Scouting NW boys cross country state meet

Where: Detweiller Park, Peoria

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Team chase

State outlook: York, New Trier and Oak Park-River Forest went 1-2-3 at the Niles West sectional, which could be the same order in Peoria. The Dukes will be going for their 27th state title as senior Jack Driggs leads the charge. Senior Tommy King leads New Trier, which last won a title in 1959. Junior Malachy Schrobilgen powers Oak Park-River Forest, which is seeking its first state trophy. Defending 3A state champion Neuqua Valley and downstate O'Fallon will also be in the trophy hunt. Lake Zurich, Palatine, and Schaumburg are also determined to enter the conversation.

Area's big four:

Palatine Coach Chris Quick's team won its eighth consecutive Mid-Suburban League title in October and is hoping to duplicate that run in Peoria. The Pirates got off to a slow start at the Schaumburg sectional where they finished second, 3 points behind Lake Zurich. Junior Anthony Gregorio and senior Rueben Frey power the Pirates. Senior A.J. Laskowske, junior Tim Johnson, and junior Marcus Garcia have all made progress throughout the season and give the Pirates an outside chance at a state trophy. “It was a challenge to win the sectionals, but it wasn't really a challenge to qualify. Now the challenge is on,” said Quick.

Schaumburg Coach Jim Macnider is looking for a little magic in Peoria as he closes the door on his hall-of-fame career at Schaumburg. Senior Travis Morrison has had an outstanding season and led for most of the sectional race before finishing third. Sophomore Evan Prizy also has been front runner for the Saxon attack. Senior Pat O'Connell, senior Connor Prizy, junior Tyler Anderson and junior Pat Swiech also will contribute. The Saxons continue to get better at each meet and a trophy would be the exclamation point on a tremendous career for Macnider. “As long as we have a place on the starting line we have a chance to put it together,” said Macnider.

Barrington Coach Ty Gorman has his team peaking at the right time. Junior Erik Peterson took first at the sectional meet and is primed for a big state meet. The Broncos are coming on strong in closing the gap and that includes the senior quartet of Carl Eiring, Andrew Foley, Ryan Graves, and Kyle Dockery. Keep an eye on Peterson, as the junior has had a breakout season. “I really think he can run with anybody and I still don't think he knows how good he is,” said Gorman.

Hersey Coach Tim Phillips is optimistic after the Huskies ran their best race of the year to qualify for the state meet. Senior Ryan O'Donnell continues to power Hersey, and senior Nathan Knautz came up huge at the sectionals, as the pair finished 13th and 15th. Seniors Steve Tubergen, Sam O'Neil and Brian Havel also contributed for the Huskies. “Nathan (Knautz) run was the key to the season, his first year in cross country and he is almost our first guy. You get to two low numbers and you know you have shot,” said Phillips.

Individual race

State chase: Defending 3A state champion Lukas Verzbicas of Sandburg is back. The senior once again has his sights set on the Detweiller course record of 14:18 set in 1972 by Craig Virgin. But this time Verzbicas may have company as York senior Jack Driggs has had a sensational season. Last year Driggs was third but it should be much closer this season.

Area spotlight:

Erik Peterson (Barrington) The junior has come into his own this season, winning the MSL title and Schaumburg sectional title. Now the question is just how high he can finish at state.

Travis Morrison (Schaumburg) The senior is finally healthy this season and it has shown. Morrison led for most of the sectional race before getting outkicked by Peterson and finishing third.

Anthony Gregorio (Palatine) The junior ran a superb conference race but a so-so sectional due to a slow start. Gregorio will want to get out fast on Saturday.

Jereme Atchison (Buffalo Grove) The junior has had a solid season and has shown he can run with the front pack.

Kellan Strobel (Prospect) The senior has been a powerful runner in pacing the Knights this season.