Last season he took sixth in 3A but suffered a broken hip during the winter. Manfrin came back last Saturday to take first in the Fox Valley Conference. Conant senior Troy Cunningham, Rolling Meadows junior J.P. Manzanarez and Elk Grove junior Alex Mertes will also be in the hunt.
Wheeling
Where and when: Heritage Park, 10 a.m. Saturday
What to watch: Palatine should have no trouble in securing its ninth regional title. Junior Anthony Gregorio, senior Reuben Frey and senior A.J. Laskowske led the Pirates to their record eighth consecutive MSL title last Saturday. The Pirates are packing very well. Barrington junior Erik Peterson took first in the MSL and will get another showdown with Gregorio and Buffalo Grove junior Jereme Atchison, who finished 2-3. Hersey senior Ryan O'Donnell continues to improve from an Achilles injury and may poke his head in the lead pack. Kevin Schreiber finished fifth for St. Viator in the East Suburban Catholic Conference.
Lake Park
Where and when: Lake Park East Campus, 11 a.m. Saturday
What to watch: Leyden will be competing in a field that includes No. 1 ranked York. Dukes senior Jack Driggs will look to continue a impressive senior season.