By DP Daigle
Oak Grove XC Classic Preview
Teams Entered: Oak Grove, Pearl River Central, Petal, Presbyterian
Christian, Seminary, Sumrall, and Vancleave
Oak Grove will host their annual XC Classic on Saturday August 20
th.
We all know that Oak Grove is strong year and year out, their boys are pre-season ranked #7 in 6A while
the girls are at 12th in the state's largest classification. But who else will do well when
the season starts on the trails in Oak Grove?
Let's have a look.
A virtual meet has Oak Grove winning the boys side by a large margin and Vancleave
edging out Oak Grove and PRC on the girl's side. I think that is probably a good
prediction, but those are based on last year's 5K times. Two things to consider: this is a
2 mile race, not a 5K, and not everyone is going to be in mid season form. In fact, most
won't. I know for my runners I'm just looking to establish a time that we can improve on
and know where we stand. Many coaches are likely taking that same approach.
With all that being said, look for Lina May from Vancleave to lead the girls' race and
Clay Derrick and Tate Ryder of Oak Grove to lead the boys' race. I'd also keep an eye
on Vancleave's Austin Gill and Pearl River Central's Cole Benoit. Petal's Hayden shows
should factor into the top 5 individuals as well.
I think Vancleave and Presbyterian Christian could challenge Oak Grove in an attempt
to steal their home victory away. If nothing else, Vancleave and Presbyterian Christian
should have a fight for second place that will be fun to watch. On the girls' side it's
going to be tight between Vancleave, PRC, and Oak Grove. All in all, it should be a
great day of racing to kick off the season!
Bottom line prediction - Oak Grove wins the boys' side and Pearl River Central narrowly
wins the girls