Dominance of East Rankin Academy: With the top four seeds on their side, East Rankin Academy looks unstoppable. They've emerged as the indomitable force in the state, and their record speaks volumes: an undefeated streak against in-state teams, third place at The Opener, and victories at the Early Bird 2-miler, Victors Kickoff at the Quarry, and Park Place Invitational.
Columbia Academy's Cohesion: Columbia Academy is synonymous with unity. Their technique of pack running has made them a formidable force throughout the season. Their consistent chase of the East Rankin Lady Patriots adds an interesting dimension to this race.
Olivia Smith's Speed: With a 2:18 in the 800m, Olivia Smith is the athlete to keep an eye on. Her agility and speed are bound to bring some surprises to the table.

Oak Grove's Quest for Retention: As the defending champions, Oak Grove is entering with one clear goal: domination. With their athletes, Grayson Taylor, Matthew Maguire, and Luke Skinner holding the top three seed spots, they are the team to beat.
Hattiesburg Forerunners' Undefeated Streak: However, the home team, Hattiesburg Forerunners, can't be dismissed. Pacing their team is the incredibly fast Henry Richardson, with a sub-17 5K(XC) under his belt. With two wins this season and an impeccable race strategy showcased at the Victors Kickoff at the Quarry, they are in prime form.
Battle of the Trios: While Oak Grove's trio is leading the seed charts, Forerunners' front trio has also shown depth and synchronization in their races. If the Warriors manage to clinch the top three spots, it will become an uphill battle for their competition.

Fleet Feet Invitational

Northwest Rankin High School Flowood, MS

Sep 9, 2023

Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: Northwest Rankin High School

High School Boys: Sam Arnold - 17:24.1
High School Girls: Brooklyn Biancamano - 20:36.0

Reigning Champions:

Varsity Boys 5K: Evan Hallford - 18:34.2
Varsity Girls 5K: Katherine Neal - 22:30.9
Middle School Boys 3K: Gage Sumrall - 11:17.8
Middle School Girls 3K: McKinley Drennan - 12:42.8

Entries

Teams Entered

Quick Hits

Colin Brannon - The Top Seed: Entering as the No. 6 ranked runner on the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Team, Brannon is undeniably the athlete to watch. His recent stellar performance with a 16:33 finish at the Memphis Twilight Classic shows that he's in form and will surely be gunning for the top podium position at this event.
Jaguars' Roar: Brannon, along with Braxton Rea, could prove to be a powerful duo in leading the Jaguars to the team championship. However, the path to the title won't be easy with their fierce cross-town rivals, Germantown, standing in the way. This team duel promises to be one of the event's major highlights.

Pearl's Reigning Champion: As the reigning champ, all eyes will be on Pearl's ace as she returns to defend her crown. Her most recent top-10 finish with a PR of 20:00 at The Opener is a testament to her current form, making her the one to beat.
The Home Team Advantage: Grace Hoeniges and McKinley Drennan, the young and talented duo from Northwest Rankin, will be hoping to leverage their familiarity with the course and the support of the home crowd. They've showcased immense potential in the past and will surely aim to make a statement in this meet.

Mooreville XC Invitational

Hussey Sod Farm Tupelo, MS

Sep 9, 2023

Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: Hussey Sod Farm

High School Boys: Dylan Allen - 15:47.7
High School Girls: Brookelyn Morgan - 19:05.6

Reigning Champions:

Varsity Boys 5K: Chandler Ray - 16:03.5
Varsity Girls 5K: Hannah Sanders - 20:07.5
Middle School Boys 2 Mile: Toshan Delong - 10:41.8
Middle School Girls 2 Mile: Ally Murphy - 12:27.3

Entries

Teams Entered

Quick Hits

Oxford's Rising Star - Bailey Kosko: Coming in as the newest elite on the All-MileSplit Mississippi team, and ranked fifth in the state, Kosko has the target on his back. His impressive PB of 16:02 from the 2022 Watson Cross Country Classic sets him apart, and his commendable top-15 finish at the 2023 Memphis Twilight Classic after overtaking Colin Brannon, amplifies the attention on him.
Tupelo Spartans' Duo: Sam Johnson and Jeb Hamilton, the dynamic duo from Tupelo Spartans, are not far behind. Their outstanding performance at the NMPHC Classic where they claimed the top two spots marks them as serious contenders. Will they challenge Kosko's dominance?
The Underdog - Saltillo's Parker Shannon: With a PR of 16:03 and the title of runner-up at last year's Mooreville Invitational, Shannon is the wild card who could upset the odds.
The Sub-17 Brigade: A cluster of sub-17 athletes including Brodie Moore, Enoch Caviness, and Sam Baxter only intensifies the competition.

