SOUTH PONTOTOC INVITATIONAL
The Pontotoc Invitational is highlighted by teams such as Tupelo High and Saltillo. This is usually a fast course so I expect some strong times from this weekend.
The boys' race is different from what would be expected due to Jaheim Bridges and Taylor Brown not being entered to run for this weekend. They are most likely receiving some well-deserved rest after a fast race at their home meet.
Most likely taking the lead this weekend is Cooper Parmer. He, by far, has the best set of finishes in comparison to the rest of the field. The next best contenders coming into this weekend would be Rhett Schimpf of Starkville High School and J.J. Lincoln of Saltillo. These two are both capable runners that could mark Parmer early in the race and attempt to hang with him.
Note from the State Editor: Yea, Parmer is definitely the on-paper favorite based on his last 2 races, but definitely do not sleep on Lincoln and Schimpf races in the back half of races.
For the girls' race, Brookelyn Morgan of Tupelo High will be the clear favorite with a tight race for the next three positions. Following Morgan is Anna Caroline Crouch of Saltillo, Hannah Sanders of Mooreville, and Katie Meeks of Kossuth High. These three runners are close together in terms of season-best and could prove for a tight finish between these girls. Looking back to a week ago, Crouch did finish on top against Sanders at the Tupelo Invitational by just a second.
When it comes to the team score, Saltillo seems to be the favorite thanks to its tightly packed team on the guys' side and a set of strong finishers for the girls'.