Great Oak (California)
Field: Boys
Breakdown: No. 2 nationally and No. 1 in California
Analysis: The program is heading from its first-place effort in a talented field at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic to Roy Griak, where they'll face another highly touted foe in Wayzata. What's new? The Great Oak boys have racked up national prominence based on their ability to respond and compete. Led by senior Carlos Carvajal and his fifth-place nod at Woodbridge (14:20.40), the team scored 83 points and had a 14:37 average at the 3-mile distance.
The team also produced a 30-second spread between its scorers at Woodbridge -- that's significant. Weeks prior, the Seaside Invitational was more of the same for the team. Carvajal won the senior race (14:12.40), Ryan Shields was fourth in the junior challenge (15:12.90), and Gabriel Abbes won the sophomore race (14:42.40).
With travel and fatigue to manage, Great Oak's competitors won't do them any favors, but expect the squad to compete for the win.