CCS Boys' Teams Ranked by Josh Small...

My “officially unofficial” predictions for BOYS 2009 CCS XC

1 Mountain View (D2)
Rowe leads a talented group of runners that have all run the equivalent of 15:50 or better at Crystal. This team is not only one of the best in the CCS but the nation.

2 Carlmont (D1)
This team is stacked and it is going to be a great duel with the Bells for the D1 section title. Their number 5 runner has hit 16:03 on Crystal, which is down the street from their school. Expect them to be dominant on their “home” course.

3 Bellarmine (D1)
Don’t expect the Bells to roll over and concede the title to Carlmont. This team matches up evenly and should be a great duel for the D1 team title. For the last 3 years the Bells have nicked away at the point spread between the two teams. This year could come down to mere seconds and extend to the 6 or 7 runner.

4 Gunn (D2)
Paul Summers will look to dip under the 15 minute mark and lead his team to a State Championship birth. The top three runners could be sub 16 with a pack of guys in the mid 16’s for their 4-7. They ran well in their league meet and look good for CCS!

5 Palo Alto (D2)
Palo Alto is led by Phillip MacQuitty who will challenge Rowe for the CCS Runner of the Year. Palo Alto will be in a tight race with St. Francis, Lynbrook, and Woodside for a team birth to the State Championships. They will need some help from the 4 and 5 runners for this team to step up.

6. Salinas (D1)
Salinas traditionally runs well on Toro Park but hasn’t made the trip up north to Crystal Springs in the last 2 years. They are a talented bunch of runners led by Senior Davis Perez who is in the mix for the individual D1 title.

7. Saint Ignatius (D3)
SI has a solid 1-2 punch that will push each other toward the top of the D3 race where they are the favorite to win the team title. The supporting cast is a good one with everyone sub 17 for Crystal.

8. Carmel (D4)
They ran great at Toro in their league championships with their 5 runner in 17:03 for the 3 mile course. If they run like that at Crystal they can move up some spots.

9. San Benito (D1)
Another solid team with great depth as all of their runners hitting 16:50 or better at Crystal. They need a big run from their #2 to match SI and Salinas.

10. Menlo Atherton (D1)
With all 5 runners 16:53 or better at Crystal this team is good and very well could move up a few spots.

11. Woodside (D2)
A good 1-2 punch with two runners sub 16. The pack is solid but needs the 4 & 5 runners to go sub 17 to move up the rankings.

12. Serra (D1)
Serra has 5 guys under 17 at Crystal this year and their top three ran great in WCAL. If their 4 and 5 runners step up this is a tough team.

13. Monta Vista (D1)
Solid 4 runners with the top four 17:05 or better with #5 close behind. Its tough being in D1 with so many great teams but this team is deep with 5 runners all under 17:30 fighting for the last few varsity spots.

14. Los Gatos (D2)
Will Geiken is one of the best runners in CCS and leads a talented group of runners. D2 is tough with many of the best teams in CCS including the Wildcats.

15. Pioneer (D3)
The Strum brothers lead Pioneer into the D3 battle for a state qualifying spot. With the 1-2 punch of Pioneer they will be bumped up the final polls but need help from #5 to make State in their division.

Teams to Watch:
Lynbrook (D2); St. Francis (D2); Willow Glen (D3); Aptos (D3); SLV (D4); RLS (D4); Crystal Springs Uplands (D5); Anzar (D5)