The Rundown:

Colin Brannon, a junior from Madison Central, is making his 2022 cross country debut. Holding an impressive PR of 16:30, he is a menace on the grass. In last year's cross country season, he had an impressive top 5 finish at the 2021 MHSAA 6A Cross Country Championships. 

RESULTS: 2021 MHSAA 6A Cross Country Championships

He followed that up in the spring with another top 5 finish in the 3200m at the 2022 MHSAA 6A Track and Field Championships. 

Alongside Brannon is his fellow teammate, Madison Central senior Benjamin Owens. More suited to the middle distance events, Owens had a solid track season which included a 1:57.89 performance in the 800m, earning him fourth at the 2022 MHSAA 6A Track and Field Championships. 

RESULTS: 2022 MHSAA 6A Track and Field Championships

With a 5K PR of 16:55, don't count Owens out of contention at the 2022 Jaguar Trails Opener. 

Also, look out for Clinton High's Christian Parks. With a PRs of 16:40 in the 5k and 4:35 in the 1600m, he is very much in contention for a win on Friday at the 2022 Jaguar Trails Opener. 

Christian Parks, Clinton High School

Because the meet will be held at Clinton High, Parks will also have a home-field advantage in his favor.

Here's our pick: Parks and Owens are both impressive athletes. They are coming off of stellar 2021 cross seasons and 2022 track campaigns. We think these two along with Brannon will be the three athletes leading the way, but cross country is Brannon's bread and butter, and we're going to give him the cutting edge to slightly take the victory.