Individuals

  1. Liam Jordan (Berkeley Prep) – Jordan solidifies his top spot with a stellar 2nd place finish at the Florida Horse Park Invitational, clocking 15:13. This performance, coupled with his impressive track PRs (3200m: 9:02, 1600m: 4:13), firmly establishes him as the frontrunner in 2A this season.
  2. Henry Lewis (Wakulla) – Lewis makes a significant jump in the rankings after winning the Nights of Thunder XC Festival in 16:17. This victory, combined with his season-opening 15:51 at the Cecil Field Summer Classic, showcases his competitive edge and ability to perform consistently.
  3. Parker Adams (Bolles) – Adams has yet to debut this season, but his track credentials (3200m: 8:58) and history with Bolles’ state championship team keep him high in the rankings. As the #2 all-class returner in the 3200m, he’s expected to make a strong impact when he races.
  4. Juan Pablo Castillo-Zima (Bishop Kenny) – As the top returner for Bishop Kenny, Castillo-Zima opened his season with a solid 15:56. His performance will be crucial for Bishop Kenny’s title aspirations.
  5. Mason Lablance (King High School) – Lablance makes a strong entry into the top 5 with his dominant victory at the Grayling Memorial Pasco Invitation, winning by almost 30 seconds with a time of 16:21. Combined with his impressive 3200m PR of 9:30, he shows great potential for the season.
  6. Andrew Marino (Bishop Verot) – Marino’s strong track season (3200m: 9:32) positions him as a key contender in 2A. He is set to open his cross country season at the upcoming Ft. Myers Invitational, where his performance will be closely watched.
  7. Jake Officer (Episcopal) – Officer’s track success (800m: 1:51, Mile: 4:17) makes him a dangerous competitor, especially in close finishes. His cross country development will be interesting to watch.
  8. Kai Meffe (Lake Highland Prep) – The #4 returner from last year’s state meet, Meffe opened with a 16:36 at Cecil Field. His progression throughout the season will be key to watch.
  9. Jack Liuzzo (Bishop Kenny) – Liuzzo’s 16:28 season opener suggests potential for improvement as the season progresses, crucial for Bishop Kenny’s team aspirations.
  10. Seth Roque-Munoz (FAU High School) – Opened with a 16:38 at the Park Vista Cobra XC Invitational. His development throughout the season will be interesting to follow.
  11. Shane Kinsey (Astronaut) – Finished 20th last year at state. Opened his season with a 17:00 at Cecil Field.
  12. Jackson Champagne (Astronaut) – Finished 24th last year at state. Part of the strong Astronaut trio.
  13. Will Moss (Montverde Academy) – Ran 9:36 for 3200 m last season.
  14. Tim Rutten (Gulliver Prep) – Ran 9:52 during track for 3200m.
  15. Gabriel Carr (Miami Sunset) – Ran 4:26 last track season. 

Teams

  1. Bolles – The 2 time defending state champions are in the driver’s seat until they are beaten by a team in 2A. They return 10 runners who were sub 18 for 5k last season.
  2. Bishop Verot – They bring back 6 of their top 7 runners from a team that placed 4th last year. Only reason they don’t take the top spot is questions about depth as #7 last year was in the 20s.
  3. Bishop Kenny –  Placed 2nd last year at state to their cross town rivals. They return 4 of their top 7 from last season.
  4. Astronaut – Could be the sleeper in the top 4. They have 3 returning athletes that can place in the top 10 and return 6 of their 7 from last year’s 3rd place team.
  5. Episcopal – Return 5 of their top 7 from last year. They have a runner capable of winning overall.
  6. Edgewood – Placed 5th last year and return 6 of their top 7
  7. Berkeley Prep – They return all 7 runners from last year’s state team as well as the top returner in Liam Jordan.
  8. Mater Lakes Academy HS – They return 6 of their top 7 from their 9th place state team.
  9. Lake Highland Prep HS – They return 6 of the 7 from their 12th place state team.
  10. Aubrey Rogers High School – They return 6 of the top 7 from their 13th place state team.