The Middle School Marvel - Ally Murphy: Myrtle's young sensation has already clinched a win this season, putting her in the spotlight.
Julianna Hamilton's Momentum: Fresh from her victory against Murphy at the 2023 TCPS Twilight, Hamilton will be high on confidence.
Dark Horse Emma Ruffin: MHSAA 4A 3200m silver medalist Emma Ruffin is not to be discounted. Her proven track record can see her rise to the occasion.
MHSAA 7A's Shining Star: Maggie Irwin, another standout from the MHSAA 7A league, adds to the fierce competition.

French Camp Invitational

French Camp Academy French Camp, MS

Sep 9, 2023

Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: French Camp Academy

High School Boys: Brock Kelly - 16:00.8
High School Girls: Brookelyn Morgan - 19:30.0

Reigning Champions:

Varsity Girls 5K: Lucy Littlejohn - 20:15.0
Varsity Boys 5K: JT Price - 18:03.7
JH Girls 2 Mile: Emily Avent - 14:03.6
JH Boys 2 Mile: Hyrum Boone - 11:58.8

Entries

Teams Entered

Okatibbee Classic

Peak to Peak Collinsville, MS

Sep 9, 2023

Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: Peak to Peak

High School Boys: Evan Hallford - 17:17.3
High School Girls: Emma Claire James - 19:16.8

Reigning Champions:

Varsity Boys 5K: Evan Hallford - 17:58.8
Varsity Girls 5K: Emily Snodgrass - 20:58.5
Middle School 2 Mile: Miley Zingler - 15:47.1

Entries

Teams Entered

Mantachie Invitational (formerly Itawamba Invitational)

Manatachie Manatachie, MS

Sep 9, 2023

Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: Manatachie

High School Boys: Dylan Allen - 17:01.0
High School Girls: Hannah Sanders - 20:50.0

Entries

Teams Entered

Maroon Tide Invitational

Picayune Memorial HS Track Picayune, MS

Sep 9, 2023

Venue Records: Picayune Memorial HS Track

High School Boys: Derek Westbrook - 9:53.4
High School Girls: Kaylyn Bellais - 11:56.9

Entries

Teams Entered

Hickory Flat Invitational

Blue Mountain College Blue Mountain, MS

Sep 9, 2023

Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: Blue Mountain College

High School Boys: Lukas Dykes - 16:59.7
High School Girls: Jessica Cartwright - 20:12.01

Reigning Champions

Small School Boys 5K: Hagan McCarley - 20:06.6
Small School Girls 5K: Morgan Green - 22:48.2
Large School Boys 5K: Gabe McElwain - 18:44.0
Large School Boys 5K: Elsie Wilbanks - 22:16.8
Middle School Girls 2 Mile: Maya Gomez - 17:25.0
Middle School Boys 2 Mile: Jonah Dodds - 13:23.7

Entries

Teams Entered

Forerunners Light It Up at Lakeshore

Hattiesburg Hattiesburg, MS

Sep 9, 2023

Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: Hattiesburg

High School Boys: Jack Hewes - 16:31.0
High School Girls: Layla Warren - 19:49.2

Reigning Champions

Green Division Boys: Dallas Stricker - 17:26.7
Green Division Girls: Kaylie Frost - 22:21.2
Yellow Division Boys: Gavin Wheat - 17:27.2
Yellow Division Girls: Samantha Kennedy - 22:11.2
Open 2 Mile: Woodsie Perkins - 13:23.0

Entries

Teams Entered

Quick Hits

Dominance of East Rankin Academy: With the top four seeds on their side, East Rankin Academy looks unstoppable. They've emerged as the indomitable force in the state, and their record speaks volumes: an undefeated streak against in-state teams, third place at The Opener, and victories at the Early Bird 2-miler, Victors Kickoff at the Quarry, and Park Place Invitational.
Columbia Academy's Cohesion: Columbia Academy is synonymous with unity. Their technique of pack running has made them a formidable force throughout the season. Their consistent chase of the East Rankin Lady Patriots adds an interesting dimension to this race.
Olivia Smith's Speed: With a 2:18 in the 800m, Olivia Smith is the athlete to keep an eye on. Her agility and speed are bound to bring some surprises to the table.